Foreword

 

Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew B. Godefroy, CD, Ph.D.

Chief of Professional Military Education

Canadian Army Command and Staff College

 

Professional military education (PME) has played an important part in the professional development (PD) of Canadian Army officers and non-commissioned members (NCM) since its foundation. Although formal PME is established and considered largely successful in producing educated and trained soldiers, the system continues to draw criticism for its lack of depth and its seeming inability to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity and a lifelong approach to learning about the profession of arms. Therefore, the aim of this guide is to act as an easily accessible reference resource for command teams in the Canadian Army, one that they may draw from for inspiration and guidance as they develop their own structured and guided PD programs. This guide was produced by the PME Staff of the Canadian Army Command and Staff College (CACSC), and is a result of considerable research, experience, and expertise on the subjects of formal and informal PME and PD. It was further informed by various formation and unit command team cohorts, each of which added their own ideas and recommendations accordingly.

If the aim of CA PD is to produce capable officers and NCMs committed to the profession of arms, then it should be flexible enough to accommodate changes that pursue that goal. As Commanding Officers and Regimental Sergeants-Major you will discover that this guide will serve to assist you in meeting your goal of engaging your formation and unit in interesting and relevant structured and guided self-development. In this complex and ever-changing world, the importance of non-formal PD has increased, and individuals are seeking self-improvement in increasing numbers to remain both competent and competitive.

In that end, we as leaders are responsible to ensure that all members can profit from PD, since it greatly contributes to individual success and organizational effectiveness. I hope that this guide increases your awareness of what is available within the CAF and CA on the subject of PD and provides you with the necessary guidance to build and improve on the programs in your own formation or unit. 

Our priority will always be to maintain a ready force which is capable of responding rapidly and effectively in a time of need, and PD is a core part of that.

Excellence in education, including the four pillars of the CA Professional Development framework, is the greatest factor in improving and achieving operational excellence. Make it part of your leadership program.