Change of Command Ceremony at Royal Military College Saint-Jean

News Release

July 7, 2017 – Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Quebec) – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Colonel Gervais Carpentier took command today of Royal Military College (RMC) Saint-Jean during a ceremony presided by Rear-Admiral Luc Cassivi, Commander of the Canadian Defence Academy.

Quotes

“Ensuring our future leaders receive the best training and education we can provide is a challenging job, and I congratulate Colonel Bernard for his exceptional work over the past two years. Colonel Carpentier has my full confidence and support as he takes on the important responsibility of effectively preparing our officer cadets for the privilege of leadership.”

General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff

“During his two years of command at RMC Saint-Jean, Colonel Simon Bernard was able to pave the way towards a real optimization of resources in the existence of this prestigious institution. Among other things, he promoted the influence of this college through innovative programs and international activities. In addition, several of his initiatives have fostered the development of the Chief Warrant Officer Robert-Osside Profession of Arms Institute.”

Rear-Admiral Luc Cassivi, Commander, Canadian Defence Academy

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to take command of RMC Saint-Jean. I am proud to work with the dynamic team at the heart of this unique and prestigious institution, and to fulfill our mission to educate and train future leaders of the Canadian Armed Forces.”

Colonel Gervais Carpentier, Commander, Royal Military College Saint-Jean

"It was an honour and a real privilege for me to command RMC Saint-Jean and to be able to give back to this institution of excellence that gave me so much. From the quality of the work and the exceptional dedication of the staff, we have been able to accomplish enormous things in many ways. I depart confident that the RMC Saint-Jean team and its commander will continue to make the most of their mission, while achieving our vision of re-establishing university status at RMC Saint-Jean."

Colonel Simon Bernard, Former Commander, Royal Military College Saint-Jean

Quick Facts

  • Rear-Admiral Luc Cassivi presided over the Change of Command ceremony, attended by the instructors and staff of the College, and various guests.

  • Colonel Gervais Carpentier succeeded Colonel Simon Bernard, who had been the head of RMC Saint-Jean since 2015, until his transfer to the Centre des hautes études militaires in Paris, France.

  • Colonel Gervais Carpentier has nearly 30 years of service with the Canadian Armed Forces. He served with the 2nd and 3rd R22eR Battalions and as part of Joint Task Force 2.

  • Beginning in the fall of 2018, by regaining its university status, RMC Saint-Jean will again offer courses to obtain a university degree.

  • RMC Saint-Jean provides students with a gradual transition from high school to university studies through college-level programs in the natural sciences and humanities. All programs are offered in the first official language of the student.

  • The mission of RMC Saint-Jean is to educate selected members of the Canadian Armed Forces in order to provide them the skills necessary to maintain excellence in the profession of arms.

Associated Links

Contacts

Lieutenant(N) Serge Tsoto
Public Affairs Officer
Royal Military College Saint-Jean
Phone: 450-358-6777, ext. 5736
Email: serge.tsoto@forces.gc.ca 

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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