This year marked the fifth anniversary
of Canada's participation on Operation UNIFIER,
which is the Canadian Armed Forces mission
to support the Security Forces of Ukraine.
Op Unifier is designed to assist with defence reforms
and capability building initiatives
to increase their compatibility with NATO Forces.
The CAF also coordinates closely
with other multinational partners present in the country
to develop partnerships and enhance support
to the Security Forces of Ukraine.
Today, we're joined by Lieutenant-Colonel Sarah Heer,
who was recently appointment
as Commander of Op UNIFIER in Ukraine,
the first woman to hold this position.
Thanks for joining us, Ma'am.
As the newly appointed Commander of Op UNIFIER,
what are your goals for this rotation?
My goals are very similar to previous rotations
as we want to continue on the initiatives
that are already in place.
Our main goal is to create enduring effects
in order to ensure that the Ukrainian partners
are moving closer to NATO compatibility.
What measures are being taken
to continue this training mission
while respecting policies related to COVID-19?
Yes, there's no question that the emergence of COVID-19
has changed the way we operate,
but I would like to emphasize that it hasn't changed
our commitment to the mission.
We've put in a very deliberate layered mitigation strategy
that includes handwashing,
maintaining our 2 metres spacing,
wearing masks indoors and outside
when we can't maintain the 2 metres spacing.
And these are just some of the measures
that we've put in place to protect ourselves,
to protect our partners
and to protect any Ukrainian local population
that we come into contact with.
As one of Canada's military leaders,
how has the CAF become a more diverse
and representative organization since you joined?
Yes, I think in my 23 years of service,
the Canadian Armed Forces has definitely become more diverse.
I believe this is because of leadership's commitment
to ensuring that we retain and attract Canada's finest.
As we start facing a more complex world,
we know we need more diverse viewpoints
to be able to face those challenges.
I think that the diversity is not just a priority
for the Canadian Armed Forces anymore,
it's actually one of our greatest strengths.
And I'm really proud to lead a task force
that represents CAF's diversity at its finest.
We don't just have diversity in our gender makeup
across all ranks and all positions,
we also are diverse in our mix of Regular and Reserve Force.
We have 45 different trades represented on this mission.
All of this diversity allows us to be flexible and adaptable
to the needs of our security force and Ukraine partners.
What advice do you have for anyone who is considering
a career in the CAF, especially young women?
To put it simply, I'd say: "Go for it."
If you're looking for a career where you can see the world,
you have the ability to learn something new every day
and be in an organization where everyone has equal opportunity
and you're promoted, you're given opportunities
based on your merit and your hard work,
then the Canadian Armed Forces are for you.
And I just close with a final piece of advice
that someone said to me very early on in my career
that I think is the most important advice you can have
and that's to be yourself. You're enough
and we want you to be your authentic self.
I look forward to have you in the CAF! Thank you.
Thanks for your time.
It's my pleasure. Thanks a lot for giving me
the opportunity to talk to you today.
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