“There’s lots of opportunities for growth and challenge in the CAF” – Corporal Cheyenne Blackmore shares her Op UNIFIER journey

December 11, 2023 - Defence Stories

By: Major Christopher Daniel, Senior Public Affairs Officer, Joint Task Force-Ukraine

“I wanted more direction in my life and knew that joining the military would give me something larger to work for as well as acquire unique experiences along the way,” said Corporal (Cpl) Cheyenne Blackmore, an infanteer from The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) who was deployed on Operation UNIFIER Rotation 16 as part of Joint Task Force – Ukraine’s United Kingdom Training Element (UKTE).

Operation UNIFIER was Cpl Blackmore’s first operational deployment outside of Canada. She was an instructor with the team of infanteers, medics, combat engineers, and supporters training the Armed Forces of Ukraine soldiers in military skills and knowledge such as weapons handling, battlefield first aid, fieldcraft, patrol tactics, and the Law of Armed Conflict.

“The Ukrainian soldiers that we’re training are the best part of this tour,” said Cpl Blackmore. “Their courage and spirit are inspiring. Anytime my morale is down and I lose motivation, one conversation with any of my section members is enough to reinvigorate me. They are good soldiers who need our support. I’m extremely proud to know and work with them.”  

Looking back to when Cpl Blackmore was still deciding to join the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in Hamilton, Ontario, she said that she’s always been fascinated by the infantry trade and The Argylls.

The job description of the infantry is to “close with and destroy the enemy” and for Cpl Blackmore, she describes it as “the classic boots on the ground that you see in the movies.”

“Our role is pretty flexible and changes depending on the moment, sometimes it’s quiet patrolling, sometimes it’s firefights, sometimes it’s stacking sandbags for days. It is also a trade that builds strong interpersonal relationships. You learn to trust others and how to hold the responsibility of others doing the same to you,” she added.

Reflecting on her experiences during Operation UNIFIER, Cpl Blackmore shared that her key takeaway from this deployment is that Canada’s junior soldiers are more capable than ever.

“We’ve been given an incredible responsibility and we’re meeting it head on. It’s a good time to be a non-commissioned member, there’s lots of opportunity for growth and challenge,” she said.

Her advice to Canadians thinking of joining the Army reserves is to take the challenge. “You’ll have more flexibility and can truly decide if the CAF is a fit for you while receiving training and opportunities and being part of a community.” she said.

For Cpl Blackmore, The Argylls are her extended family. “A special bond is created through our specific kind of work, I can’t entertain the thought of leaving anymore,” she said.