New CAF Recruitment Process, MQ-9B SkyGuardian Training, Sustaining Canada’s Future Submarine Assets
Credit: Multinational Brigade Imagery Technician

New CAF Recruitment Process, MQ-9B SkyGuardian Training, Sustaining Canada’s Future Submarine Assets


Trusted for 70: Delivering reliable RF antennas to defence forces worldwide. Valcom Antennas: Reliable When it Counts!

CAF Overhauls Recruitment Process for a Stronger Future

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is taking bold steps to revamp its recruitment process, ensuring it remains agile and prepared for future security challenges. With an eye on attracting top talent, the CAF is streamlining enrolment, removing bureaucratic delays, and adapting to the expectations of a new generation of applicants. These efforts align with the objectives outlined in Canada’s defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free.


Reconnaissance Squadron of Multinational Brigade Latvia prepares to commence EXERCISE RESOLUTE WARRIOR, at Military Base āda?i, on 03 November 2024. Credit: Multinational Brigade Imagery Technician
Reconnaissance Squadron of Multinational Brigade Latvia prepares to commence EXERCISE RESOLUTE WARRIOR, at Military Base āda?i, on 03 November 2024. Credit: Multinational Brigade Imagery Technician

GA-ASI and CAE Join Forces to Advance MQ-9B SkyGuardian Training

In a significant move to enhance the training capabilities of remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) operators, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has entered a long-term agreement with CAE. This partnership will focus on the development and production of next-generation mission trainers for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian?. Under the contract, GA-ASI has placed a firm order for 11 training devices, with the potential to deliver up to 50 units over the next five years. This collaboration strengthens the existing relationship between the two industry leaders while advancing mission readiness for MQ-9B operators.


MQ-9B SkyGuardian. Image source: https://www.ga-asi.com/remotely-piloted-aircraft/mq-9b-skyguardian
MQ-9B SkyGuardian. Image source:

In-Service Support Strategies for Sustaining Canada’s Future Submarine Assets

Last November, Vanguard media hosted the 5th annual Deep Blue Forum in Ottawa, the theme was – Preparing for the in-Country Support of a New Submarine. The first panel focused on in-service support recognizing that submarines are the most complex and sophisticated platform built. As noted through the discussion, in-service support is one of the hardest jobs out there. It deals with a number of large ticket aspects such as budget constraints, resource constraints, supply chain challenges, tech obsolescence, workforce management and training.



Game Changer

Game Changer: Jess Fetterman, Chief Engineer – Polar Icebreaker

Jess Fetterman is the Chief Engineer for the Polar Icebreaker program at Seaspan, where she has been a key member of the team for four years. She is also one of our February-March Game Changers. With 24 years of experience in the defence and security industry, Jess brings extensive expertise in shipbuilding and engineering.


Game Changer: Jess Fetterman, Chief Engineer – Polar Icebreaker


ShipTech Forum 2025. 12th Annual Conference. February 25, 2025. National Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON.

Latest Podcast

Submarine Sustainment: What is Needed as Canada Looks Towards the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project

Interview with Anthony March, Vice President, Marine & Mission Systems, Babcock Canada

In this week’s episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones has an in insightful discussion with Tony March, Vice President of Marine and Mission Systems at Babcock Canada. A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, he holds degrees in mechanical engineering, defence studies, and marine engineering, along with an MBA from Athabasca University. He is also a graduate of the UCL Submarine Design Course and the Canadian Joint Command and Staff Program. Tony began his career in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1997 as a Marine Systems Engineer, serving in HMCS Montréal during Operation APOLLO. In 2003, he joined the Submarine Service, serving aboard HMC Submarines Victoria, Windsor, and Corner Brook, and later held various engineering and leadership roles in Halifax and Ottawa.

After 21 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, Tony transitioned to the private sector, joining Babcock Canada in 2018. He initially served as Vice President of Engineering Services before assuming his current role in 2024, where he oversees marine and mission systems operations.

Operating in Canada since 2008, Babcock Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Babcock International Group, a global defence, aerospace, and security company. For over 16 years, Babcock has been proud to play a critical role in supporting Canada’s safety and security, delivering engineering and critical support services to defence and civil customers.

Drawing on decades of global experience, Babcock delivers fully integrated solutions tailored specifically for Canada and its unique environment across the land, marine, and aviation sectors.

In this episode:

  • Timelines for Acquisition and Sustainment contracts
  • Level of expertise of submarine maintenance in Canada
  • Moving from the Victoria Class submarines to a newer and larger fleet
  • The role Babcock will play


Submarine Sustainment: What is Needed as Canada Looks Towards the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project
Interview with Anthony March, Vice President, Marine & Mission Systems, Babcock Canada

Listen on Spotify

Listen on Apple Podcasts


Upcoming Events

ShipTech Forum

February 25, 2025

The National Arts Centre

1 Elgin Street, Ottawa ON

K1P 5W1


From the Web

Having U.S.-controlled system running Canada’s new warships too risky, warns former navy commander

Having an American-controlled command system running Canada’s new warships poses a serious risk, particularly at a time when the U.S. is openly hostile to this country, warns the former commander of the Royal Canadian Navy.


Canadian military in Inuvik as Operation Nanook-Nunalivut begins

The Canadian Armed Forces are back in Inuvik — at least for a couple weeks.

Operation Nanook-Nunalivut began Sunday in the community, with 450 members of the Canadian Armed Forces and 110 members of allied military forces there until March 9.


Military can’t say if uptick in applications since Trump’s return connected to his threats, amid push to bolster recruitment

The Canadian Armed Forces is on track to meet its recruitment goal for the year, thanks in part to an uptick in applications in the month since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House.


Latest Issue

February/March issue of Vanguard – Deep Blue 2024 - In-Service Support Strategies for Sustaining Canada's Future Submarine Assets


Subscribe

Support a hero by subscribing to Vanguard

When you subscribe to Vanguard, a leading Canadian security and defence magazine published bi-monthly, you are supporting Canada’s ill and injured Armed Forces members, veterans, first responders and their families. Click the link below to learn more.


All opinions expressed herein are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or any person or organization associated with the magazine, newsletters or affiliated products.


Mark Phillips CD, MA Leadership, PLog

Logistics Manager University of Toronto

4 天前

#WetheNavy

回复

要查看或添加评论,请登录

Vanguard Magazine Canada的更多文章