This podcast is for and about soldiers of the Canadian Army. Its primary goal is to provide them with useful information through thoughtful and open discussions that reflect their mutual interests and concerns. Though soldiers are our primary audience, the topics covered on this podcast should be relevant to anyone who supports our soldiers or who has an interest in Canadian military matters.
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The Canadian Army’s new Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV) is already making trails in Latvia. But why did we get it, and what can it do? Find out from the source, Major Samir Khelil, who is the LTV Project Director. He answers many of the questions people have been asking on social media. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or ques…
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The podcast is taking a little time off and will be back in the fall. Here's a preview of some of the topics that will be covered in season 6. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Connect with the Canadian Army on social media: Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube V…
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Warfare is far more complicated than throwing some troops with equipment onto a wide-open field and seeing who wins. There are hospitals, homes, factories, and many other things that make decisions exceptionally complicated for both soldiers and the people who live where war happens. Commander Marc-André Vary is a Legal Officer, one of his jobs is …
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We all know tanks are great, but they don’t do it alone. The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps uses firepower, speed, and protection to defend and take terrain in coordination with the infantry. Colonel Fraser Auld is the Director of the Armoured Corps, and he gives the rundown on how armoured fighting vehicles fit into the bigger picture on the battle…
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It’s no secret that science drives innovation, and the same is true in warfare. Jean-François Morel is the Director General of R&D Science and Engineering at Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). It’s a big title but a fitting one, because there’s a whole lot of research happening, and he’s the person keeping it all moving. Listen in to f…
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Want to know what it takes to get things into gear for a big mission? Colonel Cédric Aspirault from 5 CMBG is preparing to be the first commander of the multinational Forward Land Forces Brigade in Latvia. He’s working with our NATO allies to put the Brigade together and has a lot of thoughts on what is needed to complete the job. Feel free to cont…
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Musicians. The military has many of them and for good reason. They are there to help us celebrate the good times and reflect during sombre times. Corporals Hélène Fortier and Michel Cousineau of the Regimental Band of the Governor General’s Foot Guards go into detail about life as a musician and their role within the Forces. And of course, they giv…
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Ever wonder what it takes to get soldiers out the door and responding to domestic emergencies? It’s more than just filling up a truck with troops, shovels, sandbags and rolling out, that’s for sure. Lieutenant-Colonel Geneviève Bertrand from the Canadian Army Headquarters Operations cell explains how the green machine gets rolling when things get t…
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This is a big one, and it’s happening now. The Canadian Army is significantly increasing its footprint in Latvia as part of Operation REASSURANCE. This mission is shaking up the Army’s training and deployment cycles, and will bring new kit into the hands of the troops. Lieutenant-Colonel Marc Kieley talks about transitioning the current battle grou…
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Love tanks? So do we! Hear all about how the heavy metal of the battlefield helps the Canadian Army support the fight on the ground, how the crews make it all work, and the role they’re playing in modern day warfare. Lieutenant-Colonel Darryn Gray, Commanding Officer of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), gives us his take on why tanks a…
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Season 4 is coming to a close and the podcast will be taking a break until the fall. Listen in to find out what is coming up for season 5. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Meet our host Captain Adam Orton: Bio | Video Connect with the Canadian Army on social media: Face…
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The Army Sergeant Major plays a significant role in the lives of all non-commissioned soldiers. But how? Chief Warrant Officer James Smith talks about his role as senior advisor to the Army Commander, lends his perspective on what it takes to be a good leader, plus gives a preview of what’s to come with regards to kit and equipment. He also has adv…
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Are we in the Wild West era of drone warfare? The advancement of drone technology is having a big impact on the battlefield - the war in Ukraine is an example. To keep pace, the Canadian Army has been getting help from Defence Research and Development Canada along with industry partners to counter the threat of drone warfare. Jared Giesbrecht, a de…
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There is a lot more to being a Paratrooper than jumping out of a plane, Master Corporal Nataniel Bergeron Sénécal can attest to that. He is an instructor and jump master with the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment. In this episode he gives insight into the world of a Paratrooper - the training, equipment, tactics, techniques, and more. You may also …
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As Russia’s war rages on, Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are facing an explosive threat on the battlefield. A troop of Canadian Combat Engineers have been helping Ukraine mitigate this threat as part of Operation UNIFIER. Lieutenant Jacques Pecora is in Poland and talks about how his team of sappers are teaching Ukrainian soldiers many of the ski…
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From breaches to bridges and demolitions to detecting, a Combat Engineer has a wide range of responsibilities to ensure that troops can live, move and fight on the battlefield. Corporal Alana Zanchetta from 5 Combat Engineer Regiment goes into detail about her trade and everything sappers do to help win the fight. Feel free to contact Captain Adam …
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Bombs and bullets are not the only threats to our soldiers. Online disinformation is also being used as a weapon, and it’s one they face both on deployment and at home. Dr. Meghan Fitzpatrick and Dr. Dominique Laferrière are social scientists at Defence Research and Development Canada and have done extensive research on the topic. They explain the …
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The world’s security environment is in perpetual change and the Canadian Army must adapt to stay relevant and effective. Lieutenant-General Jocelyn Paul talks about expanding the Army’s mission in Latvia, lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, procuring equipment, the Arctic, culture change, training and more. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Or…
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Raids, ambushes, air assault operations and so much more! Ranger School may be the U.S. Army’s most challenging course. Captain Pierre-Alexandre Dufour of 3 R22eR talks about his incredible two-month experience which took him through alligator-infested swampland and over mountains in the process of honing his combat leadership skills. Feel free to …
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Rewriting a training program is never easy; just ask Sergeant Pier-Luc Dubé, who is one of the Army’s cold weather and Arctic subject matter experts. His journey spans from Norway to Trenton, over to Shilo, and all the way up to Resolute Bay in Nunavut. Find out more about his story and the new program he helped develop. This training is delivered …
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Timely, relevant information helps ensure the survivability and effectiveness of the troops on the battlefield. The Director of Intelligence for the Canadian Army, Lieutenant-Colonel Montgomery Price, talks about the art and science of Intelligence. Many of the show ideas come from you, the listener - please send us your suggestions or comments. Al…
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Through scientific innovation, PSP’s Human Performance Research & Development team helps ensure Canadian Armed Forces members remain physically and mentally prepared. Patrick Gagnon, the team’s National Manager, explains the science behind many of the physical demands of soldiers, including the FORCE Evaluation. PSP (Personnel Support Programs) is …
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We’re wrapping up season three of the podcast and taking a break in our release schedule. Captain Adam Orton gives a sneak preview of what to expect from season four! Meet our host Captain Adam Orton: Bio | Video Many of the show ideas come from you, the listener - please send us your suggestions or comments. Also, don’t hesitate to ask Capt Orton …
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**The in-person race has been rescheduled to November 6 in Ottawa and participants have until November 7 to complete the virtual race.** For the first time, the Canada Army Run is both virtual and in-person. Anyone, anywhere can participate! Major Lesley Quinlan, Race Director for the Canada Army Run, explains all the details about how you can sign…
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Patrol Pathfinders are trained to operate under extreme mental pressure and physical strain in hostile environments and unforgiving terrain. Captain Pierre-Alexandre Dufour of the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, explains the Pathfinders’ role and tells us about their gruelling training course. Check out this amazing Pathfinder video by Canadian …
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For 75 years and counting, the Canadian Rangers have been called into action to support the military in remote, isolated and coastal regions of Canada. Brigadier-General Nic Stanton, Director General Army Reserve, tells us how the Rangers continue to play a key role in domestic operations, CAF training and their own communities. Find out more about…
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Find out how Command and Control will undergo significant changes in the next few years - digital and integrated are a couple of the guiding principles. These changes are as important to the Army as new fighter jets are to the Air Force and new combat ships are to the Navy. If you like what you hear, please subscribe, share this podcast with your f…
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Sergeant Geoffrey Boutilier is a member of the sniper cell based at the Infantry School in Gagetown. He’ll tell us as much as he can, OPSEC permitting, about what it’s like to train to be a sniper and to be part of that trade. Find out more about the Combat Training Centre If you like what you hear, please subscribe, share this podcast with your fr…
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Warrant Officer Avril Jno-Baptiste-Jones has served in various parts of Canada, and has deployed to Afghanistan and Kuwait. She is currently Chief Clerk with 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Gagetown. She shares her insights and lessons learned from her experiences as a new recruit to her working life today. Find out more about the Defence Visible Mi…
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When there is an injury on the battlefield, Medics are there to save the day - and lives! Master Warrant Officer Jean-Sébastien Morin is a Medical Technician with the Canadian Forces Health Services Group. He shares his wisdom about life as a Medic and a few war stories to boot. Do you want to be a Medical Technician or Medical Assistant? Check out…
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We track one soldier’s career as they move through recruitment, basic training and a little beyond. Private Adam Brazolot of The Princess Louise Fusiliers in Halifax tells his story. (Since the recording of this episode, Private Brazolot has been promoted to corporal... congrats!) Visit: The Princess Louise Fusiliers Find out more about Canadian Ar…
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Brigadier-General Nic Stanton, Director General Army Reserve, explains the new individual readiness standards for Army Reservists, what soldiers have to do to meet them, and how they’ll be implemented. These standards are part of the “Soldier Readiness Policy – Reserve (SRP-R)”. Find out more about the Canadian Army Reserve. If you like what you he…
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Matsimus is the on-line name of an Alberta soldier who hosts a YouTube channel focusing largely on military equipment – interjected with some fun and humour. He has more than 360,000 subscribers in his ever-growing audience. Find out more about Matsimus, how he does what he does and hear about the “secret sauce” of his social media success: tanks a…
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We launch season three of the podcast with the Acting Commander of the Army, MGen Michel-Henri St-Louis, on the future of the Army. He gives Capt Adam Orton some big picture views on key topics like culture change, modernization, Force 2025 and generating readiness. If you like what you hear, please subscribe, share this podcast with your friends a…
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Captain Orton gives an update on what our listeners can expect to hear in upcoming episodes and announces a small break in our release schedule. Many of the show ideas come from you, the listener – please send us your suggestions or comments. armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca About our host: Capt Adam Orton Sign up for this year’s Canada Arm…
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Improving the Canadian Army's digital culture is more than just using the latest technology or the best software. The Army recognizes that it needs to become more "Digital", but what does that mean and why? Lieutenant-Colonels Chris Marshall and Tom McMullen explain what the Army is doing to address this gap and how soldiers can get involved. Find …
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Two training requirements have been removed for many soldiers. Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick Chartrand from the Combat Training Centre explains why, and the impact it will have on the Army. You can read about the details of the changes in CANFORGEN 72/21 which is available on the DWAN (Defence Team Intranet). Many of the show ideas come from you, the …
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Warrant Officer Maxime Richard is the Operations and Training Warrant with the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group in Yellowknife. Find out what he thinks about his northern exposure and the many things he has learned about surviving and thriving in the North. 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Many of the show ideas come from you, the listener – please…
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Combat Divers are Combat Engineers with specialized underwater training. Captain Connor Hunerfauth from the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (CFSME) tells us about the challenging nature of their work. CFSME is part of the Combat Training Centre in Gagetown. Don’t hesitate to ask Captain Orton a question! Here is the contact info for …
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Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Howard is a member of the Unites States Army who’s been serving at Canadian Army headquarters as an exchange officer. He compares and contrasts how things are done between American and Canadian armies, and tells some interesting stories from his own career. If you like what you hear, please subscribe, share this podcast and…
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Corporal Daniel Kwon, from The Queen's York Rangers in Toronto, shares his experiences serving in the Canadian Army Reserve, what he’s learned and how it is helping him with his schooling and career path. We’ll also hear how the Full-Time Summer Employment program benefits Reservists in their first few years of service. Find out more about Full-Tim…
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Warrant Officer Chris Price, with the 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment, based in Kingston, Ontario, tells us about the many cool things the soldiers in his trade do. If you like computers, cutting edge technology and enjoy the strategy and tactics of online war gaming, you’ll like what he has to say. Find out more about 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment…
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Lieutenant Angus Newton of The Princess Louise Fusiliers is an Assault Pioneer Course Officer. He talks about how Assault Pioneers help the infantry achieve its mission, using everything from explosives to chainsaws. The Princess Louise Fusiliers is part of 36 Canadian Brigade Group, headquartered in Halifax. If you like what you hear, please subsc…
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Captain Carl Pelletier of 35 Canadian Brigade Group has a passion for training and operating in Canada’s harsh Arctic climate. He tells us all about his experiences with the Arctic Response Company Group, the Canadian Rangers and Inuit communities. 35 Canadian Brigade Group is based in Quebec City and is part of the Canadian Army’s 2nd Canadian Div…
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Lieutenant-Colonel Sarah Heer is the current commander of the Canadian troops deployed on Op UNIFIER. She tells us about the challenges and rewards involved in an overseas mission during a global pandemic and talks about the important contributions our soldiers are making. Find out more about Operation UNIFIER: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-n…
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Can you imagine a career in the Special Forces? Captain Orton speaks with “Marek”, who has many years’ experience deploying around the globe with the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, aka CANSOFCOM. You may be surprised how much opportunity there is for ALL members of the Canadian Armed Forces. If want to know more about CANSOFCOM, listen…
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Our guest is LCol Véronique Gervais, Commandant of the Peace Support Training Centre (PSTC). That’s where soldiers, members of other government organizations and even foreign military members learn what they need to know for a successful overseas deployment. PSTC covers a wide variety of topics, from Civil-Military Cooperation to Psychological Oper…
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We'll hear about dos and don'ts plus examples of online best practices from Dan Le Bouthillier, head of media operations for the Department of National Defence. Find out why our military members must meet a requirement of high standards set out for them. Find out more about Canadian Army Order 11-82 Hateful Conduct If you like what you hear, please…
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Cpl Morgan LeBlanc started out in the Canadian Army as a Cougar gunner in a reserve armoured unit. He then went regular force infantry with 2 PPCLI in Shilo. That eventually included successfully completing the U.S. Army’s Ranger course. Now he has his dream job as the “Peter Parker" of the Infantry School in Gagetown, New Brunswick. Find out more …
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Colonel Marie-Christine Harvey talks about her time as a forward observer working with gun crews, her tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan as well as her various leadership experiences in the artillery trade and in the Army. Find out more about an Artillery Officer career: https://forces.ca/en/career/artillery-officer/ At 2:40 Colonel Harvey intended to…
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