Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) General Jonathan Vance today met with staff and students at the Royal Military College of Canada to announce upcoming changes as a result of findings and recommendations outlined in a recent report on the College.

“As the Chief of the Defence Staff, I am responsible for ensuring that we produce the best possible professional leaders as commissioned Officers in the Canadian Armed Forces. The report has provided me with excellent insight into the challenges faced by the College students and staff in meeting this intent, and I am taking the necessary actions to set them up for success in the future.”

— General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff

“The SSAV team spoke to nearly a quarter of the College’s Officer Cadets as well as military and academic staff and a variety of other stakeholders. We immediately recognized that there are a lot of good things happening at RMCC. However, there are challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed  and I am confident we provided the CDS with frank and honest insight. I am encouraged that General Vance has accepted the recommendations and personally invested himself by taking immediate action in a number of areas, demonstrating the commitment needed to ensure a strong future for the College.” 

— Vice-Admiral (Retired) Greg Maddison, SSAV Team Leader

• The CDS ordered the deployment of a SSAV in response to growing concern over the learning environment at RMCC.

• Led by former Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, Vice-Admiral (Retired) Greg Maddison, the SSAV Team was made up of experienced and highly knowledgeable former and current CAF members, supported by a civilian and academic advisor Dr. Phill Bates, RMCC Vice-Principal Academic.

• More than 400 interviews with students, staff and stakeholders were conducted by the SSAV

• Although some changes will be implemented before the next academic year, others, such as improvements to infrastructure will take more time. Examples of what to expect include:

  • Officer Cadets will receive more regular, focused mentoring and coaching to better prepare them for their military careers.

  • Better services to Officer Cadets on campus, such as medical, dental, administrative support, and food services.

  • Improvements to staff levels at the College to ensure better administrative training support to the Officer Cadets.

  • Investments in infrastructure to ensure the Officer Cadets have access to modern, well-maintained facilities.

  • The Canadian Defence Academy, the command responsible for the delivery of basic and higher education for the Canadian Armed Forces, will report directly to the CDS.

  • The leadership training model within RMCC will be changed to provide a better overall experience that is focused on a positive learning environment to ensure that the higher standards required for commissioning in the Canadian Armed Forces through the RMCC program are met.

Associated Links

• SSAV Report
• Statement by the Chief of the Defence Staff on Royal Military College of Canada
• SSAV Report Cover Letter
• Backgrounder SSAV to RMCC
• Backgrounder RMCC

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