An example of perseverance from Warrant Officer Fortin

July 14, 2023 – Defence Stories

On July 6, Warrant Officer Fortin from the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) received his commission as a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) officer through the Commissioning from the Ranks Plan (CRFP). After an intense path as a non-commissioned member, he became Lt Fortin, pursuing a fulfilled career.

Beginnings in the cadets

At 12 years old, WO Fortin joined the navy cadets in Saguenay. He lived formative years that had major impacts, particularly in terms of discipline. The decision to join the CAF becomes inevitable. After obtaining his high school diploma and with his cadet experience, he registered in civil engineering in Cegep, while waiting for his enrollment process. He arrived at CFLRS for his Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) in June 2009.

Following his combat engineer course, he joined the 5 Combat Engineer Regiment in 2010. The following years, he was involved in several operations: Op LENTUS (2011), Op REASSURANCE (2016) and Op IMPACT (2019). WO Fortin is present when necessary, seizing every opportunity to gain experience and perfect his professional skills. His level of involvement earned him his peers and superiors’ recognition and resulted in accelerated promotions. He was transferred to the CFLRS as a sergeant in 2018. It’s imperative to mention the remarkable character of his warrant officer rank which he obtained in only 13 years (average being 17-18 years)!

Rapid Career Progression

How to explain this dazzling trajectory? WO Fortin mentions: “I put the efforts at all times, in everything I do, and I volunteer as much as possible for the replacements and the various tasks”. He also attributes his success to his BMQ in 2009, where he was able to learn from an instructor with great leadership, WO Essiambre, who inspired him. He still applies the lessons learned today. Being a leader “is not a question of rank, but it’s also in the actions taken. Demonstrating our leadership and respect for subordinates is very important so that they respect the chain of command”.

He does not consider having a recipe for success in a military career, but believes that it was his discipline, efforts, resilience, and perseverance that led him to the feat of receiving his commission as an officer. He knows that “it’s difficult to see the result of sustained efforts over the long term, but that it’s important to always see the big picture”!

He’s aware that he’s benefited from the support of many people over the years. He wishes to underline his spouse who supports him in all his initiative. A model of excellence and work for all CAF members that proves that the effort is rewarded, you only have to believe in it and do what it takes to get there!