TheRoyal Military College of Canada (French:Collège militaire royal du Canada), abbreviated in English asRMC and in French asCMR,[4][5] is amilitary academy and, since 1959, adegree-granting university of theCanadian Armed Forces. It was established in 1874 and conducted its first classes on June 1, 1876. Programs are offered at theundergraduate andgraduate levels, both on campus as well as through the college's distance learning program via the Division of Continuing Studies.[6]
The Royal Military College of Canada prepares officer cadets for a long career in the profession of arms and continues the development of other Canadian Armed Forces members and civilians with an interest in defence issues. RMC provides programs and courses of higher education andprofessional development to meet the needs of the Canadian Armed Forces and theDepartment of National Defence.[9]
RMC is responsible to:
Provide a university education in both official languages in appropriate disciplines designed on a broad base to meet the unique needs of the Canadian Armed Forces
Develop qualities of leadership in officer cadets
Develop the ability to communicate in both official languages for officer cadets
Develop a high standard of physical fitness
Stimulate an awareness of the ethic of the military profession
Conduct research activities in support of RMC and to meet the needs of Defence Research Agencies[9]
The RMC priorities are:
To build high quality, world-class programs in areas of importance to the Canadian Armed Forces and to Canada
Long before the Royal Military College was established in 1876, there were proposals for military colleges in Canada. As early as 1815, the Assembly of Lower Canada decided to establish a military college, but agreement upon its organization was blocked by religious and linguistic conflicts.[10] Subsequent attempts also proved to be abortive, although some military schools were established.
Following the withdrawal of British forces from Canada in 1870–71, the federal government recognized the need for an officer training college in Canada. In 1874, during the administration ofAlexander Mackenzie, "the real founder of the college",An Act to Establish a Military College, was passed by the Parliament of Canada. The legislation provided for the establishment of a college "providing a complete education in all branches ofmilitary tactics, fortification, engineering, and generalscientific knowledge in subjects connected with and necessary to thorough knowledge of the military profession" in one of theGarrison Towns of Canada".[11]
The new college, namedMilitary College of Canada, opened on June 1, 1876, with 18 cadets under Lt.-Col.Edward Osborne Hewett,R.E. The names of these "Old Eighteen" are memorized by allcadets today. Entrance was by examination, and the high standards for admissions initially depressed the number of applicants. In 1878,Queen Victoria granted the college permission to use the prefix "Royal"; the college became theRoyal Military College of Canada. It was the first military college to be established in a colonial dependency.
The college offered, likeWest Point but unlike the British service academies, a four-year course, heavily geared towards science and engineering. Uniquely among its peers, there was no expectation that its graduates would automatically become career army officers. As Canada had very limited permanent armed forces at the time, most of the cadets had to seek careers in the private sector, and many families sent their sons to the college to prepare them for civilian careers. Some received commissioned in thePermanent Force or in theBritish Army, which agreed to offer the college's graduates four commissions every year. Many graduates who did not accept permanent military commissions continued to serve in the part-timeMilitia.
As a House of Commons report from 1881 put it:
The Government of the Dominion have also established, at Kingston, an institution where young men may receive a training to fit them for the military profession—an institution something on the model of West Point—the practical benefits of which, however, are not as yet appreciable in a country like this, which has no regular army, and cannot afford employment suitable for the peculiar studies necessarily followed in the Academy."[12]
Another issue was the lack of French-speaking cadets: in the college's first 23 years of existence, there were 20 French Canadians cadets out of 500. In the next 14 years, there were 19 out of 500. The entrance examinations were in English, which impeded recruitment.
The college experienced a period of decline in the early 1890s, untilGerald Kitson's successful term as superintendent, during which he purged ineffective staff members and reduced the length of the course to three years. His successors maintained the dual civil-military model, but put greater emphasis on the military aspect of the college's education. After 1910, all cadets were required to attend one militia camp to graduate, and to take up either a permanent or militia commission.
During theFirst World War, the RMC continued to operate, although the course was shortened to two years and more military instruction was added. 982 ex-cadets served in the war: they represented 86% of those who had attended the college before November 1919 who were healthy and under the age of 55. Despite being a minority ofCanadian Expeditionary Force officers, RMC graduates occupied a large share of senior and staff appointments.
After the war, the RMC returned to its pre-war footing, and the course was restored to four years. During theGreat Depression of the 1930s, a military-run and -styled relief camp on Barriefield lower common was set up under the command of the RMC Commandant. Extensive public works projects at the college relied on the labour of single unemployed men, the 'Royal Twenty Centres' supplied by the Unemployment Relief Commission.[13] From 1937, academic specialization was progressively introduced in the cadet course.
In 1942, the last cadet class at RMC for the duration of hostilities graduated, a final parade was held and the college colours were laid up inSt. George's Cathedral. For the remainder of the war the college served as a wartime training facility, offering courses such as the CompanyCommanders Course,Military Intelligence Course, and the War Staff Course. Once again, most eligible cadets fought in the war, and they were disproportionately represented in the Canadian Army's senior ranks, including all four wartimeChiefs of the General Staff.
There were doubts as to whether the RMC would reopen after the war, and alumni mobilized to save it. In 1946, the Chesley committee, headed by Brigadier Leonard McEwan Chelsey (RMC 1917), made recommendations about the provision of officers for the active force, about the educational requirements of candidates, and about the way they should be trained. It recommended the elimination of the RMC as a cadet-training college, in favour of university-based training, followed by a period of military training at RMC. A second committee, chaired by Brigadier Sherwood Lett, recommended re-opening the RMC as a cadet college, alongside a university intake route.
Ultimately, the college was re-opened as a tri-service institution in 1948, with the "New One Hundred" cadets reporting on 20 September 1948. In 1959, it became the first military college in the British Commonwealth to achieve degree-granting status."[14] The Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth and theDuke of Edinburgh visit RMC on 12 October 1951.
In 1959, the province of Ontario granted auniversity charter to RMC by passing "The Royal Military College of Canada Degrees Act, 1959" enabling RMC to offer degrees in arts, science, and engineering at the undergraduate andgraduate levels.The Royal Military College of Canada Degrees Act, 1959 was passed by the Ontario legislature and given Royal Assent on 26 March 1959. That year, theCanadian historian,Desmond MortonO.C., was the first graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada to receive a degree from the military college.[15] Previously, cadets transferred for their final year to a civilian university, where they earned a degree.
His Excellency the Governor General presented the RMC colours in June 1961 and took the salute on the marchpast.[16] On 26 May 1967, over 500 cadets trooped the colours onParliament Hill in honour of thecentennial of theConfederation of Canada, with the troops being reviewed by theGovernor General.[17]
In 1969, RMC became bilingual. In 1979, military colleges open their doors to women with the admission of UTPNCM female officer cadets and post graduate students.
In 1976, RMC celebrated thecentennial of its opening. The Cadet Wing parades onParliament Hill on 1 July in honour of that milestone.
In September 1980, the first 32 female cadets are accepted into first year at RMC.
RMC certificates of graduation, first or second class, were replaced by RMC diplomas of graduation with or without honours. This distinguished RMC graduates from militia holders of drill certificates issued by a school of artillery.
The first annual RMC alumni dinner was held in Ottawa
Hockey game played between students of Queen's University and the Royal Military College of Canada.
1891
The RMC ClubProceedings, the predecessor ofThe Review, theLog of HMS Stone Frigate, theClub Newsletter, and currentVeritas was published
194 LCol Edward Theodore Barclay Gillmore composed ‘The R.M.C. waltzes for piano [music]‘ dedicated to the Gentlemen Cadets of the Royal Military College of Canada, which was published by A. & S. Nordheimer in 1891.
6955 A. John Bailey presented his collection of RMC Waltzes to RMC in 1965
1906
The tradition of theroll call, which continues today in the Old Brigade, began
1915
200 men undertook a seven-day, highly competitive examination for the 53 positions at the Royal Military College in the year following the outbreak of theGreat War. Cadets completed an intensive wartime one-year course.
a Liver Chestnut Mare, named Collie (No. 29) came to the college in 1915, from Depot Squadron of theRoyal Canadian Dragoons; the horse was destroyed and struck off strength as from 27 February 1935; the horses "gave faithful service to their country for twenty years, were seldom sick or sorry, and now are gone."[19]
1918
A white goat named `Nan`, the mascot of thePrincess of Wales' Own Regiment during the Great War, retired to the college stables from 1918 until her death on 22 September 1924, at 12 years of age. She was buried in theCataraqui Cemetery[20]
1919
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales presented RMC with colours.
A bay mare named Deuce (No. 2); a brown mare named Peggy (No. 24); a brown mare named Maggie (No. 25), were transferred to R.M.C., from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, on reorganization of the Permanent Force in 1919, after previous service with that regiment; the horses were destroyed and struck off strength as from 27 February 1935 the horses "gave faithful service to their country for twenty years, were seldom sick or sorry, and now are gone."[19]
1943
The Canadian Amateur Hockey Association declared Kingston, Ontario the birthplace ofice hockey, based on a recorded 1886 game played between students of Queen's University and the Royal Military College of Canada.
1947
Emily Warren's two large canvasses 6′6″ x 11′6″, entitled "Canada's Tribute," which were initially hung in the Parliament Buildings are hung in the Sir ArthurCurrie Hall at RMC.
The RMC Club commemorated the fallen from the Second World War on two bronze plaques located on the flankingplinths of the Arch. Names of cadets lost in Korea, through peacekeeping and other operations were added as required.
1950
The Old Brigade, alumni celebrating 50 + years since they entered one of the military colleges, are inducted. At the time, RMC was the only military college with a four-year course, the course was 15 percent military content. He devised a new system of organization at RMC consisting of a vice-commandant as director of studies, to coordinate the military and academic training at RMC and to represent RMC at the National Conference of Canadian Universities as the equivalent of a vce-principal. The commandant personally commanded the cadet battalion. A staff-adjutant issued the routine orders.
1952
The RMC MkIsubmarine, which was 20 feet long with a 6-foot beam, and weighed 7200 pounds, was launched. In 2000 divers found the sub, which had been sunk in Navy Bay.[21]
1953
The RMCBand was founded. It includes the pipes and drums section, the brass and reed section, thechoir, and aScottish highland dance troupe.
1964
In March 1964, while viewing the College Flag atop Mackenzie Building, Col the Hon.George F.G. Stanley, then Dean of Arts RMC, first suggested to Col. the Hon. J.R. Matheson, then MP for Leeds, that the RMC College Flag should form the basis of theCanadian flag. The two collaborated on a design which was ultimately approved by Parliament and by Royal Proclamation adopted as the National Flag of Canada as of 15 February 1965.[22]
1966
The HMC Foundation of Canada[23] – a registered Canadian charity – was founded as an alumnicharitable organization to performfundraising in support of RMC.
1976
RMC graduates its largest class to date (200 cadets).
Commemorative CentennialCanada Post stamps designed by Don McIver depict a Wing Parade in front of the Mackenzie Building and a Colour Party with theMemorial Arch in the background[24][25]
Commemorative CentennialFranklin Mint Canada Ltd. silver coins depict a Gentleman Cadet holding a sword; the college's coat of arms with its motto "Truth, Duty, Valour"; the Memorial Arch erected in 1923 in memory of the Gentlemen Cadets who died in action in World War I; and Fort Frederick Tower, built in the mid-19th century, which houses the RMC Museum.[26]
490 BrigadierF. H. Maynard (RMC 1901) unveiled the RMC Club's centennial gift, the statue Truth Duty Valour (1976) byWilliam McElcheran now known as ‘Brucie.’ Maynard had served in France,Mesopotamia and India.
RMC has operatedSLOWPOKE reactor research facility (nominal reactor power of 20 kW) inKingston, Ontario since 1985. A Neutron Beam Tube (NBT) was added in February 1999 to the SLOWPOKE-2 facility for radioscopy and tomography operations (2-dimensional and 3-dimensional non-destructive imaging techniques). RMC's non-power reactor operating licence was renewed and will be valid from 1 July 2013, until 30 June 2023.[27]
1990
In June 1991, theRegimental Colour of The Royal Military College of Canada was approved. Vol. IV, p. 181.[28]
1993
A special convocation was held to award degrees to all who graduated from RMC before it could grant degrees. 1800 SenatorHartland Molson (RMC 1924) was in attendance.[29]
1997
RMC Board of Governors, which provides advice and recommendations to the Minister of National Defence concerning all matters related to RMC, was established.
1998
Report of the RMC Board of Governors by the Withers' Study Group – Balanced Excellence Leading Canada's Armed Forces In The New Millenium was submitted
Ministerial Approval to admit Civilian Students to RMC Postgraduate studies in War Studies, Science and Engineering 11 August 1998
2000
Canadian Defence Academy (CDA), which oversees RMC, was established
Ministerial Approval to Admit Civilian Students to the RMC Continuing Studies Program, 6 October 2000
2001
To commemorate the 125th anniversary of the founding of RMC, the RMC Foundation refurbished theMemorial Arch and theRoyal Canadian Mint issued a 5-cent coin.
TheCanadian War Museum exhibition "Truth, Duty, Valour: The Royal Military College of Canada, 1876–2000" celebrates the institution's 125th anniversary.[30]
For every 2.5 undergraduate degrees, RMC now produces one graduate degree. The average civilian faculty member at RMC currently attracts over $121,000 annually in extramural research funding.
2008
The RMC launches the Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year (ALOY)
2010
Ministerial approval to allow RMCC to admit foreign military officers to its academic programs in order to complete one-year program combining academic studies and military training as part of the Junior Officer Training and Education Short Program 2010
31 paintings ofCanadian war memorials by F.A. (Tex) Dawson were unveiled outsideCurrie Hall in the Mackenzie Building on 7 April 2010.
2012
The RMC launches its first Multicultural Day, promoting the culture and traditions of theRepublic of Korea (ROK).
Owing to Federal Government budget cuts, approximately 40 – 50 Faculty and support staff positions will disappear at RMC & RMC St Jean between 2012 and 2015.
2013–14
Ministerial approval to allow RMCC to admit civilian students underProject Hero, a scholarship program for the children of Canadian Forces personnel killed while on active military duty.
Ministerial approval to allow RMCC to admit (up to 15) foreign military officers in its academic programs in order to complete undergraduate degree as part of the Junior Officer Training and Education Long Program 2013
For most students under the ROTP (Regular Officer Training Plan), education is free and a monthlysalary is paid which meets incidentals. The courses are offered both on site and bydistance learning in bothofficial languages: English and French. After graduation, Officers are to serve two months of obligatory service for each subsidized month of education.[34]
RMC offers 19 undergraduate programs[35] in Social Sciences and Humanities, Science and Engineering.RMC offers 34 graduate studies[36] opportunities, including 14 doctorates. In addition to the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Engineering, andScience, the Division of Continuing Studies offers undergraduate and graduate level programs including the "Officer Professional Military Education" program (OPME). The Department of AppliedMilitary Science (AMS) offers a graduate level program – the Army Technical Staff Officer Programme (formerly Land Force Technical Staff Program (LFTSP)) and an undergraduate/community college level program – the Army Technical Warrant Officer Programme.[37]
The research at RMC focusses on areas of direct and indirect benefit to the Department of National Defence; More than 90 percent of the research at RMC is defence-related. RMC conducts both academic and contracted research on electrical and computer engineering, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering and environmental engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, international security, governance and the economics of defence; some research involves the Institute for the Environment as well as nuclear research. Both members of the Canadian Forces and civilian students are eligible for admission to the master's and doctoral programs; Funding has been put in place to support both military and civilian students.[57]
The Royal Language Centre of Canada teaches cadets how to communicate in both of Canada's official languages, English and French. The program begins with 4 placement tests. Students are placed into small classes and undergo 6 periods of instruction per week during regular school hours.
Founded in September 1999, the Canadian Forces Leadership Institute (CFLI) at RMC teaches the philosophy of leadership and command. The Institute plays a role in the development of all Canadian Forces officers and Non Commissioned Members.
The CFLI is a centre for multi-disciplinary research, analysis and lessons learned on leadership and professionalism in the armed forces and civil society. The institute's civilian and military faculty in thesocial sciences andhumanities ensure that academic theories, models and concepts guide military doctrine and reforms and share Canadian military concepts, policies and programs with the academic community, other government departments and foreign counterparts.[59]
Established in 1975, the mission is to conduct research in matters of national and international security and other aspects of international relations. The centre has strong links with the RMC.[60]
The mission is to create an environment to promote active space research programs and thereby provide support for Space Science and other space-related degree programs and activities.[61]
Canadian Forces Management Development School (CFMDS)
Centre for Manufacturing of Advanced Ceramics and Nanomaterials at Queens and RMC
The mission is to support and promote research and education in the field of advanced materials and manufacturing at Queen's University and at RMC[62]
Fuel Cell Research Centre at Queens and RMC
GeoEngineering Centre at Queens and RMC
The mission is to advance the knowledge base for addressing the key technology challenges to the commercialisation of fuel cell applications.[63]
Founded in 2001, the GeoEngineering Centre at Queens and the RMC mission is to innovate and advance knowledge ingeotechnical,geohydrological,geochemical,geomechanical andgeosynthetics engineering. The centre has been housed on the first floor of Ellis Hall at Queen's University since July 2004.[64]
Institute for Defence Resources Management at the RMC
Led by Queen's University, the HPCVL mission is to provide supercomputer power to a number of universities in eastern Ontario: Queen's University, RMC, theUniversity of Ottawa andCarleton University.[65] Researchers are provided with the computational power needed to solve increasingly complex problems.[66]
The mission is to make available the most recent and relevant research results from the study of defence economics to Canadian defence policy analysis and decision-making.[67]
Defence and Security Research Institute (DSRI) at RMC
Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) at Queens and RMC
The Defence and Security Research Institute (DSRI) was created on 13 June 2008, at RMC. The DSRI is a defence and security centre within both the academic and defence and security science research communities. The Research Areas of Pursuit are: communications, energy, environment, materials, and security policy.[68]
Centre for Security, Armed Forces and Society (CSAFS) at RMC
2The CSAFS was founded in 2006 as a think tank with offices in the Department of Politics and Economics. Political and strategic research is delivered to clients such as theCEFCOM, J2, J3 andDRDC with deliverables ranging from publication, presentations and symposiums, to briefing notes, round table discussions and conferences.
TheMilitary Law Centre on the grounds of RMC, staffed with 12 military lawyers, oversees the education of officers and troops in legal matters ranging from the Forces' owncode of conduct to thelaws of war. It trains military lawyers and advises Ottawa on matters ofpolicy anddoctrine. The centre integrateslegal education into the regular training that Forces members undergo and establishes its growing importance within the military hierarchy.[70]Selected RMC Canada cadets participate in Law of Armed Conflict international Competitions each fall with cadets fromUSAFA,USMA,USNA, andUSCGA. Each year, RMC cadets are selected to participate in a competition on theLaw of Armed Conflict at the International Institute ofHumanitarian Law inSanremo, Italy.
The RMC Centre for Security, Armed Forces and Society (CSAS-CESFAS) provides a focus for research conducted within the Faculty of Arts and facilitates communication between the Department of National Defence, other research institutions, scholars and Canadian civil society.
In the Department of Applied Military Science (AMS), RMC pursues:
the Land Force Technical Staff Programme (captains &majors);
The Diploma in Military Arts and Sciences (DMASc) provides non-commissioned members (NCMs) of theCanadian Forces an online program made possible by a partnership between OntarioLearn, the RMC, and the Canadian Defence Academy. Under RMC and community college articulation agreements, all graduates of this diploma program who apply to the RMC will be admitted into the Bachelor of Military Arts and Sciences degree program with advanced standing.[73]
The college is an active member of theUniversity of the Arctic.[74] UArctic is an international cooperative network based in the Circumpolar Arctic region, consisting of more than 200 universities, colleges, and other organizations with an interest in promoting education and research in the Arctic region.[75]
TheRegular Officer Training Plan (ROTP) is a conditional scholarship offered to selected applicants. In addition to a university education, officer cadets receive military training, occupation training and second language training and a career after graduation. The full-time salary includes full dental care, as well as vacation with full pay. Upon successful completion of ROTP, officer cadets are awarded a university degree and granted commissions as officers in the Canadian Forces. Normally, graduates serve at least five years with theCanadian Forces. The application deadline to ROTP is in January for Basic Officer Training in July and admission the following September.[citation needed]
Typically, successful applicants enter the Canadian Military College (CMC) System as an officer cadet, where they receive an education that balances academics,leadership, bilingualism andathletics. If the choice of program is not offered, such asNursing,Physiotherapy andPharmacy, or the candidate wishes to attend another university, successful applicants are eligible to apply to any Canadian university where books, lab fees and student fees are covered, and students receive a monthly salary under the Civilian University ROTP.[citation needed]
TheReserve Entry Training Plan, discontinued in 2017, was an education that was the same as the ROTP but was paid for by the student (not a scholarship). The students also did not draw a salary; however, they were not obligated to five years of service after completion. Reserve Entry cadets were, however, paid considerably more than the regular ROTP officer cadet salary during their summer training months. They were also entitled to this pay if they attend "duty/varsity" away trips (For example, an away game of women's soccer).
UTPNCM:University Training Plan – Non Commissioned Members fornon-commissioned members of the Canadian Forces to earn a degree and then serve as officers.
Since an application to ROTP is also an application to the Canadian Military College System, all candidates are assessed against anaptitude test, amedical examination, and aninterview.
Military potential is an assessment of aptitudes,personality traits, and the choice ofoccupation. Academic performance is rated based on a student's transcript. Unlike many universities, since a complete transcript is submitted to the selection board, grade 9-11 marks are heavily weighted in a student's application with consideration given to grade 12 (or the final year's) marks. Officer cadets are obliged to maintain satisfactory academic and military performance throughout the programme.
RMC started agraduate studies program in 1965. The Division of Continuing Studies was established in 1997.[77]
The mandate of the RMC Division ofContinuing Studies is to make university education available to all members of theCanadian Forces, spouses and DND civilian employees.Canadian Forces and other professional training is recognized for credit towards undergraduate or advanced degrees.
Unique degree programs, specially tailored for CF members, include:
Tuition fees (2022–23) at the undergraduate level vary from $3,020 – $4,140 per term for Canadian undergraduate students and $2,670 – $2,980 per term for Canadian Graduate students. The tuition fees for international students vary from $7,410 – $7,690 per term for graduate students. The lower tuition amounts are for the arts and sciences programs, while the higher amounts are for the engineering programs.[79]
Because of commitments of military service following graduation, education is free for most on-campus undergraduates; these Officer Cadets also receive an additional monthly salary. Funding has been put in place to support civilian students, who are eligible for admission to the master's and doctoral programs to work alongside graduate students who are members of the Canadian Armed Forces.[34]
Cadets wear a variety of uniforms depending on the occasion and their environment: ceremonial dress (semi ceremonial); full dress (formal occasions); outside sports dress; service dress Air Force; service dress Navy; service dress Navy without jacket; Service dress Air Force without jacket; service dress Army without jacket; and combat dress.[80] In winter 2009, Royal Military College officer cadets returned to wearing a distinctive Dress of the Day (DOD) uniform which consists of a white shirt, black sweater/light jacket, as well as black trousers/skirt with a red stripe down the side. The headdress is a black wedge with red piping.[81]Mess dress is worn in the Senior Staff Mess for formal occasions such as mess dinners.
The RMC CadetMess in Yeo Hall has facilities for social and recreational activities. Staff and faculty have access to the Senior Staff Mess.
The Baronial Hall orCurrie Hall, which was designed in 1922 byPercy Erskine Nobbs to honour theCanadian Expeditionary Force inWorld War I play a prominent role in the life of the university. During special events, invited speakers and dignitaries may address the university population or the general public from the Great Hall. Manyconferences held in Kingston, Ontario may book the halls for lectures or presentations.
TheCANEX is a small retail store in Yeo Hall for personal articles, souvenirs, snacks and dry cleaning.
Old Bill & Alphie at Yeo Hall, Royal Military College of Canada
Bill & Alphie's, the on-campus cadet mess in Yeo Hall, is named afterBruce Bairnsfather's Great War cartoon characters.Old Bill & little Alphie, stone carvings based on two World War I cartoon characters by Bruce Bairnsfather, appear at the entrance to RMC's Yeo Hall.
The campus is on the shore of Lake Ontario and has easy access to two lake-front parks, favourite locations for students to relax. The campus is also located approximately 10 minutes' walk from the city's downtown.
Cadets are obligated to perform community service. Every year there is a mandatory class project. The first year class project has cadets conduct an event for the "underprivileged" youth of the city. The second year class project has cadets conduct a food drive for the city's food bank. The third year class project has cadets perform upkeep on the city's many parks. The fourth year class project has the class project leader raise money for a charity through the conduct of a fundraiser which usually takes the form of a baseball tournament.
#1 squadron, stained glass spider,Stone Frigate, Royal Military College of Canada
The undergraduate student body, known as the CadetWing, is sub-divided into 13 (12 ROTP and 1 UTPNCM)squadrons of approximately 80 cadets each. Each squadron is subdivided into threeflights, with each flight further subdivided into threesections. The squadrons are led by senior cadets under the guidance of the squadron commander.[83]
Note: The dates given are for the current organization of the wing and does not include former squadrons or the same squadrons under different names. For example, 1 Squadron was the first squadron at RMC, meaning 1 squadron has existed since the college's founding in 1876, but has only been known as Hudson Squadron since 1948.
In 2007, a former squadron of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, Jolliet Squadron, was stood up at RMC as 13 Squadron. The squadron was named in honour ofLouis Jolliet, with its first-year flight, Good Flight, named afterHerman James Good, aVictoria Cross recipient from the13th Battalion, CEF.
TheMassed Band, consisting of the Brass and Reed,Pipes and Drums, andHighland Dancers, perform at parades, public relation trips and recruit shows. TheBrass and Reed Band is a multi-purpose section, used primarily as a parade march and concert band. ThePipe Section and theDrum Section perform at mess dinners;parades; sporting events; ceremonies (official or squadron); weddings; funerals; public relations; wing events;Christmas Ball (RMC) & Graduation Balls; private events; and holidays. TheHighland Dance Section perform at many of the same functions with the exception of parades and funerals. TheChoir performs theCanadian national anthem; sings at mess dinners; and accompanies the Stage Band on selected pieces including:folk,jazz,traditional music,French music,show tunes,African music andChristmas songs. TheStage Band is versatile, performing dinner music followed bymarches at college mess dinners. TheCheer Band, a subsidiary of the Brass and Reed, performs music for RMC sporting events, such as the Carr-Harris Cup and the Westpoint Weekend.[84]
One of the four components of the Royal Military College of Canada, the Athletic component provides opportunities for officer cadets to participate in physical activities and sports that are mentally demanding to develop their physical capabilities, confidence and leadership.[85] Physical education is meant "to establish a strong foundation of skills and knowledge in physical fitness, sports, and military-related activities through a progressive and diverse physical education program for RMC Officer Cadets" The Vision is "foster a passion for active living and leadership in physical activity." To enhance theirphysical fitness and develop military and athletic skills necessary to lead their troops, Cadets must take physical education classes and play intramural sports every year – for a minimum of four hours per week.
As an RMC cadet, military training begins with Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ) in the summer prior to first year and prior to second year at theCanadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School Saint-Jean. After the completion of BMOQ, those cadets who are not yet bilingual are usually enrolled in a seven-week period of Second Language Training (SLT) at Canadian ForcesLanguage School Detachment Saint-Jean, or may remain in Kingston to study a second official language. The remaining summers are spent doing various other training depending on the specific elements or occupations of each cadet.
First Year Orientation Period, (FYOP) is the most demanding challenge many cadets will face during their time at the college. FYOP takes place during the first month of the academic year following the completion of the first mod ofBMOQ. Prior to the 2015–16 academic year, cadets would attend 2 week program called recruit camp in which cadets would undergo some basic military training before entering the college. With newly hired cadets completing half of theirBMOQ before attending RMC, recruit camp is no longer necessary. FYOP is likeFrosh week at civilian universities, except it lasts four weeks and cadets are placed under extreme stress for nearly the entire duration. FYOP begins with the Arch parade where the entire First Year class is marched onto College grounds by their FYOP staff consisting of Third and Fourth Years.[86]
During the course of FYOP, First Year cadets are required to keep an exceptionally high standard of dress and deportment. They are required to march at all times. Physical Training is conducted, with long runs up neighbouringFort Henry, Ontario hill a frequent occurrence. Inspections of room standards and dress are conducted daily. For the duration of FYOP, First Years are not permitted to leave RMC or receive visitors. Mail and phone calls are allowed but are limited.
The culmination of the FYOP is theobstacle course. The obstacle course lasts over 2 hours and consists of twelve obstacles built by each squadron located around the college grounds. Obstacles such as a 12-foot wall andrope bridge are designed to test teamwork andphysical fitness of First Years. The First Year flights are judged on the time it takes to complete each obstacle. The completion of the obstacle course signals the end of FYOP. Afterwards, First Years are given aparade where they are officially welcomed into RMC and join the Cadet Wing. Cadets are then allowed to see their friends and relatives, and are allowed the freedom to leave college grounds. In previous years, cadets were required to wear their Collegeuniform when leaving the college grounds, but as of 2017 this rule has been modified; cadets can now wear civilian business casual clothes. When attending formal events, the college uniform worn is the number 4s. This form of dress consists of dark blue pants with a red stripe down the side and a dark blue tunic. Badges can be put on both arms once earned. The year is also represented on the lower arms by red ribbon; however, second year is the first to have any red ribbon.
Second year cadets, in RMC's academic mentorship program, are paired with first year cadets as "academic parents" tomentor, guide, and influence them during their study at the college. This program, however, relies entirely on the second year cadet's following through on their due diligence to mentor their "academic children", as there is almost no staff (commissioned officer / non-commissioned member) oversight over the ongoings of either the FYOP or academic mentorship program, outside of general rule-making.
Many of the aspects of the FYOP, including the obstacle course and mentorship program, were developed by the post-war Chesley committee, led by Brigadier Leonard McEwan Chelsey, O.B.E., E.D. The committee made recommendations about the education and training of officer candidates for the postwar active force. In addition, the committee made recommendations about the provision of French-speaking officers and arrangements for promotion from the ranks.[87]
During theGreat Depression in Canada of the 1930s, an unemployment relief camp on Barriefield lower common was set up under the command of the RMC Commandant. Public works projects relied on the labour of the 'Royal Twenty Centres' supplied by the under the Unemployment Relief Commission. The public works projects included rebuilding the dry stone wall and moat of Fort Frederick; the physics building extension, the connection from the Fort Frederick dormitory to the new Yeo mess building, the new wing of the hospital, a new garage, road work, levelling the grounds at RMC for new football fields and a new running track.[93] The cornerstone of Yeo Hall was laid in 1934 by the Earl of Bessborough, HE The Gov Gen. Yeo Hall was opened in 1936.
The Officers' Mess was moved in 1960 to the Senior Staff Mess at which point 'Bill & Alfie's' became a recreational space for Senior Cadets. There were renovations to Fort LaSalle dormitory and Yeo Hall between 1993–1995 to accommodate the closure of the other two colleges. In 1997, there were additions to the Dining Room, and an extension for the kitchen and servery above which is the Cadet Mess at Yeo Hall.[29]
Royal Military College of Canada Currie Building, Building No. 15
designed by Richard Cotsman WrightCollegiate Gothic style. recognized Federal Heritage Building 1996 honours Lieutenant-General SirArthur Currie Kingston ON
engineering building honours 1557 Col WR Sawyer (RMC 1920), Vice Commandant & Director of Studies, RMC 1948–67
Senior Staff Mess (1960–1962)
two large landscape paintings of theRocky Mountains in the lounge have plaques indicating that they were presented by ex-cadets in memory of the times spent with their former drawing instructor,Forshaw Day. One is entitled "On the Bow" whilst the other is untitled.
The Massey Library collection consists of approximately 250,000 books, 1,800 audio-visual items and 1,200periodicals in English and French.[100] The library possesses RMC historical material including cadetphotographs,scrapbooks,collections,diaries, andletters. The major collections follow:
RMC has six dormitories, which are similar to most universities and provide the basic necessities. Organized by squadron, dormitories are co-educational with separate washrooms for men and women. Officer Cadets share a room in first year, and sometimes in succeeding years depending on availability of space, if possible with someone who is proficient in the other official language.
The oldest, theStone Frigate was built in 1819–20 and is a Canadian Heritage Site. The Stone Frigate, known within the college as "The Boat" houses 1 Squadron who in turn call themselves the Stone Frigate Military Academy. The next building built Fort Lasalle holds 7, 8, and 9 squadron while the third building, Fort Haldimand hosts 11 and 12 Squadron. Fort Champlain (1965) accommodates the Cadet Wing Headquarters and 2 and 3 Squadron. Fort Sauve (2001) houses 4, 5, and 6 Squadron and the newest dormitory, Fort Brant (2011) aka "The Greenhouse" houses ALOY and 10 squadron. Fort Brant was called such due to the overheating problems experienced by the massive glass façade which by facing south traps a large amount of solar heat which is then circulated throughout the building.
The nominations for honorary degrees by the Royal Military Colleges can be initiated by different organizations or individuals, including the Royal Military Colleges Club of Canada through any member of the college senate. As with most of Canadian universities, the senate, which in the case of RMC is composed of the Chancellor (Minister of National Defence), the Vice Chancellor (The RMCC Commandant), Principal, Deans, DCadet, Registrar and the Directeur des Etudes duRoyal Military College Saint-Jean, makes the final decision. The Royal Military Colleges Club of Canada (RMCCC) has no responsibility or authority in the process of granting honorary degrees.
The RMCalumni association (RMC Club) was inaugurated in 1885. The RMC Club was incorporated under the Statutes of Ontario in 1898.
The Royal Military Colleges of Canada Foundation is a registered Canadian charity which was incorporated in 1966. As an element of the Canadian Forces, the college is unable to fund a conventional full-time fundraising team in a development office. The foundation, consequently, works at arm's length to assist the college financially. Capital campaigns have included the 2364Leonard Birchall Pavilion (2007), the Memorial Arch Restoration (2001) and the New Library Campaign (2013).[102]
The Royal Military College of Canada launched its Artist-in-Residence program in January 2010 withSteven Heighton, a novelist and poet as the first to hold the post. The third person to hold the position, playwright Dr. Julie Salverson, presented "Drama, Imagination, and RMC" on 3 April 2012 in Currie Hall. Dr. Salverson, who has conducted drama workshops with cadets since the early 1990s, helped facilitate a play about RMC, "Shakespeare in Scarlets" in 2012. In 2014, the Artist-in-Residence wasGord Sinclair of The Tragically Hip, who put together a concert on the parade square where cadets, staff, and faculty performed for their peers at an event dubbed Bruciepalooza. BothThe Trews and guitaristRob Baker ofThe Tragically Hip made unexpected guest appearances to perform for the college. Kingston photographer Chris Miner held the position throughout the 2014–15 academic year, culminating in a gallery exhibition of his work along with winning photographs by students, staff, and faculty submitted as part of the Photo Op 2015 photography contest. In the winter term of the 2015–2016 academic year, Canadian novelist and poetHelen Humphreys was the Artist-in-Residence, and held weekly workshops on novel writing and poetry.
RMC cadets once produced the campus newspaper, the Precision, however this does not exist anymore.[103] The alumni association produces Veritas[104] and e-Veritas.[105]
Currently, a campus newspaper called "The Slasher Standard" circulates around RMC producing satirical material.
e.g. Triumphal arch; Trophies, Commemorative and Memorial Trees, Monuments, Plaques, and Others. This includes a list of RMC Traditions and RMC Militaria & Collectibles
In honour of Remembrance Day, 2012 students in Dr Erika Behrisch Elce's first-year English for science and engineering students wrote a sonnet on behalf of one of those connected with Royal Military College of Canada who died doing his or her duty. A printed collection will also soon be available through the College Library for general distribution.[106]
KingGeorge V granted and assigned the Armorial Ensigns for the Royal Military College of Canada in 1920. The description is:
"Per pale Azure and Gules on the Dexter side a Scaling Ladder Argent ensigned by a Mural Crown Or and on the Sinister side two Swords in saltire of the third points upward, on a Chief of the fourth three grenades of the first fired proper, an Inescutcheon charged with the Union Badge and for the Crest on a Wreath of the Colours An Arm in armour embowed gauntletted and holding a Sprig of three Maple Leaves and ensigned by the Imperial Crown all proper, as the same are in the painting hereunto annexed more plainly depicted to be borne by our said Royal Military College of Canada on Seals, Shields, Banners, Flags or otherwise according to the Laws of Arms."[107]
The first college Commandant, Lieut. Colonel Hewett, made the first public announcement of the college motto and ‘device’ (badge) during a prize presentation held at the Kingston Military College on 11 February 1878. "I now have to tell you Gentlemen Cadets, that a device and motto has been selected for the Military College. The device, a mailed arm bearing a maple leaf; symbolical of the position you, as the future officers of Canada, should hold towards your country as represented by the maple leaf. The motto, "Truth, Duty, and Valour,"- three simple words in plain English -that all who run may read."[108]
These words by Professor Robert Carr Harris, RMC's first Professor of Engineering, were recalled when his son No. 1118 Major G. G. M. Carr-Harris unveiled a plaque in the entrance to the Currie Building in 1964 to the memory of his father "Engineering, leads a man among actions, thoughts, and associations which are useful and honourable, and a life so spent will leave its mark upon anyone's character." The Harris memorial plaque is alongside one commemorating the first Commandant MajorEdward Osborne Hewett who chose the college motto, "Truth, Duty, Valour". The Hewett plaque is alongside one commemorating the first Staff Adjutant Major Raymond N.R. Reade, a British officer sent to the RMC from London in 1901, who authorized construction of a gymnasium, a hospital, an electrical plant, and a permanent accommodation for the staff-adjutant and his family.[109]
The RMCmarch,Precision was composed by Madame Denise Chabot,[110] the wife of an RMC staff member, Major C.A. Chabot.[111] She was inspired by the sound of the cadets marching past married quarters. The march starts, "We are the gentlemen cadets of RMC. We have sworn to love and serve Her Majesty…"[112]
Leo the Royal Cadet, Grand Theatre, Kingston 3–5 Jun 1915Royal Military College Club of Canada's centennial gift Truth Duty Valour (1976), the cadet statue byWilliam McElcheran now known as 'Brucie'
The Royal Military College's central place in Canadian military circles has made it the setting for novels, plays, films and other cultural works:
Can You Tell Me The Reason Why? (1894) a song about life at the Royal Military College of Canada, was written by A.H.N. Kennedy (1888) & B.H.O. Armstrong (1889)[115]
The R.M.C. march & two step for piano dedicated to the Cadets of the Royal Military College, Kingston by Jessie Campbell Taylor published by the National Litho. Co., c. 1900 inToronto.[116]
"Precision" (1933) film by The Associated Screen News Ltd. is "A sample look at discipline at the Royal Military College. The emphasis is on precision gymnastics displays, ceremonial battalion marches in full uniform, and the changing of the sentry demonstrated by gentlemen cadets of the College. Seen is the exterior of the RMC buildings (the Stone Frigate)."[117]
InJetstream, a 2007 television series airing on Discovery Canada about pilots training to fly the CF-18 Hornet in the Canadian Forces, seven of the eight pilots are graduates of the RMC.
Timothy Findley's fictional character Robert Ross in his World War I novel ‘the Wars’ (Penguin Canada 2005) studied military law and trajectory mathematics at the Royal Military College of Canada. His novel won the Governor General's Award for fiction and was adapted into a play. In 1985, Timothy Findley was appointed an Officer of theOrder of Canada.
"Till we meet again", is amusical set inMontreal, Quebec during World War II. Each act features an interview with an ex Royal Military College of Canada cadet who is a Canadian army officer: afterDunkirk, afterDieppe and afterJuno Beach.
Sara Jeanette Duncan's "Cousin Cinderella: A Canadian Girl in London" by Macmillan in New York and Methuen in London (1908) features Graham, a Royal Military College of Canada graduate, and his sister Mary Trent. Graham and Mary's father, Senator Trent has earned a fortune in the family lumber business. After serving in South Africa and entering the family lumber business Graham Trent travels with his sister Mary from Minnebiac, a fictional small town in Ontario to England. There, Graham Trent becomes engaged to Barbara Pavisay, a member of a proud old English family whose line extends back to the Tudors. When Barbara Pavisay breaks off the engagement to Graham, his sister Mary becomes engaged to Barbara's brother Lord Pavisay. It is assumed that Graham Trent will return to Canada, continue in the family business and be elected to Parliament. Sara Jeanette Duncan's "A Voyage of Consolation" is a sequel to "Cousin Cinderella: A Canadian Girl in London."[118]
Dr. David Clark's Canadian Army Trilogy–The Ridge (1994),Lamone (2001), andLucifer's Gate (2002)–outlines the stories of two generations of the Warwick family and the Canadian Army inWorld War I. InLucifer's Gate, Captain James Niles, a Royal Military College graduate, is posted temporarily to a recruit training battalion. He is a professional officer, all spit and polish, everything by the King's Regulations. After ordering a crowd to disperse, Niles accepts thanks from German proprietors of a tailor shop, Hans and Analise Holzhauer, and falls for their daughter, Rosamund. The lovely Rosamund is unfortunately an unsuitable match since they are worlds apart in social position. Niles, who is practically engaged to the Colonel's daughter, Roselyn, comes to realize, while serving under GeneralArthur Currie in France, that Roselyn never has a serious thought, caring only abouttennis and garden parties.
^abCanadian Defence Academy Planning Directive FY 06/07 – FY09/10
^Richard Preston 'Canada's RMC: A History of the Royal Military College of Canada' published by the RMC Club by U of Toronto Press.
^"An Act to Establish a Military College" was reproduced in full in Canada's RMC, Preston pp. 387–388.About RMCArchived 9 December 2006 at theWayback Machine
^Don McIver Design www.donmciverdesign.com."Commemorative Stamps". Westvan60.com. Archived fromthe original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved22 February 2011.
^Richard Preston "Canada's RMC: A History of the Royal Military College" 1969
^"Educational Block, Royal Military College, Kingston".13 (1). Kingston: Construction (Toronto). January 1920:6–8.{{cite journal}}:Cite journal requires|journal= (help)
^5498 Mr. Garth M. LeFresne (RMC 1962) 'The Royal Twenty Centres: The Department of National Defense and Federal Unemployment Relief: 1932–1936' an unpublished B.A. Thesis from the Royal Military College, Kingston, 1962 which looks at the relief camps from the point of view of military efficiency.
Mayor George N. SpealThe Freedom of the City of Kingston for the Royal Military College of Canada Publication of the Kingston Historical Society. Vol. 25. 1977.
Books
Walter S. Avis: "Essays and articles selected from a quarter century of scholarship at the Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston" (Occasional papers of the Department of English, R.M.C.) 1978.
Thomas Leigh Brock (RMC 1930) "Fight the good fight: Looking in on the recruit class at the Royal Military College of Canada during a week in February 1931" (private printing), Victoria, 1964.
Thomas Leigh Brock (RMC 1930) "The R.M.C. Vintage Class of 1934" (private printing, Victoria, 1983)
Peter J.S. Dunnett "Royal Roads Military College 1940–1990, A Pictorial Retrospective" (Royal Roads Military College, Victoria, BC 1990)
Dr. Allan D. English (RMC 1971), Ed "The Changing Face of War" written by military professionals engaged in war studies at Royal Military College of Canada McGill Queens Univ Press
John-James Ford, (RMC 1995) wroteBonk on the head, a novel that describes a fictional officer-cadet's life at RMC
Major (Ret) Mitchell Kryzanowski (RMC 1965), wrote Currie Hall: Memorial to the Canadian Corps (Kingston: Hewson and White, 1989), a description of the decoration of Currie Hall
Major (Ret) William WJ Oliver, and S134 Mrs Rolande Oliver, "RMC Hockey History Digest" Eds. Red & White Books, Kingston, 2003
Dr. Adrian Preston & Peter Dennis (Edited) "Swords and Covenants: essays in honour of the centennial of the Royal Military College of Canada 1876–1976" Rowman And Littlefield, London. Croom Helm. 1976. ’
Dr. Richard Arthur Preston "Canada's RMC – A History of Royal Military College" Second Edition 1982
Dr. Richard Preston "R.M.C. and Kingston: The effect of imperial and military influences on a Canadian community" 1968.
R. Guy C. Smith (editor) "As You Were! Ex-Cadets Remember". In 2 Volumes. Volume I: 1876–1918. Volume II: 1919–1984. Royal Military College. [Kingston]. The R.M.C. Club of Canada. 1984.
Alfred George Godfrey Würtele "Not In Cooke. – Account of a tour by the first graduating class of the Royal Military College", Kingston, 1880.
Ernest F. Würtele Royal Military College Club of Canada. Reference book containing information respecting the graduates, ex-cadets and gentleman cadets of the Royal Military College of Canada: Privately printed, 1892. Reproduced in microform CIHM microfiche no. 14751.
"To Serve Canada: A History of the Royal Military College since the Second World War", Ottawa,University of Ottawa Press, 1991.
Toivo Roht, (CMR RMC 1960) "Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean, Royal Roads Military College and Royal Military College 1955–2006" 2007
Yves Tremblay "L'education et les militaires canadiens" Outremont, Quebec Athena Editions, 2002.
"RMC Cadet Handbook" Kingston, ON: RMC, 2004
"Royal Military College of Canada: The Canadian Services Colleges" 1962
"The Royal Military College of Canada 1876 to 1919"
"A university with a difference: Royal Military College of Canada" Ottawa: Canada Department of National Defence, 1994.
"The Story of the Class of 1927 Since Graduation" (Kingston, Ontario Royal Military College of Canada 1952)
The Royal Military College of Canada: A University with a difference video written and directed by Raymond Charette; produced by Carleton Productions Inc. for the Department of National Defence Canada. Dept. of National Defence: 1989. The video provides insight to life at the three military colleges – The Royal Military College of Canada, Royal Roads Military College and "le College militaire royal de Saint-Jean" NBD24988670
A video representation of ROC '91 Royal Military College of Canada by RMC Video Productions was directed by Douglas Campbell and written by Bill Travis. This video provides insight as recruits are followed while they attend ROC'91 (recruit orientation camp of 1991) at the Royal Military College of Canada. The video includes dialogue in English and French. NBD24988090
_(1887).jpg)
.svg)
