Victoria Edwards recently had the opportunity to communicate with M148 Colonel Glenn Naldrett (RRMC RMC 1981). Glenn was a UTPM and has had a very interesting 30 year career with the Canadian Forces.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Regina SK. My father was in the RCAF so I was raised at various RCAF Stns across MB and SK – we finally settled down in Regina where my father retired and I finished High School.
What is your official title? / job description?
I am the 1 Cdn Air Div, A1 responsible for a wide spectrum of personnel functions supporting the Air Forces RegF, PRes and Public Servant work forces.
How long have you served with DND/CF – Where? What positions?
I joined the RegF in 1972 as an NCM and served in various administrative support positions with the Air Force in Moose Jaw, Edmonton and with the Army in Calgary. In 1981 after graduating from RMC under the UTPM plan, I was assigned to a wide spectrum of positions from Chief Admin Officer at CFS Alsask (LRR station) to OUTCAN Admin O for the CF 18 WSSF at NWC China Lake, Ca, to Staff Officer/Project Manager (SINREP) NDHQ, and BPAdmin O/BPSvcs O appointments at CFB Cold Lake and CFB (17 Wg) Winnipeg. In 1996 I CT’d to the SR then CT’d to the PRes in 2000 where I took up various appointments at 1 Cdn Air Div HQs as A1 PersAdmin, A1 Pers Ops and Coord, A1 Pers and Msn Sp Coord.
I understand you attended RMC as a cadet? When did you graduate, and what was your degree?
I started my time as a Gentleman Cadet at RRMC Victoria for the first two years of my degree, then completed the final two years of my BA (Commerce major) at RMC in 1981.
What drew you to RMC when you applied to attend?
Actually when I applied for UTPM, I had been accepted at the University of Saskatchewan for my degree program. The offer of a CMC was a bit of an unexpected shock however once introduced into the CMC curriculum and student body, I found that the education and officer PD was second to none and thus became most thankful for the opportunity to have attended both RRMC and RMC.
Can you tell me about some of your experiences at the college? The most memorable – the ones you’re most glad to leave behind?
Many great experiences at the colleges and some of the most vivid reflected around the comradeship between ROTP and UTPM cadets whether it be on the academic, social or competitive side. Having been married and raising two young children while going to College, I was most thankful to leave behind weekend Comdt’s Parades as these events, though important, did drain the limited time I could spend with my family.
Is there a history of military members in your family?
Yes for sure. On my father’s side, my Grandfather served with the PPCLI overseas during WW I and with the Home Guard in WW II; my father was in the RCNVR during WW II and served in the RCAF post war. On my mother’s side, her father served as a musician with the RCAF during WW II.
Where were you first posted out of RMC?
I was extremely fortunate to be posted as the Chief Administration Officer at the LRR station at CFS Alsask where I served for three years.
Have you been on any deployments? If so, can you tell me a bit about your experiences either overseas or at the unit level?
I have had two significant OUTCAN experiences. The first appointed as the Det Cdr for the CF Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force Exchange (CANZEX) for a nine week period where 35 CF members “swapped” positions with RNZAF counterparts – it was an exceptional opportunity to serve in similar yet somewhat unique Air Force environment. My second experience was being deployed to Op ATHENA where I served as the NATO Chief J1 at Kandahar Air Field for a six month tour: an amazing experience working in a coalition force environment – one which will not soon be forgotten.
What has been one of the proudest moments in your career so far?
I suggest after having been relative “domestic” throughout my service career, I would have to say that completing the deployment to KAF to be one of my biggest career highlights and proudest times. It was the final culmination and full test of over 30 years of training and experience put into practical use in a dangerous theatre of operations.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
No, thank you.