A peek into the Real Property Management Basic course
May 16, 2024 - Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer
Military engineers just starting out will find themselves at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineers (CFSME) at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown in New Brunswick.
CFSME provides engineering‑specific training for combat engineers, all construction engineering trades, and engineering officers, as well as a tailored suite of training designed for property management. Real Property Management Basic (RPM(B)) is one such introductory course that teaches students how to manage the billions of dollars worth of assets in the Department of National Defence’s (DND) infrastructure portfolio.
To meet these multifaceted demands, RPM(B) consists of 12 training days designed to equip military personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in asset management. Recent graduate Major Esli Choi is Officer Commanding (OC) Real Property Operation Detachment (RPOD) Chilliwack in B.C.
"RPM(B) is helping me to understand the basic concepts of [real property management],” he said when assessing what he got out of the course. “I am excited about my new role and looking forward to the challenges of being a member of the Real Property Operations Unit (RPOU)."
At the heart of the Real Property Management Course lies a comprehensive curriculum that delves deep into various aspects of property management within the military context. From developing and implementing a construction engineer plan, to managing budgets and human resources, students undergo training to become proficient in real property management.
Not all students who complete RPM(B) are currently working at RPOU; however, it opens other opportunities for students like Lieutenant Philippe Vollant.
"The learning curve is very steep with seven exams on such a short course, and the learning outcome is beyond my expectation,” he said.
The success of the Real Property Management Course is largely attributed to the expertise of its instructors. With their extensive experience in construction engineering and property management, these instructors bring a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. Their insights, gained from years of service and practical application, enrich the learning experience and provide students with valuable perspectives on the complexities of natural property management in a military context.
Captain Jay Foster, a guest instructor working at RPOU (Atlantic) Section Halifax, was invited to instruct the majority of the course.
"This is my third time teaching RPM(B) over the years – each time it is an honour to be here and shape the future of [Real Property Operations (RP Ops)] by sharing my experience,” he said. “I believe the stories I shared from previous positions, including OC RP Ops Section Halifax, were valuable in reinforcing many concepts, and I would encourage people like [Requirement Officers] and OCs to volunteer to instruct on RPM(B) at CFSME and continue perfecting the current [real property management] model."
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Real Property Operations Unit (Atlantic)’s Captain Jay Foster running the Real Property Management Basic course.
Photo by Capt Kyle Ho, Real Property Operations Unit (West)
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Chief Warrant Officer Frank Cross shows the gender‑neutral bathrooms and showers designed for the Real Property Management Basic course students.
Photo by Capt Kyle Ho, Real Property Operations Unit (West)
Chief Warrant Officer Frank Cross, 4 Engineer Support Regiment (4 ESR) Regimental Sergeant‑Major, invited a few students from the RPM(B) course to visit their brand‑new building. Since the close‑out of Germany, 4 ESR has been housed in more than 14 buildings for the past three decades. The new 4 ESR building cost over $131 million to construct. It comes with many design features that support environmental sustainability and gender‑neutral considerations.
Such major capital constructions allow RPOD Gagetown to reduce the DND’s infrastructure footprint and repurpose some of the existing buildings to accommodate lodging units at CFB Gagetown.
CWO Cross expressed his appreciation for the regiment receiving their permanent home.
"All ranks in 4 ESR expressed great appreciation for all the work behind the scenes from RPOU so that we can meet our operational demands and foster a new inclusive culture and unit esprit de corps by consolidating under one roof,” he said.
The significance of effective real property management within the military context cannot be overstated. Military installations and infrastructure are the backbone of operational readiness, providing essential support for training, logistics and mission execution. By optimizing the management of these assets, military organizations can enhance their operational capabilities, improve cost‑effectiveness, and ensure the safety and well‑being of personnel.
Capt Chad LeBlanc, course officer for the recent graduates of RPM(B), summed up the significance of real property management during the recent graduation parade.
“Regarding [real property management], the answer is never black and white. It includes all activities related to planning, acquisition, use, operations and maintenance, and disposal of DND assets,” he said. “I hope everyone applies the principles from RPM(B) when managing our most expensive asset.”
Through a blend of comprehensive curriculum and expert instruction, 21 students emerge ready to meet the challenges of managing military infrastructure with confidence and competence. As military operations continue to evolve, the importance of effective real property management remains as critical as ever, making courses like this invaluable in ensuring the readiness and resilience of our military forces.
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The Real Property Management Basic course graduation class.
Photo supplied
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Major Esli Choi, incoming Officer Commanding Detachment Chilliwack Real Property Operations Unit (Pacific) (RPOU(P)) (left) and Maj Vincent Leroy, incoming Deputy Commanding Officer RPOU (Quebec).
Photo supplied