Sailor 3rd Class Juliette Leygue: Reserve education reimbursement helps sailor achieve goals

Navy News / May 31, 2021

Sailor 3rd Class (S3) Juliette Leygue is from Winnipeg, a student, an animal care giver and a sailor. She joined the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) nearly two years ago at her hometown’s Naval Reserve Division, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Chippawa.

“I joined the Navy because I had a few friends that spoke so highly of it and because the education reimbursement was greatly going to help me achieve my goals.”

As in Intelligence Operator, S3 Leygue will be trained to identify, analyze and disseminate intelligence and information from multiple sources which is likely to affect military operations. She will also learn to provide intelligence briefings to commanders and their staff, and to operate, manage and safeguard information technology systems, and to work with and safeguard highly classified material.

“My job is very important to me. I am so proud to represent my country in the Canadian Armed Forces. Although I haven’t completed my trades’ course, I still take my job seriously and I can’t wait to learn everything there is to know about my job!”

“My biggest challenge in the short amount of time that I have been a member would have to be (Basic Military Qualification) training. There were definitely moments where I wanted to quit and come home.”

S3 Leygue did not quit. She remained determined and pushed through with the motivation and strength she drew from the memory of her grandfather who had served with the American navy.

“I overcame this challenge by telling myself that quitting was not an option. My grandfather was in the American navy and all I wanted to do was make him proud. I wasn’t going to do that by quitting.”

In her short time with the RCN, S3 Leygue has found out that friendships and relationships are an integral part of being a sailor.

“The best part about being in the Royal Canadian Navy is the friendships that I have made. The RCN is such a social group and any trade that you choose to go into requires you to work with others. Everyone is so inviting and respectful. It is by far the best part about being a part of the RCN.”

S3 Leygue’s most memorable experience with the RCN has been completing her Basic Military Qualification.

“It was one of the hardest things that I’ve ever done, but also one of the most memorable experiences of my life. By the end of it I was so happy that I got to experience it and I would do it all again!”

“Another highlight of my short naval career is that I was one of five people in my platoon at basic training that got 100 per cent on my rifle test. I received a Bravo Zulu and was very proud of myself.”

Outside the RCN, S3 Leygue works by caring for animals, training and learning to become a veterinary technician.

“I am currently in my second year of Veterinary Technology School. While juggling school and working for the RCN, I also work at a veterinary clinic.”

When it comes to her advice about taking up a job with the RCN, she highly endorses it.

“I highly recommend it. I’ve even recently convinced my younger sister to join.”