Episode 82: Hendrik VanderBellen, Canadian Infantry Officer

Bulletproof Veteran Podcast

This week we welcome Hendrik VanderBellen, Canadian Infantry Officer. Hendrik graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada, and is currently serving as a Platoon Commander in the Canadian Van Doos Mountain Division. We discuss the challenges of entering the military during the onset of the COVID pandemic, and the unique leadership tactics that were deployed while the Canadian military was dispersed. Hendrik talks about the struggle to maintain readiness during a time of reduced conflict, relying on the knowledge of his non-commissioned officers and enlisted corp to pass down lessons-learned. We examine the shared concern for recruiting, and retention, in both the Canadian and American militaries. Hendrik outlines the reasons he believes there is a cyclical issue in the Canadian military when talking about recruiting and retention. Most importantly, we discuss leadership. We look at the principles of good leadership, and how being a young leader in the military is a challenge, but a vital skill for the next generation of warfighters. So pour yourself a Molson Ice and raise a glass to our neighbors to the North, and enjoy this week's episode.
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