Frontenac Squadron Takes Right of Line

By: 25961 Ethan Strong (Click on photos for better viewing)

As the year comes to a close at RMC, so too does the Commandant’s Cup competition. Congratulations to Frontenac (4) Squadron, who won the annual competition and has earned the right to lead the Cadet Wing on graduation parade.

B Division has captured the spot of top division and, as a result, all three of its squadrons (4, 5 and 6) will be excused from duty for the 2013-14 year.

The Commandant’s Cup competition has made resurgence in recent years and is now frequently updated and emphasized by the training wing, making it a great command tool and means of good-hearted competition between cadets.

Gash Parade ’13: Go-Carts, Santa Claus and a Trojan Horse

Photos & article by: 25961 OCdt Ethan Strong (Click on photos for better viewing)

It was a bizarrely entertaining scene on the parade square last Friday (10 May) with the revival of gash parade: a tradition where the graduating class dresses up in costumes for parade practice.

There were so many great costumes I won’t even begin to explain… the pictures speak for themselves. The effort and interest that cadets put into this year’s gash parade shows the strong esprit-de-corps of the wing (and just what cadets can do with a little time and motivation).

Well done, Class of 2013!

Video by: 26346 OCdt (II) Dan Ryan

Officers Well Educated – Reinforced

By: 25961 OCdt Ethan Strong

The tone was bittersweet as the Commandant addressed the college for the last time before graduation: bittersweet for the graduating class, the commandant, and the college community.

The commandant, 14835 Brigadier-General Eric Tremblay, began by addressing the graduating class. The graduating class, just 9 short days from graduation, has the bittersweet feeling of leaving the college after 4 long years. The graduating class has the excitement of the next phase of their careers approaching, and the looming acceptance of leaving their home of 4 years, to set the tone for their final week at the college. Their “toolboxes” are full and they are ready to “walk the talk”, as the Commandant put it.

The class of 2013 are not the only ones preparing to leave the college, as the Commandant is also moving on at the end of the end of this term. This made the tone personally bittersweet for the Commandant as, just like the class of 2013, he is leaving the college for the next step in his career. Best of luck in your future endeavors sir!

The majority of the Commandant’s speech to the college addressed the way forward for the college in retrospect to what has been happening during his time as Commandant. The Commandant stressed that there are many ways to get our officers an undergraduate education, but that the role of RMC is to do more than that; the role is to produce “officers well educated”. In the face of budget cuts, the college must look for efficiencies and bear in mind the role of the college as we move forward.

For better or for worse, it is a time of change at the college: the class of 2013 is graduating, the Commandant is moving on and the college is undergoing changes. Each of these aspects of change has both bitter and sweet connotations that will make our experience at the college interesting as we move forward.

Best of luck to the Commandant and Class of 2013 as they move on!

Medals & Coin Presentations…

The College took the time during the Town Hall, to pause and recognize the contribution of members whose tireless efforts and dedication to RMCC and the CAF are extraordinary. Prizes and awards were given in the form of medals, commendations and Commandant’s Coins. You will find below a list of all members who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the college community. Congratulations to everyone!

Medals

The Canadian Forces Decoration is awarded to Officers and Non-Commissioned Members of the Canadian Forces with good record of conduct, who have completed twelve years of service. Each subsequent 10 years of service earns a member an additional clasp on the medal. OCdt Marchall and NCdt Ezekiel were awarded the decoration for 12 years of service. The decoration clasp for 32 years of service was awarded to LCol Gosselin, LCdr Hamilton and BGen Tremblay.

The General campaign Star is awarded to members of the CF who deploy into defined theater of operations to take part in operations in the presence of an armed enemy. One rotation bar recognizes 210 days of eligible service. The first rotation bar was awarded to Capt. Champion.

The Diamond Jubilee medal is presented for contributions to Canada in commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension to the throne. The Diamond Jubilee medal was presented to LCol Jason King.

Commandant’s Commendation

Miss Sandra Martingano was recognized for 15 years of exemplary service to the Ministry of National Defence as a civilian.

Miss Kathy Neilson was commended for her outstanding dedication to the RMCC Slowpoke facility and the highly professional manner in which she has represented RMCC both within DND and outside to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission over the past 13 years.

Miss Marcelle Poirier was commended for her outstanding dedication to RMCC in her role as the Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Staff and as the Coordinator of translation services.

Master Warrant Officer Brown, commissionaire, was recognized for his dedication to the security of RMCC across his two decades of service.

BGen Tremblay’s Coin of Excellence

OCdt Antoine Pelletier was given this award for his dedication and hard work during MOC weekend in March, where he exhibited an outstanding performance as the leader of his team.

Miss Deborah Reimer was recognized by the commandant for her outstanding management within the Environmental Services Group, where she developed a system to improve fiscal management. Her actions to improve this process render her model to her colleagues and to the college as a whole.

Mr. Graeme Duke-Gibbs is a very active member of the RMCC Yacht and Sailing Club where he has taken on many of the administrative responsibilities in recent years. Mr. Duke-Gibbs was recognized by the commandant for tremendous efforts to support this club and RMCC.

Sgt (retired) Trevor Wilson was awarded a Commandant’s coin for his valuable contribution to supporting RMCC’s rapidly evolving educational technologies as a CIS section data analyst for 2 years.

Mr. Mike Gatien was given this award for his outstanding involvement in the college as a mechanical technologist since 1981. Mr. Gatien has mentored thousands of students, researchers and faculty as well as managed many projects, making him an invaluable member of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Mr. Gabov, and his Assistant Brittany Webster, lavished great care and attention on the decorative paintings in Currie Building and demonstrated great artistic skill in its execution. They have made a lasting contribution to the College which was recognized with the presentation of the Commandant’s Coin.

The following members of the Sandhurst support staff were presented the Commandant’s Coin for their tireless efforts which facilitated the team’s pursuit of excellence. Without their support, the success of the team at the annual West Point competition would not have been possible.

WO Chris Desjardins; WO Chuck Cote; Sgt Chad Hotner; Steve Mitchell; OCdt Aaron Brideau; OCdt Cindy Lavine; OCdt Andrew Legge; OCdt Matthew Bowser; and OCdt Adam Goddard

Most Valuable Member RMCC Band, presented by retired LCol. (ret) Gilles Langlois:
Fall Term 2012 – 25747 OCdt. Gonzo – Winter Term 2013 – 26320 OCdt. McNaughton

Band Put Their Instruments Away for Well Deserved Recognition

Article by 25796 NCdt Kevin Chung

The RMC Band took time to recognize its outstanding members this past Thursday evening with prizes, awards and a year-end party. Under the supervision of the Band Officer, MWO Ronald Reedy, the Band Master WO Catherine Norris, the Cadet Wing Band Officers, 25621 OCdt Stephanie Clark and 25846 OCdt Tyler Molloy, and coordinators, 25796 NCdt Chung and 26256 OCdt Greenwell, the event was a great success.

The event was attended by college senior leadership: LCol Patrick Lemyre, CPO1 Keith Davidson and MWO Wallace Rideout. LCol (ret) Gilles Langlois was also in attendance to present the award which bears his name.

Awards that were presented include the Most Deserving Member Award for each branch of the band, the Most Valuable Member of the RMCC Band Award (two recipients, one for each term) and 4th year certificates, which were presented to eligible 4th year band members who have served the band since arriving at the college.

Most Deserving Member Award, presented by the Director of Cadets, LCol. Patrick Lemyre:
Brass and Reed – M2080 OCdt Page
Choir – 25892 NCdt Thompson
Drum Corps – 26363 OCdt Robert
Highland Dance – 26542 OCdt Gilmore
Pipe Corps – 26228 OCdt Attwells

DFO RECOGNITION EVENT

A quiet but dignified gathering took place last week at the Senior Staff Mess. The commandant, DCdt and the Chief of Staff were all on hand to recognize the great work of the Duty Field Officers during the school year. DCdt best summed it up. ” please fwd my sincere thanks to the Duty Field Officers for supporting the Cadet Wing and Training Wing all through the year. Their mentorship of the Cadet Duty Officers and their professionalism in accurately reporting incidents has allowed us to solve many administrative, medical and disciplinary issues, but also maintain excellent situation awareness on what goes on in the quarters when the cat is not around.”

_______________________________

Rounding Up the Final Days to Graduation

By: 26659 Danielle Andela

Summer has finally hit Kingston; the sun is shining and the students of Royal Military College of Canada have already forgotten that Lake Ontario is still far too cold to swim in. In these last weeks everyone is preparing for the next step in their military and academic careers. The first years recently hosted the incoming College militaire royal de St. Jean students who will be joining their squadrons at RMCC Kingston next year. They helped show the cadets around the college, sign up for their next year’s courses and showed them the city nightlife. First year cadets are preparing for their Basic Military Officer Training course which will teach them many of the basic military skills and philosophies that are required of Officers in the Canadian Forces. The second and third years are busy preparing to support the fourth years on Grad Parade and have been spending hours practising their drill and procedures. They are also preparing to attend their next levels of training whether it be their next training phase or second language training.

As for the graduates, they are faced with a new and exciting transition from school life at the Royal Military College of Canada into their careers as junior officers. They fill all manner of positions in graduation parade and are busy packing and filling out paperwork that will ease their transition to their next postings which range from Gagetown, New Brunswick to Esquimalt, British Columbia.

The sunset parade is another event that will take place the day before graduation, May 16th, which showcases the many teams, clubs and unique aspects of RMCC for parents and other guests’ enjoyment. Just by looking out one’s dormitory window, the drill team, band, guard of honour and flag party can be seen practising until dark for this unique ceremony. All over the college there is a sense of relief that graduation is approaching and everyone gets to continue developing their military skills and careers. People are taking time to relax, spend time with their fourth year friends who will soon be departing and say their goodbyes to Kingston.

Congratulations to all the cadets of RMCC, wherever they are going this summer and in the rest of their military careers. Another successful year is completed and the Royal Military College of Canada will eagerly await the return of its cadets, whether it be to continue into their second, third and fourth years or to reminisce on reunion weekend as ex-cadets.

_______________________________

RMCC Emeritus professor Alan Whitehorn participated at the first international poetry conference to be held in Yerevan and Tsaghkadzor, Armenia. The event was part of the 2013 international book festival in Yerevan. As a poet and political scientist, Alan Whitehorn is a frequent speaker at universities and government departments in Armenia. At this session, he was reading poems from his recent bilingual (English and Armenian) book of poetry “Return to Armenia”.

_______________________________

2k Win for RMCC Cadets

Recently 25589 OCdt Rip Pennell, and 25731 NCdt Flavio Stasi attended the The Rochester Institute of Technology IEEE Student Design Contest. This a very prestigious Electrical and Computer Engineering design contest which is open to all Universities in North America. The team performed extremely well among very stiff competition with their project: A Systems Approach for the Development of a Silent Wireless Communicator. They brought home the 2nd Place Award for the competition along with a $2000 prize. We congratulate them on this achievement.

_______________________________

PAG Pizza Night

By: 25892 Meghan Thompson

On Friday, April 26th, PAG hosted its last moral Pizza Night of the year. The Pizza Night served both to mark the end of the exam period and offer a chance for cadets to wind-down before commencement of EPT and parade practices. While many cadets took the week as a leave-weekend, those who stayed behind had the chance to come by the cadet drinking mess and enjoy free pizza and have a few drinks with friends and classmates. With 22 pizzas, the event easily fed the 40 cadets who stopped by the mess that night and allowed a few to take doggie-bags too. NCdt Newman, the OPI of our fall exam Pizza Night as well, was responsible for pulling the whole event together, and so, thanks to him, PAG finished its last morale activity for the wing on a high-note.

Soirée pizza par le GAP

Vendredi 26 avril, le GAP a organisé sa dernière soirée Pizza de l’année. La soirée Pizza a permis à la fois de marquer la fin de la période d’examen et d’offrir une chance aux Cadets de relaxer avant le début de l’ « EPT » et des pratiques de parade. Alors que de nombreux cadets avaient pris un congé ce week-end, ceux qui sont restés ont eu la chance de venir au Mess et profiter de pizza gratuite et boire quelques verres avec des amis et camarades de classe. Avec 22 pizzas, l’événement a facilement alimenté les 40 cadets qui se sont arrêtés pour cette soirée et a même permis à quelques-uns de prendre des « doggie-bags ». Aspm Newman, l’ « OPI » de notre soirée Pizza à l’automne également, était responsable de cet évènement, et ainsi, grâce à lui, le GAP a fini avec une dernière activité destinée à remonter le moral des Cadets sur une note très positive.

_______________________________

INDIA EXPEDITION WRAPS-UP

It feels like a very long journey ago that the team set out on our first adventures in Chennai. Many of the things we saw there for the first time would recur throughout our two weeks. The expedition to India brought to life many of the realities that we learned about in our research prior to the trip: it’s one thing to read about what it’s like in India, and another to experience it ourselves.

One of the most apparent realities was underscored in our interactions with the Indian people and the clear disparity of wealth that exists throughout India and the way this leads to a difficult quality of life for the common people. Being heckled by beggars and shopkeepers has allowed us to understand the continuous struggle of families in India and throughout the developing world to make ends meet. The observation of poverty has been one of the most important experiences the team has shared over the course of the expedition.

The contrasts that our team observed is hard to come by back home. We saw luxurious extravagance and desperate poverty, often within fifty metres. Despite this, many on our team found that it is necessary to put aside all assumptions when approaching situations that are new to us. We return to Canada with a much deeper appreciation for the hardships that exist in the world today. By sharing our stories and lessons upon our return, we hope to increase understanding among our peers and improve attitudes towards our own lives.

Expeditions such as this would not be possible without the guidance and support from the club’s supervisors – Capt. Labonté (SC and Christine Powers (Recreation Clubs Manager) – and the supportive funding from the RMC Foundation.

India Expedition Team of 2013!

Advanced Combatives Bootcamp

By Kelly Lupton, PE Manager, RMCC

The Athletic Department has put a great deal of effort into making the fourth year PE program a true enhancement year at RMCC. The Advanced Combatives Course in particular is quickly becoming one of the “go to” courses for those OCdts that are truly at RMCC to be exposed to those kinds of opportunities that “put the “M” back into RMC”.

Specifically, the addition of an optional Advanced Combatives Bootcamp to the Advanced Combatives PE course, falling just after April exam period, is one way this is being achieved. Not all students elected to complete this gruelling three day, twenty hours, of high intensity combatives training experience. Those that did learned many techniques to defend against an unarmed assailant or defend against gun or knife attacks. The bootcamp reviewed the entire IV Year curriculum combatives instruction plus extra techniques added just for the bootcamp participants.

When asked, Combatives Coordinator Joel Ridley stated that the “main goal of the bootcamp is to give further review and practice to ingrain the techniques into muscle memory as well as to give those office cadets that desire to experience a more intense combatives learning experience.”

One OCdt was asked why he elected to participate in the bootcamp. He explained, “I came to a Military College in order to best prepare myself for a job that is surrounded by violence. This course was the best training I’ve received in my four years here with regards to unarmed combat, and I developed a genuine sense of self-confidence from it.” Another participant added that, “I was doing the Advanced combatives course during the winter semester and I really liked it. When I found out there was some kind of intensive training that was going to be given during a weekend with moves we never learned and a guest that did some crazy adventures in Columbia, I thought it would be a good opportunity to experience more of techniques and sweat for a good learning experience”.

The “crazy adventures in Columbia” the OCdt was describing were shared in a two hour briefing by an ex-Cadet, and Infantry Officer, Lt. Frank Ouellette (24765). He travelled to RMCC from Valcartier, where he is currently posted, to share his experiences of training with the Lanceros (Columbian Special Forces). He not only gave these highly motivated graduating OCdts an idea of what kind of experiences are open to them in the CAF if they were so inclined, but he also shared personal and emotional accounts of what you can do and achieve, even the most physically challenging and mentally gruelling experiences, if you stay focused and put your mind to it.

There were many highlights at the bootcamp. One OCdt shared that “the very first day was an hour of fitness training where people were crawling on the floor, exhausted by the intensity of what we were directed to do, especially me, all this while seeing our teachers looking at us suffering with a smile on their faces. Some trainees did not come back the day after… Big mistake”. That fitness training was there to establish a certain mind set for what was to come. For another participant, the highlights came as the weekend went on. In his case, his favourite parts of the bootcamp were the “pressure attacks” (see link). In his words, pressure attack are “ where more than 3 people are attacking you for 5 minutes without any pauses in order to test what we have learned during that weekend, under the pressure of a life threatening situation with the hearth rate to the top and fighting under a high level of stress.”

For Joel Ridley, “the main highlight for me was the dedication and mental toughness of the group of twelve OCdts that ended up completing the boot camp. We began with a list of 24 that signed up for the boot camp initially, 16 showed up the first day, 14 on the second day and 12 that completed the course.” As such he wants to add in this article his appreciation for these Cadets efforts and making the first ever bootcamp such a positive experience for all. The Department looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to provide these great experiences for OCdts at RMCC through the military skills and combatives programs.

The list of cadets that completed the course where:

Tim Davick (Ingram); Éric Deshaies-Martin; Nuriel Alshek; ; Eric Hawn; Tom Neilson; Joey Z. Martin; Powis, R.C.M; Henry Luk; Tristan Lapointe; Max Peetsma; Cody Hansen; and Ryan Bearss.

One more video which is referred to in the article and give an excellent idea of what the course taught.

http://youtu.be/c7A-KrmQ358

Caption:  25859 Ben Deutsch (L),and 10763 Dr Randy Wakelam (Dark blazer)  with other presenters 16559 LCol Paul Johnston, Canadian Forces College,  13141 Maj Bill March, RCAF Aerospace Warfare Centre, and (R) 25752 Chris Lane,

History Department Presents at Laurier Military History Colloquium

Article by: 25752 Christopher Lane and 25859 Benjamin Deutsch

This week two fourth year History students, 25752 Christopher Lane and 25859 Benjamin Deutsch accompanied by 10763 Dr Randy Wakelam from the History Department attended the 24th Wilfrid Laurier University Military History Colloquium, the largest annual military history gathering in Canada.

Foundation donations made it possible to continue providing the Officer Cadets and members of the staff of the Royal Military Colleges with Opportunities to Enhance Excellence.

While there all three presented a well-received talk on the teaching of History across the RMCC curriculum. As readers will see from the following comments the cadets made the most of the three day event:

Spending three days at the Laurier Military History Colloquium was an interesting, and thoroughly humbling experience. Admittedly it was quite overwhelming being surrounded by academics with qualifications that boasted Masters Degrees at the very least. However, the regulars of the colloquium were highly welcoming and delighted to chat with us, the youngest ‘historians’ attending. As always the RMCC connection drew attention and interest from ex-cadets and those with affiliations to the college who were understandably easy to find at a military history conference (especially when giving our presentation on RMCC in uniform). We had the opportunity to make a number of connections, and even talk with renowned author of Canadian military history: Tim Cook. We attended several lectures on an array of topics covering many facets of military history, be it Canadian or otherwise. Overall, the conference has motivated us, as our short tenure in the RMCC history department has, to continue to learn despite leaving the world of academia for the time being. We would thoroughly encourage cadets, regardless of their department of study, to benefit from this enriching experience.

Caption: OCdt Lane and NCdt Deutsch speaker with Emily Andrew, senior editor for the UBC Press Military History Series which publishes a number of RMC History Department researchers including Drs Delaney and Wakelam.

Par: Lieutenant-colonel Sylvain Beauséjour, Chef de la délégation canadienne

Une délégation représentant le Collège militaire royal du Canada formé du lieutenant-colonel Sylvain Beauséjour, Vice Recteur Associé Académique et des élèves-officiers Stéphanie Blais et Marc Grenier a participé à la semaine internationale du 16 au 21 avril à l’École Royale Militaire et de la Belgique.

La délégation canadienne était une des 19 délégations et était la seule du nouveau continent.

Les délégations ont eu droit à des visites brillamment organisées à l’école même mais aussi chez les célèbres Chasseurs Ardenais, à Leopoldsburg avec leur démonstration statique, à la base aérienne de Florennes avec leur démonstration statique et le vol de démonstration d’un F16 et la base navale de Zeebrugge ou ils ont eu la chance de visiter une frégate. Les élèves-officiers des délégations ont aussi pu participer à la Marche-Des-Dames une course à obstacle unique en son genre qui, chose certaine, forme le caractère des élèves belges.

La visite fut clôturée par un splendide bal qui comprend l’unique quadrille, une danse qui ne manque pas de panache, magnifiquement exécuté par les étudiants belges. Cette visite a, sans contredit, laissée une impression extrêmement favorable de l’École Royale Militaire et de la Belgique.

By: Lieutenant-Colonel Sylvain Beauséjour, Head of the Canadian Delegation

A delegation representing the Royal Military College of Canada formed by Lieutenant Colonel Sylvain Beauséjour, Associate Vice Principal Academic and officer-cadets Stéphanie Blais and Marc Grenier took part in the international week of April 16 to 21 at the Royal Military Academy of Belgium.

The Canadian delegation was one of 19 delegations and was the only one from the new continent.

Delegations had the opportunity to participate in brilliantly organized visits of the academy itself but also at the famous Chasseurs Ardenais at Leopoldsburg with their static demonstration, at the Florennes air base with their static demonstration and flight demonstration of an F16 and the naval base at Zeebrugge or they had the chance to visit a frigate. Cadets also able to participate in the Marche-des-Dames a challenging and unique obstacle course which certainly is a character builder for Belgian students.

The visit ended with a splendid ball which includes the unique quadrille, a dance that does not lack panache, beautifully executed by Belgian students. This visit has unquestionably left a very favorable impression of the Royal Military Academy and Belgium.

Video by: 26549 Kai Zhao

 Royal Military College of Canada Exercises Freedom of the City

Cadets from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMCC) exercised Freedom of the City in Kingston on Sunday, May 5th, which is also Copper Sunday and the anniversary of Battle of the Atlantic .

The Cadets were met by, Deputy  Mayor, RMCC Prof,  Brian Patterson, who addressed the parade inserting some inside views based on his experience at the college. Director of Cadets, LCol Patrick Lemyre, representing the Commandant who was outside the country accepted the welcome by the Deputy Mayor as well gave a brief but eloquent talk on the importance of the connection between RMCC and the City of Kingston.  In addition to the many officer cadet & staff participating there was a large crowd of local citizens and vistors to the area taking in the impressive ceremony.

From City Hall, many of the Cadets dispersed into smaller groups and attended regular morning services and Mass at local churches.

One hundred cadets also attended Battle of the Atlantic Ceremonies. We regret no photos from this important historical event were available at press time.

Photos by OCdt. Kai Zhao and OCdt. Dan Ryan (Click on photos for better view)

III Years Leave Their Mark On the Community

Article & Photos by: III Ethan Strong

The third year class gave back to the community this weekend by cleaning and rejuvenating local parks. Over 120 cadets went to seven different parks in the Kingston area, where they painted, spread mulch, raked leaves and much more in an effort to help the city, and the people of Kingston, get ready for summer.

In appreciation of the time that the third year class volunteered, the City of Kingston presented the third year class with a tree, located in Lake Ontario Park, with an appreciative plaque. As the Director of Cadets said, while addressing the third year class, it is great for the citizens to see their soldiers and officers helping out; such activities will serve cadets well once they have moved on to various bases across Canada.

(Note: Due to technical problems with our camera, a number of photos did not turn out.)

_______________________________

I Years Execute a Great Fun Day for Local Children

By: 26704 OCdt (I) Delanie Chang

The First Year Project was a great opportunity for first year officer cadets to be in contact with the Kingston community. We worked great as a team to provide the best experience for the kids and we had a blast as well. It was a great success, judging by the parents’ positive response to this event and, most importantly, by how much the children seemed to enjoy themselves.

Whether it was in a game of Freeze Tag, Dodgeball, Basketball or Soccer, the children were able to learn how to effectively work together as a team in order to be successful in these activities. This was a fantastic experience overall because we had a chance to apply the principles of leadership that we were taught at the college in order to successfully manage this project and provide the best experience possible for the members of our community.

Video by OCdt. Zhao, K

Submitted by: Kelly Lupton – Physical Education Manager, Photos by: 26549 OCdt Kai Zhao

The school year is coming to an end and the IV year OCdts that took part in the Rappel Master Training in IV year Physical Education with teacher Jean Blanchet (photo right) were afforded a unique opportunity this week. For three days these 32 OCdts were instructed by Canadian Forces Land Advance Warfare Centre (CFLAWC) staff on a number of new and different skills found in the Helicopter Insertion Instructor course, which is normally taught only at the unit in Trenton. A team of instructors, lead by Captain Chelsea Braybrook (22906), took them through a day of conversion training on the rappel tower followed by two days rappelling on land and water entries from the helicopter. What a great way to finish off their four years at RMCC.

PSP staff at RMC would like to thank the helicopter crew and training staff from CFLAWC for their efforts and openness to support the military skills program in the RMCC Athletic Department.

 ____________________________

Rappelling to Helocasting

Written by 25856 OCdt Cody Hansen, Photos by: 25961 OCdt Ethan Strong

Last Monday morning ( 29 Apr) marked the beginning of a three day finale to the 4th year rappelling course, one of the many courses available in the 4th year RMC athletics curriculum.

When we arrived the first morning, we were all expecting to quickly re-tie our “swiss seats” and get back on the tower; instead, we were surprised to find ourselves being issued a bag of dynamic rappelling gear. Derived from CSOR and mountaineering operations, the Canadian Forces Land Advanced Warfare Centre staff explained to us that the Canadian Army was transitioning to a new way of rappelling, using seat/chest harnesses, ATC carabineers and leg-mounted rope bags, replacing the typical solider-tied “swiss seat” system, which we trained with previously. We immediately started training on the tower, starting at the low wall and finishing the day on the mock-skid with this new gear. Most of us favoured the increased responsiveness and ease of braking with the new system.

The second day started with the standard safety briefings and quickly got into running ‘sticks’ of six troops from the CH-146 Griffon helicopter at approx 100 ft; certainly a step up from the 35 ft rappel that we were used to. What a rush, sitting on the edge of a helicopter flying around at 115 knots passing over the RMCC peninsula and Lake Ontario before coming onto ‘short final’ above the drop zone. Next the ‘position’ signal was given, to which we would undo our seatbelts, step on to the helicopter skid and prepare to jump. Finally the ‘insert-insert’ signal was given and we all rappelled to the ground under control. The insertion was completed when each member of the stick had disengaged the rope and gave the helo a thumbs-up.

The third day we transitioned from rappelling to helocasting, which is an insertion technique that involves soldiers jumping from the helicopter into a body of water. Simpler than rappelling, all we had to do was line up on the skid and jump from the skid to the water in sequence. With the CH-146 from 5-12 feet above the water, we jumped to a frigid splash in the water. The shock of the cold was enough to wake us up that morning and ensure that we got into the recovery boat as fast as we possibly could!

Being a group of 4th years cadets from various MOCs, we were very lucky to receive this training. It certainly offered a different perspective on these types of operations and a broader understanding of Canadian Armed Forces operations. Overall, an awesome three days and a great experience! We’d like to thank all those who helped organize this training, especially Jean Blanchet, PSP Staff.

Cadets See Lots of Behind the Scenes During Trenton Visit

Written by 25961 OCdt Ethan Strong

RCAF Cadets had the opportunity to travel to CFB Trenton, where they were exposed to the operational side of the Canadian Armed Forces, in which they will serve upon graduation. For many, this was the first time seeing operational squadrons and hearing what life will be like after graduation.

16854  Colonel Sean Friday, CFB Trenton Wing Commander, addressed the cadets. He was excited for cadets to be joining squadrons for summer OJE postings and assured us that our time would be valued (and amount to more than coffee runs and paper shredding). Moreover, explained Col. Friday, it is an exciting time to be an RCAF officer, with missions globally, great equipment, and expanding infrastructure.

We then were provided with a guided tour of the Air Traffic Control tower, a 429 Squadron CC-177 Globemaster III, the 8 Air Communications and Control Squadron (8 ACCS) lines and the National Air Force Museum of Canada (NAFMC). With each tour, experienced airmen and airwomen took the time to explain how operations are conducted and what we can expect upon OJE posting and graduation. A huge thank you is due to Col. Friday, 429 Squadron, 8 ACCS, the control tower folks, the NAFMC and all the airmen and airwomen at CFB Trenton who contributed to the success of this trip.

Cadets are excited with visions of summer OJE postings, at locations across Canada, and this was excellent exposure to the RCAF. The count until summer postings (and TD money!) is on, and it is indeed an exciting time to be an RCAF officer and RMC cadet.

Drillfest 2013 is in Full Swing

Article & Photos by 25961 OCdt Ethan Strong

The period following exams, which is filled with long days of drill and environmental phase training (EPT), is tough on cadets. This period, known colloquially by the wing as drillfest, is now in full swing. Everyone’s days are filled with a combination of parade practice (be it grad parade, sunset ceremony or band) and EPT.

Those cadets who will be on the graduation parade honour guard can expect to spend at least 25 hours practicing this year. Considering that each of the 12 squadrons will have eighteen people on parade, around 5400 man hours will be spent on grad parade practice alone. Cadets are also working every night to perfect their Sunset Ceremony routines and the band is working day in and day out to be ready for both events (bagpipes make for a good wake-up call!). All in all, the amount of time and effort that cadets invest in preparing for graduation weekend is incredible.

During my three years here, I have observed, and felt, a considerable drop in morale during this period. Those on graduation parade often feel powerless and disillusioned, while many in other roles may feel overwhelmed. With school, and exams, in the rear-view, this is an operational tempo that we aren’t typically used to. I won’t say we are notably more busy than usual (have you seen an engineering cadet’s typical schedule?), but our schedule does seem to have the effect of dropping morale and making the count of days until grad, and summer leave, ever-more important.

For those perpetually stuck in the countdown until you get out of here, I suggest the following article: http://davebooda.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/the-bad-habit-i-took-away-from-the-naval-academy/. Though written about the US Naval Academy, it is equally applicable to RMC. “Stop counting, start living”. Even if you’re counting down the next Tumbleweed Tuesday!

Best of luck to all cadets on whatever their schedule includes during this period. Be it graduation parade, a contingent of the Sunset Ceremony or the band, your hard work is being noticed. Your dedication and effort towards a proper farewell to the graduating class is important and you should be proud, truly. Take it one day at a time and don’t let yourselves get down by worrying too much about how long it is until you’re out of here for the summer!

The 2013 RMC CDX Blue Cell

Back row: Dr. Scott Knight, Mr. Antoine Lemay, Mr. Wesley Wong, Lt(N) Pascal Pelletier, Capt Tom McMullin (23209), Prof Sylvain Leblanc

Middle Row: Capt Andrew Champion (23737), Capt Chris Chapman (G5016), Mr. Damilare Awosanya, Mr. Saruhan Karademir

Front Row: LCdr Marc Lanouette, NCdt Holtken, Capt Jeremy Paquet

Absent: Maj Brad Stocking, Capt Trevor Semeniuk,

A team of graduate students from the RMCC Electrical and Computer Engineering Department participated in the 2013 edition of the US National Security Agency (NSA) sponsored Cyber Defence Exercise (CDX) from 15-18 April 2013. The NSA has organized the CDX since 2000, and RMC has been fielding a team of graduate students since 2009 under the supervision of Dr Scott Knight (Maj Ret’d – 14037) and professor Sylvain Leblanc (Maj Ret’d – 17192). This year’s team was led by Capt Jeremy Paquet (24180 ).

CDX brings together student teams from the US Military Academy, the US Naval Academy, the US Air Force Academy, the US Coast Guard Academy and the US Merchant Marine Academy, along with the US Naval Post Graduate School and RMCC. Each schools field a team (called the Blue Cell) which is tasked to design, build and defend a computer network in the face of attacks from the NSA Red Cell. The Blue Cell networks are connected through a virtual private tunnel along with CDX HQ (called the While Cell). This year’s Red Cell had Canadian representation in Maj Gary Wolfman (21547) who is an ECE military faculty member. The CDX is not only about keeping out the bad guys, as Blue Cells must also provide services to a community of users from the Grey Cell.

Each Blue Cell is scored on its ability to provide services to its Grey Cell users and to other Blue Cells as well as on how it provides confidentiality and integrity of the data that resides on its network. There are two separate competitions that pit the undergraduate service academies and the graduate schools against each other. USAFA won the undergraduate competition while RMC edged out NPS first place among graduate schools. This is an invaluable experience for our graduate students, and RMC hopes to continue participating for years to come.

The CDX is the culminating activity for two graduate courses: Dr. Knight’s Computer Systems and Nework Secuirty and Dr. Ron Smith’s (Maj Ret’d – 14037) Malware Analysis Course. While a few select undergraduate students have joined the RMC Blue Cell in the past (25804 NCdt Holtken was a team member this year), participation in the CDX will be part of the undergraduate curriculum in Computer Engineering starting in 2014.

 Picture L: -LCdr Lanouette and Capt McMullen looking for malicious activity

Picture R: The RMC Blue Cell Network Operations Centre in action.

Military grooming new officers for war in cyberspace

US Air Force beats off competition in NSA hacking fight

 Click on Photos by Brad Lowe – CFB Kingston G3 BPhoto for better viewing

Armed Forces Council Meets at Currie Hall

Last Wednesday saw the arrival of the CDS and other members of the Armed Forces Council at Currie Hall where they conducted their monthly meeting. Also holding meetings at the college last week were the Board of Governors for RMCSJ and RMCC.

The Armed Forces Council is the senior military body of the Canadian Forces. It meets regularly to advise the Chief of the Defence Staff on broad military matters pertaining to the command, control, and administration of the Canadian Forces and to help the CDS make decisions.

The Armed Forces Council is chaired by the CDS, generally meets at least once per month, and includes the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, the Environmental Chiefs of Staff, and other senior military advisors.

Prior to the formal business proceedings taking place, CDS – General Tom Lawson had the pleasure of making a number of presentations to deserving  military personnel from the Kingston military community at large. See photos above. Regretfully, we were unable to obtain the script with the names of the recipients and occasion for the award. If we do receive this info we will post it later.

In the meantime enjoy viewing the photos.

No cuts for RMC, CFB Kingston: Defence chief

Article