CDS Speech for the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer Change of Appointment

Across the forces, who among us doesn’t have a story about a senior NCO who changed our lives for the better?

When you’re a young lieutenant or a young private, barely out of your own training, trying to find your footing in the role you’ve taken on, there is nothing more important than a seasoned NCO who can sort you out and give you advice and wisdom based on years of experience.

Good NCOs give tough love. They are firm but fair.

They are exemplary role models and consummate professionals. They live, breathe, eat, and sleep the military ethos.

They demand excellence of all, and they lead by example.

There is a reason why refer to them as the backbone of our military. Senior NCOs are integral to being a modern, highly capable, and professional armed force that cares for its people.

Throughout my career, I have relied on the sage counsel, sharp eyes, and strong ethics of senior NCOs. At no point has that been more crucial than as the Chief of the Defence Staff.

I am so honoured today to preside over the change of appointment of the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer, and to celebrate the careers of two distinguished leaders.

CWO Guimond, you have been a trusted advisor and a tireless advocate for the well-being and professional development of Canada’s sailors, soldiers, aviators, and special forces operators.

You championed updates to all our policies to bring us into the 21^st century, and gave our members more flexibility and personal choice while maintaining the rigorous application of our ethos.

You leave behind a legacy of enhanced professional development for non-commissioned members.

Thanks to your efforts in finalizing the Strategic Employment Model, we have a robust guide for the training, development, career management, and succession planning of senior NCOs.

This will ensure that the CAF has future generations of strategic, innovative, and agile leaders who can rise to the challenges of our complex and highly contested operating environment.

The role of a senior NCO is about so much more than dress, drill, and deportment.

In our era of great power competition and pan-domain threats, we need leaders at all levels who can think critically and act appropriately at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels.

Importantly, we need leadership teams: Senior NCOs and Officers who trust one another and function as a collaborative unit.

That means having NCOs with the courage to raise concerns and provide suggestions about issues affecting people, the institution, and operations.

It isn’t enough to give someone a course and expect them to be an excellent warrant or petty officer.

You have to guide them throughout their careers. Offer opportunities for development. Give them the tools they will need to succeed.

That’s what CWO Guimond has worked ceaselessly to provide through the initiative on education paths for NCMs and his support to the Osside Institute.

Alain, my friend, it has been an honour to serve with you.

You have set the conditions for future success, and should take pride in your accomplishments. I wish you and your family well in retirement.

CPO1 Gregoire, I can’t imagine anyone better suited to take up this crucial position than you.

You are the real deal: a leader who acts with the utmost integrity, who treats everyone with dignity and respect, and who cares deeply about CAF personnel.

Your operational experience is extensive and impressive, having served at sea in nine of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships.

You were deployed in the first year of Operation REASSURANCE, and supported our allies at sea.

At the strategic level, you helped develop and strengthen our institution as the Chief of Force Development CWO, and then as the Formation Chief of Maritime Forces Pacific/Joint Task Force (Pacific).

You have earned a tremendous amount of respect from all who know you.

During your two years as the CJOC Command Chief Petty Officer 1st Class, you provided clear, useful, and pragmatic advice to address complex and significant issues.

You always kept the troops front of mind.

You are known to be personable, humble, and a joy to work with. I am sorry that our time working together will be short, but I know that you will be an excellent fire team partner to any CDS.

Thank you both once more for your service to the members of the Canadian Armed Forces, to Canada, and to our close allies.

Alain, I wish you and your loved ones the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Gilles, welcome aboard HMCS Canadian Armed Forces; I know you’ll steer our ship in the right direction.