They say amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals study logistics. Making sure front line soldiers have everything they need, from ammunition to vehicles and everything in between, means that the fighters can focus on operations. Lieutenant-Colonel Nathan Richards is the Commanding Officer of the National Support Element in Latvia. He explains how his team runs the logistics hub in support of the Canadian-led Multinational Brigade. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments ...
Aug 06, 2025•25 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Making sure bombs hit their targets is no easy job, and it’s not only up to the pilots. Dive into the world of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers with Warrant Officer Jace Avery to learn about the people who keep one eye on the sky and one on the ground. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Connect with the Canadian Army on social media: Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube Visit Forces.ca if you are considering a...
Jul 16, 2025•21 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Mystery surrounds the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR), making it the subject of many myths. Lieutenant-Colonel Declan Ward is the Commanding Officer of CSOR and sheds some light on what happens in the shadows of special operations. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Connect with the Canadian Army on social media: Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube Visit Forces.ca if you are considering a career in...
Jun 25, 2025•41 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Making a career change can be difficult. It becomes more challenging when that process takes several months or, in many cases, years to navigate the bureaucracy of it all. Major Matt Cooke from Army Personnel Management explains how his team is fast-tracking transfers between the Reserve and Regular Forces, and why it’s easier for people who have left the Army to get back in. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Connect ...
Feb 05, 2025•17 min•Season 6Ep. 4
If you haven’t seen the artillery in action, it’s quite the spectacle. They have big guns that can deliver accurate fire over a few dozen kilometres, and one of the most reassuring feelings you can have is getting cover from afar when you need it. Throw in some drones, observers, and now air defence, you’ve got the makings of a very cool trade. Meet one of the people who make it all happen in this episode featuring Sergeant Daran Caines from the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Feel...
Jan 15, 2025•28 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) materials are often the plot point in disaster and action movies. For soldiers, they are a potential threat on the battlefield or when responding to a domestic crisis. Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Hubble is the Director of the Joint CBRN Defence team, and he explains how the Army does all the heavy thinking about CBRN for the Canadian Armed Forces. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionar...
Dec 04, 2024•26 min•Season 6Ep. 2
The Canadian Army’s new Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV) is already making trails in Latvia. But why did we get it, and what can it do? Find out from the source, Major Samir Khelil, who is the LTV Project Director. He answers many of the questions people have been asking on social media. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Connect with the Canadian Army on social media: Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube Visit For...
Nov 06, 2024•21 min•Season 6Ep. 1
The podcast is taking a little time off and will be back in the fall. Here's a preview of some of the topics that will be covered in season 6. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Connect with the Canadian Army on social media: Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube Visit Forces.ca if you are considering a career in the Army. Copyright Information © His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Min...
Aug 29, 2024•1 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Warfare is far more complicated than throwing some troops with equipment onto a wide-open field and seeing who wins. There are hospitals, homes, factories, and many other things that make decisions exceptionally complicated for both soldiers and the people who live where war happens. Commander Marc-André Vary is a Legal Officer, one of his jobs is to help commanders and soldiers understand how the Law of Armed Conflict applies when there are only seconds to make the right choice. Feel free to co...
Jul 31, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 8
We all know tanks are great, but they don’t do it alone. The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps uses firepower, speed, and protection to defend and take terrain in coordination with the infantry. Colonel Fraser Auld is the Director of the Armoured Corps, and he gives the rundown on how armoured fighting vehicles fit into the bigger picture on the battlefield. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Connect with the Canadian Army...
Jul 10, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 7
It’s no secret that science drives innovation, and the same is true in warfare. Jean-François Morel is the Director General of R&D Science and Engineering at Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). It’s a big title but a fitting one, because there’s a whole lot of research happening, and he’s the person keeping it all moving. Listen in to find out what DRDC is doing to help the Army stay ahead of the curve on the battlefield. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments ...
Jun 12, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Want to know what it takes to get things into gear for a big mission? Colonel Cédric Aspirault from 5 CMBG is preparing to be the first commander of the multinational Forward Land Forces Brigade in Latvia. He’s working with our NATO allies to put the Brigade together and has a lot of thoughts on what is needed to complete the job. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Connect with the Canadian Army on social media: Facebo...
May 08, 2024•36 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Musicians. The military has many of them and for good reason. They are there to help us celebrate the good times and reflect during sombre times. Corporals Hélène Fortier and Michel Cousineau of the Regimental Band of the Governor General’s Foot Guards go into detail about life as a musician and their role within the Forces. And of course, they give a performance in the podcast studio! Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.c...
Feb 21, 2024•26 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Ever wonder what it takes to get soldiers out the door and responding to domestic emergencies? It’s more than just filling up a truck with troops, shovels, sandbags and rolling out, that’s for sure. Lieutenant-Colonel Geneviève Bertrand from the Canadian Army Headquarters Operations cell explains how the green machine gets rolling when things get tough at home. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Connect with the Canadi...
Dec 20, 2023•25 min•Season 5Ep. 3
This is a big one, and it’s happening now. The Canadian Army is significantly increasing its footprint in Latvia as part of Operation REASSURANCE. This mission is shaking up the Army’s training and deployment cycles, and will bring new kit into the hands of the troops. Lieutenant-Colonel Marc Kieley talks about transitioning the current battle group in Latvia to a brigade and the impact it will have on both Regular and Reserve soldiers. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments o...
Dec 04, 2023•41 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Love tanks? So do we! Hear all about how the heavy metal of the battlefield helps the Canadian Army support the fight on the ground, how the crews make it all work, and the role they’re playing in modern day warfare. Lieutenant-Colonel Darryn Gray, Commanding Officer of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians), gives us his take on why tanks are awesome. This episode was recorded during the summer of 2023. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-c...
Nov 01, 2023•24 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Season 4 is coming to a close and the podcast will be taking a break until the fall. Listen in to find out what is coming up for season 5. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Meet our host Captain Adam Orton: Bio | Video Connect with the Canadian Army on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Visit Forces.ca if you are considering a career in the Army. Copyright Information © His Majesty the King in Righ...
Aug 16, 2023•51 sec•Season 4Ep. 12
The Army Sergeant Major plays a significant role in the lives of all non-commissioned soldiers. But how? Chief Warrant Officer James Smith talks about his role as senior advisor to the Army Commander, lends his perspective on what it takes to be a good leader, plus gives a preview of what’s to come with regards to kit and equipment. He also has advice on how to deal with some of the challenges of being a soldier. CWO James Smith’s Bio Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or ...
Jul 26, 2023•22 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Are we in the Wild West era of drone warfare? The advancement of drone technology is having a big impact on the battlefield - the war in Ukraine is an example. To keep pace, the Canadian Army has been getting help from Defence Research and Development Canada along with industry partners to counter the threat of drone warfare. Jared Giesbrecht, a defence research scientist, explains the challenges our soldiers face and offers clever solutions to detect and defeat enemy drones. Feel free to contac...
Jun 28, 2023•29 min•Season 4Ep. 10
There is a lot more to being a Paratrooper than jumping out of a plane, Master Corporal Nataniel Bergeron Sénécal can attest to that. He is an instructor and jump master with the 3rd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment. In this episode he gives insight into the world of a Paratrooper - the training, equipment, tactics, techniques, and more. You may also be surprised by who can be a Paratrooper. **Spoiler alert** It’s not only for members of the Infantry. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with an...
May 10, 2023•17 min•Season 4Ep. 9
As Russia’s war rages on, Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are facing an explosive threat on the battlefield. A troop of Canadian Combat Engineers have been helping Ukraine mitigate this threat as part of Operation UNIFIER. Lieutenant Jacques Pecora is in Poland and talks about how his team of sappers are teaching Ukrainian soldiers many of the skills they need to survive and thrive. For more information on Canada’s military support to Ukraine, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national...
Mar 29, 2023•22 min•Season 4Ep. 8
From breaches to bridges and demolitions to detecting, a Combat Engineer has a wide range of responsibilities to ensure that troops can live, move and fight on the battlefield. Corporal Alana Zanchetta from 5 Combat Engineer Regiment goes into detail about her trade and everything sappers do to help win the fight. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Meet our host Captain Adam Orton: Bio | Video Connect with the Canadian...
Mar 08, 2023•24 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Bombs and bullets are not the only threats to our soldiers. Online disinformation is also being used as a weapon, and it’s one they face both on deployment and at home. Dr. Meghan Fitzpatrick and Dr. Dominique Laferrière are social scientists at Defence Research and Development Canada and have done extensive research on the topic. They explain the disinformation ecosystem that affects the military community and give us advice on how to separate fact from fiction. Here are some online tools that ...
Feb 15, 2023•25 min•Season 4Ep. 6
The world’s security environment is in perpetual change and the Canadian Army must adapt to stay relevant and effective. Lieutenant-General Jocelyn Paul talks about expanding the Army’s mission in Latvia, lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, procuring equipment, the Arctic, culture change, training and more. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Meet our host Captain Adam Orton: Bio | Video Connect with the Canadian A...
Jan 25, 2023•33 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Raids, ambushes, air assault operations and so much more! Ranger School may be the U.S. Army’s most challenging course. Captain Pierre-Alexandre Dufour of 3 R22eR talks about his incredible two-month experience which took him through alligator-infested swampland and over mountains in the process of honing his combat leadership skills. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or questions: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Meet our host Captain Adam Orton: Bio | Video Conn...
Jan 11, 2023•19 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Rewriting a training program is never easy; just ask Sergeant Pier-Luc Dubé, who is one of the Army’s cold weather and Arctic subject matter experts. His journey spans from Norway to Trenton, over to Shilo, and all the way up to Resolute Bay in Nunavut. Find out more about his story and the new program he helped develop. This training is delivered by the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre in Trenton, Ontario. CAAWC provides training for complex geographical environments along with technical d...
Dec 14, 2022•20 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Timely, relevant information helps ensure the survivability and effectiveness of the troops on the battlefield. The Director of Intelligence for the Canadian Army, Lieutenant-Colonel Montgomery Price, talks about the art and science of Intelligence. Many of the show ideas come from you, the listener - please send us your suggestions or comments. Also, don’t hesitate to ask Capt Orton a question! To contact us: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Meet our host Captain Adam Orton: Bio | Video...
Nov 30, 2022•28 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Through scientific innovation, PSP’s Human Performance Research & Development team helps ensure Canadian Armed Forces members remain physically and mentally prepared. Patrick Gagnon, the team’s National Manager, explains the science behind many of the physical demands of soldiers, including the FORCE Evaluation. PSP (Personnel Support Programs) is part of Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services which provides programs and services for CAF members, veterans and their families in your co...
Nov 15, 2022•26 min•Season 4Ep. 1
We’re wrapping up season three of the podcast and taking a break in our release schedule. Captain Adam Orton gives a sneak preview of what to expect from season four! Meet our host Captain Adam Orton: Bio | Video Many of the show ideas come from you, the listener - please send us your suggestions or comments. Also, don’t hesitate to ask Capt Orton a question! To contact us: armyconnect-connectionarmee@forces.gc.ca Connect with the Canadian Army on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Y...
Aug 31, 2022•1 min•Season 3Ep. 12
**The in-person race has been rescheduled to November 6 in Ottawa and participants have until November 7 to complete the virtual race.** For the first time, the Canada Army Run is both virtual and in-person. Anyone, anywhere can participate! Major Lesley Quinlan, Race Director for the Canada Army Run, explains all the details about how you can sign up and show your support for two of our military charities, Soldier On and Support Our Troops. Visit armyrun.ca for more details. Follow the links to...
Aug 10, 2022•9 min•Season 3Ep. 11
