Unique Applied Military Science students’ experience in Eastern Europe

April 26, 2024 - Defence Stories

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Photo credit: Task Force Latvia Image Technician

Army Technical Staff Officer/Warrant Officer Program (ATSOP/ATWOP) students from the Department of Applied Military Science (AMS) of the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) recently returned from a week-long Field Study Trip (FST) to Eastern Europe.

This trip provided a unique opportunity for students to experience first-hand the technical interoperability challenges faced by the CAF in our leading role as the Framework Nation for the multinational NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group.

Students also learned of challenges associated with expanding to a combat-capable eFP Brigade, including the use of the Unforecasted Operational Requirement process in an operational environment. This knowledge and perspective will be carried throughout their careers and will be drawn upon to inform many future equipment projects.

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Capt David Wiebe and WO Jean-François Éthier track simulated cyber attacks at Foundation CR14 in Tallinn, Estonia.
Photo credit: Capt Tanner Trepanier, AMS Student

"Our students have to be ready to engage with a wide range of organizations when they graduate and move into capability development positions," said Col Walter Taylor, Director AMS. "FSTs deliver this vital component of our AMS programs as they provide exposure to real-world interoperability challenges that cannot be replicated in a classroom or cubicle."

Taking advantage of the relative closeness of European industry, this FST includes visits to emerging technology manufacturers as well as providers of in-service CAF equipment.

"This year, our students had the opportunity to visit the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) hub in Estonia, where they engaged with academia and industry to learn about coalition efforts to advance cyber, fuel cell, and other dual-use technologies," added LCol Michael Dunning, AMS Chief Instructor.

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AMS Staff and students visiting the Estonian Military Academy Electronic Warfare Centre in Tartu.
Photo credit: Capt Tanner Trepanier, AMS Student

AMS provides graduates for the Canadian Army and other CAF stakeholders with the technical knowledge, project management expertise, analytical thinking, and communication skills to support all stages of the capability development cycle.

Graduates of ATSOP/ATWOP give back to the institution by helping develop the CAF of tomorrow.

Captains and Warrant Officers interested in attending these programs and working in rewarding capability development roles, should discuss this option with their Career Manager, and watch for the course solicitation CANFORGEN in early Fall 2024.