Royal Military College Newsletter
February - March 2016

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WORD FROM THE COMMANDANT

Colonel Simon Bernard

We are approaching the last lap of the 2015-2016 academic year that will culminate with the celebrations of the 350th anniversary of Fort St. Jean and the city of Saint-Jean-sur- Richelieu. Planning cycles surrounding the organization of various activities and the year-end ceremonies are still ongoing.

You also certainly noticed, in recent months and weeks, discussions in the media on the possible return of RMC Saint-Jean to a university status; rest assured, our vision for RMC Saint-Jean is studied at various levels. We will keep you informed of developments in future newsletters.

I also wish to highlight the departure of Mr. Christian Mercier, former CEO of the Corporation du Fort Saint-Jean, who is leaving to pursue new endeavors after nearly seven years at the head of the Corporation. Under his leadership, the Corporation became a model of effective management and a source of pride for RMC Saint-Jean. Allow me, on behalf of all members of the RMC Saint-Jean team, to thank Mr. Mercier and his wife Caroline for their continued support and wish them a good transition toward these new challenges.

Finally, I ask each one of you to continue your good work in this last lap. I take this opportunity to invite you to join us for the 350th anniversary celebration which, I believe, will be rich in colour and emotion.

On this, I wish you a happy reading!

Training to Fight, Learning to Lead

Vérité - Devoir - Vaillance

Colonel Simon Bernard
Commandant of Royal Military College Saint-Jean

BOARD OF GOVERNORS

MGen Tremblay presenting commendation to Language Department

On February 4 was held the annual meeting of the Board of Governors presided by LGen(ret) Richard Evraire and attended by the Commandant of the Military Personnel Generation Command (MILPERSGEN), MGen Éric Tremblay, and Colonel Simon Bernard, Commandant RMC Saint-Jean. MGen Tremblay seized the opportunity to present MILPERSGEN’s commendation to the RMC Saint-Jean Language Department. The RMC Saint-Jean Board of Governors consists of 17 members. The Board provides advice and recommendations to the Minister on matters relating to RMC Saint-Jean and assists in developing the strategic direction of the institution.

MGen Tremblay (Guest of Honour) et LGen (retd) taking part of Mess Dinner

MESS DINNER

On Feburary 4 was held at RMC Saint-Jean the annual Mess Dinner with MGen Éric Tremblay, MILPERSGEN Commander, as Guest of Honour. The event was also the opportunity for him and Colonel Simon Bernard, Commandant RMC Saint- Jean, to highlight the presence of LGen (retd) Richard Évraire, whose mandate on the Board of Governors will end this spring.

Les Élof Langlois, Laperrière and Quenneville have been part of Défi Pierre Boivin

DÉFI PIERRE BOIVIN

On Friday 5 Feburary, OCdt Langlois, Laperrière and Quenneville participated in the Défi Pierre Boivin at Parc Maisonneuve. Initially a triathlon, cross country skiing had to be replaced by a 6 km run since almost all the snow had melted. Lead by their teamcaptain, OCdt Bouchard, they took away the first place in the men’s competitive category with a record time of 1h03min56 sec, that is, 6 min ahead of the second place!

Various participants to the défi Pierre Boivin

FENCING TOURNAMENT IN VERMONT

On Saturday 6 February, the RMC Saint-Jean fencing team traveled to Charlotte in Vermont, to participate in their third tournament of the year at the Central School of this American town. The team faced a tough challenge against some very experienced fencers from that region. Fencers first fought with the epee, testing their abilities with this weapon before changing the focus and competing with the sabre. The tournament began with a round-robin split into several pools of fencers. Each fencer fought all those in their pool in threeminute rounds, and the results decided the order of battles in the elimination round. There, the fencers were challenged not only with regard to speed and skills, but also endurance. Our fencers fought well, but unfortunately we were unable to bring back a medal for the College.

Mr. Lavigne with LCol Éric Landry

PROFESSORS AT EXERCISE RAFALE BLANCHE

On Saturday 6 February, professors Béatrice Richard and Denis Lavigne participated in the military exercice “RAFALE BLANCHE” held in the surroundings of the town of Nicolet. On the photo: Mr. Lavigne with the Commandant of the 12e Régiment blindé du Canada, LCol Éric Landry.

DEFENCE ATTACHÉS VISITS

An international delegation of military attachés visited the RMC Saint-Jean on 10 February. Members of the delegation had the opportunity of visiting the facilities and attended a presentation by the Commandant, Colonel Simon Bernard, on RMC Saint-Jean’s history and curriculum during a luncheon.

Jean-Louis Proteau receiving commendation

COMMENDATION

Congratulations to Master Warrant Officer Jean-Louis Proteau who was awarded the Commendation of the Chief of the Defence Staff, last 11 February.

“From July 2012 to January 2014, Master Warrant Officer Proteau has shown tireless dedication in developing the Advanced Leadership Program (ALP), which was designed for non-commissioned members (NCM). Thanks to his unwavering commitment toward its modernization, this leadership training program has become the stepping stone of the distance learning of CPO2s/WOs. Master Warrant Officer Proteau has proven to be a key contributor to the implementation of the PLA, which trains all senior NCMs of the CAF.”

He received his commendation from the hands of Lieutenant-General Christine Whitecross, accompanied by Chief Warrant Officer Goupil.

COMMANDANT’S COFFEE

Several awards were presented yesterday at the RMC Saint-Jean Commandant’s coffee. From the outset, Major Boiteau, Head of the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC), awarded the “Star of the GCWCC” to RMC Saint-Jean for outstanding results during the 2016 campaign. Several awards were also presented to those who contributed to the campaign’s success. The commandant later seized the opportunity to present his medallion to various individuals for their achievements in College life, namely to OCdt Marianne Bouchard for her initiative and leadership in helping her peers prepare for term exams. Not only did she give a lot of her time, but her support certainly had a positive impact on the marks of several of these individuals.

Various award during Commandant's coffee

THE RECENTLY APPOINTED SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE BRITISH ARMY, VISITS US

On Thursday 11 February, Royal Military RMC Saint-Jean hosted the recently appointed Sergeant Major of the British Army, Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Glenn John Haughton. During his visit, he met with Colonel Bernard, Commandant of RMC Saint-Jean, and conducted a courtesy visit of the Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Osside Profession of Arms Institute.

Crest of British Army

College receiving « Warrant OfficerClass One (WO1) » Glenn John Haughton

Presenters about Enviromental Leadeership.

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP

On Thursday 11 February, at the Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Osside Profession of Arms Institute, the day was dedicated to presentations on environmental leadership. The Intermediate Leadership Programme (ILP) 0010 candidates had the opportunity of attending presentations given by Chief Petty Officer 1st class Riefesel from the Royal Canadian Navy; CWO Guimond from the Canadian Army; CWO Poitras from the Royal Canadian Air Force; and CWO McCann from Military Personnel Generation. The presentations were greatly appreciated by the ILP candidates, who took the opportunity of asking questions to presentators, to which they were more than pleased to answer.

DONATION TO SAINTE-ANNE’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Providing care to younger and older veterans and operating for well over 90 years, the Sainte-Anne’s Hospital and its Foundation are both held in the highest regard by RMC Saint-Jean. A $2,587 cheque was presented to Sainte-Anne’s Hospital Foundation on 12 February during RMC Saint-Jean’s visit.

A cheque presented to Sainte-Anne’s Hospital and its Foundation

Capt Chamberland, LGen (retd) Maisonneuve, Ocdt Marianne Bouchard, Ocdt Miles Smith and Col Bernard

TWO OCDTS ATTENDED THE CDAI DEFENCE AND SECURITY CONFERENCE IN OTTAWA

OCdts Marianne Bouchard and Miles Smith attended this year’s CDAI Defence and Security Conference in Ottawa on the 18 and 19 February. Through this extensive conference, they got to hear many experts and high ranking officials on current security issues. LGen (retd) Michel Maisonneuve, Director of Studies at RMC saint-Jean, mediated the second panel entitled: “Comprehensive Security: Towards Integrated National Security Strategies.”

Pictures taken during Exercise Blizzard Nordique 2016

EXERCISE BLIZZARD NORDIQUE 2016

The Exercise Blizzard Nordique was held from 20 to 21 February 2016 at Farnham training area. The aim of this winter exercise is to instill to the officer cadets the basics of winter manoeuvers.

Pictures taken during Exercise Blizzard Nordique 2016

Blizzard Nordique Photos

FOREIGN STUDENTS FROM CFLS VISIT RMC SAINT-JEAN

Foreign students from the Canadian Forces Language School were at RMC Saint-Jean on February 24 for a familiarization visit. During the visit, they toured the facilities and attended a presentation on the College given by the Deputy Commandant, Lieutenant-Colonel Éric Remy. These students sponsored by the Military Training and Cooperation Programme come from Bangladesh, Colombia, Guatemala, Jordan, Mali, Mongolia and Poland.

Overview of Foreign Students

At the top of Mount Washington and an Ocdt doing ice climbing

CLIMBING OF MOUNT WASHINGTON

On 4 March, 13 officer cadets from RMC Saint-Jean took on the summit of Mount Washington. With a perfect weather to begin the ascent, the wind picked up hard above the tree line and proved to be a real challenge. Everyone successfully made it to the top. The next day, for the second portion of the expedition, the group went ice climbing.

Mount Washington Photos

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Three Officers from the Sureté du Québec, Chief Inspector Caroline Guay, Captain Nathalie Barbeau and Lieutenant Guylaine Tremblay, were at RMC Saint-Jean on the occasion of the Women’s international Day to address the personnel on the issue of Gender Diversity and Complementarity in the Workplace and how it can be a strength for organizations. The three Officers gave an overview of their career and shared with the audience the secret of their success and how the application of simple concepts can help achieve success in different spectrum of operations with different people regardless of their gender and origins.

International Women's Day Photos

CWO Morneau, Chief Inspector Caroline Guay, Capitain Nathalie Barbeau, Lieutenant Guylaine Tremblay and Col Bernard

Ocdts in collaborative learning room

THE COLLABORATIVE LEARNING ROOM

The collaborative learning room of RMC Saint-Jean offers unique learning opportunities allowing students to enjoy a learning experience that uses state of the art technologies et teaching methods. Students have access to multiple computer tools and share their work with their partners in an open and dynamic environment.

Collaborative Learning Room Photos

THE FORT SAINT-JEAN MUSEUM ACQUIRED TWO NEW PIECES

The Fort Saint-Jean Museum acquired two new pieces. A great way to beautify the site of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean.

Arrival of a piece of artillery

Artillery piece in its present place

PARIS-LONDON TRIP

Thanks to the important financial support by the RMC Foundation, twelve officer cadets accompanied by Warrant Nadeau and Professor Lavigne have had the opportunity of participating in the Paris-London study tour from February 26 to March 6. The students participated in many activities that gave them the chance to discover and learn about English and French cultures. The officer cadets also had the chance of visiting the High Commission in London and the Canadian embassy in Paris. These two visits were truly appreciated by the students as key moments of the trip. Everyone came back home at the College with additional knowledge and a powerful incentive toward success.

Psris-London Trip Photos

Ocdts during Thr trip to Paris-London with Eiffel tour in background

Book Launch : Penser la guerre du futur

BOOK LAUNCH

On Monday 14 March was held at the RMC Saint-Jean Library the launching of the book Penser la guerre au futur chaired by Mr. Richard Garon and attended by Colonel Simon Bernard, RMC Saint-Jean Commandant and collaborator on the writing of this book. For the occasion, other collaborators attended the event, such as BGen (ret) Gaston Côté, Colonel Steve Jourdain, Ms. Chantale Pilon and Mr. Hugo Loiseau. Two other authors could not attend the launching, Mr. Sylvain Munger and Mr. Soheil Kash.

Book Launch Photos

CMDT’S INSPECTION

On Saturday March 19, the Commandant inspected the officer cadets in their quarters.

SUGAR SHACK

On Saturday 19 March, the ocdts went to the Érablière au toit rouge to enjoy a traditional sugar shack meal. The officer cadets also enjoyed the great weather and some of them even had a blast on the dance floor at the sound of country music. This was a great way of relaxing after a morning dedicated to the commandant’s inspection.

Various images at sugar shack

TALENT NIGHT

To top off the eventful day of Saturday, March 19, the officer cadets demonstrated through the Talent Night their skills in various fields such as dance, film or music. They also showed how potential abound at RMC Saint-Jean.

Images of talent night

ACADEMIC DIRECTOR’S LIST

On Monday March 21, the Commandant highlighted the efforts of the preparatory and 1st year students who have distinguished for their academic performance in their respective programme (Science and Social Science) during Fall 2015 semester. The names of these Officer Cadets can be found on Academic Director’s List located at the entrance of RMC Saint-Jean’s library.

LGen (retd) Maisonneuve, Capt Desrochers, CWO Morneau and Col Bernard with OCdts from academic dicrector's list

WHAT’S NEW WITH THE BLUE KNIGHT

Here is an overview of the most recent and upcoming publications for the Blue Knight Journal. The Blue Knight can found here:

http://www.cmrsj-rmcsj.forces.gc.ca/cb-bk/art-art/art-art-eng.asp

February 2016

Articles

Un nouveau navire de ravitaillement pour la Marine royale du Canada?
by F. Pierre Gingras.

This article presents a novel approach for the Royal Canadia Navy. This approach is based on recent military history.

Considérations sur la paix au XXIe siècle
by Paulo Roberto Campos Tarrisse da Fontoura
Directeur-Général du ministère des relations extérieures du Brésil

This article discusses peace in the XXIst century from a Bazilian point of view. The author proposes a cooperative approach that includes state and non-state actors.

Billets

Esquisse d’une philosophie de la formation militaire au Canada
by Marc Imbeault PhD
Dean of Royal Military College Saint-Jean

This paper proposes a philosophy for military education in Canada. This approach is in line with Canadian Armed Forces needs but also with the requirements of the current environment. Finally, the paper establishes a strong link between military education and ethical considerations.

Coming Soonr (2016)

Articles

A series of papers produced by Osside Institute students will be published in the Blue Knight soon. These are some of the best papers that were written by Senior Appointment Program (SAP) distance learning students in the spring of 2015. This is the first in an ongoing series of publications from the Non-Commissioned Member’s corps.

Crest of Blue Knight

LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

During the winter semester, the Language Department organizes numerous activities to promote bilingualism, and to familiarize students with military themes such as CAF missions, genocides, child soldiers, military ethics, etc. Intermediate and advanced students also have to read books on those subjects, and then prepare an oral presentation on a military theme. The projects are then evaluated by the teachers as well as by military staff.

Students in classroom

Students listening a presentation

Moreover, several guest speakers were invited in both French and English classes. The Anglophones have discussed the mission in Afghanistan with LCol Marquis, CO of the 1R22R, and his RSM, CWO Lacombe, while the Francophones covered that mission with two of our staff members, Maj Lacombe, and WO Forth. Moreover, ESL students had the privilege of covering the Rwanda genocide with MGen (retd) Blanchette, and the CAF missions in the Balkans with LGen (retd) Maisonneuve, our Academic Director, as well as with MWO Paquette. As for FSL classes, students had the opportunity to meet Capt René Vallerand, author of “Vandoo”, to discuss his novel as well as his unusual career path. They will also attend a talk on “Cybernetics or the Art of Governing Ethically Within the System” that will be given by Francis Clermont, a teacher at our Professionnal Military Education Department.

Last, but not least, our foreign students were taken on different outings to better acquaint themselves with Canadian culture, and both official languages, the latest activity being a ski trip.

Note: The Language Department would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all who have reached their bilingualism profile. Well done, guys!

Students during ski trip

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FITNESS PROFILE AND FORCE ENCOURAGEMENT PROGRAMME

As you already know, the minimum standards of the FORCE evaluation were never designed as a means for representing overall fitness.

However, could the FORCE rating be used to encourage CAF members not only to be in better shape for their jobs, but also to improve their health?

Would it be possible to assess the physical condition related to health and operational fitness?

These are the questions at the root of the various changes that will be implemented from 1 April 2016 in the Regular Force.

To do this, the evaluation protocol will be changed.

Body composition and respiratory capacity will now be assessed through the measurement of waist circumference and the results of the FORCE evaluation.

The waist will now be measured in the preliminary assessment. Thus, at the end of the FORCE evaluation, you not only get your test results, but also a fitness profile.

From 1 April 2017, rewards will be offered to those who reach the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels.

For more information, please contact your PSP.

Crest of PSP

Crest of RMC Saint-Jean

TO COME

15 May –
Military Parade and Fort Saint-Jean Museum inauguration
17 May –
Leadership Symposium
19 May –
Military Gala
20 May –
Convocation and retreat ceremony
21 May –
End of Year Parade
Details will be available on the Facebook page and on the RMC Saint-Jean website

Leave Your Legacy!
Heritage Lane RMC Saint-Jean

We are all part of the heritage of RMC Saint-Jean; we marched on the parade square and served in its ranks, and now our actions can leave a tangible legacy for future generations. It is also where we forged ties with our brothers and sisters in Arms and created unforgettable memories, where we began our life in uniform and became proud members of the Canadian Armed Forces family.

Photo of Heritage Lane

Crest of Fondation des CMR

Photo of Heritage Lane

The Royal Military Colleges of Canada Foundation offers you the opportunity to leave a permanent marker of your time at RMC Saint-Jean on a personalized commemorative engraved stone on RMC Saint-Jean’s Heritage Lane. For only 300$, you, your family, your grand-parents or your friends can purchase a stone in your name. What a fantastic way to recognize your achievements at RMC Saint-Jean!

Please visit
https://www.rmcfoundation.ca/index.php/ways-to-give/donate-now/
A tax receipt will be issued for the charitable donation portion of the purchase price.


Royal Military College Saint-Jean Newsletter / February - March 2016 (Version PDF, 3 262 KB)

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