Canadian Army Podcast

The battlefield is saturated with explosives—from factory‑made munitions and improvised bombs to drones delivering lethal payloads. At the same time, unexploded ordnance from past wars may still lie hidden beneath the ground. Neutralizing these threats is essential to keeping troops moving and civilians safe. This is where Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operators like Master Warrant Officer Marty Gra...

Ever wonder how the infantry is structured and fights on the battlefield? Lieutenant-Colonel Cullen Downey from The Royal Canadian Regiment breaks down everything from the fire team to a battalion, exploring leadership, tactics, and specializations. A must‑listen for anyone curious about the soldiers at the pointy end of the spear. Feel free to contact Captain Adam Orton with any comments or quest...

Lieutenant-General Michael Wright says the Army we have is not the Army we need – and that is about to change. To kick off season 7, the Army Commander outlines an ambitious modernization agenda: a major structural realignment, new weapons and capabilities, and new personal kit for soldiers. All this so the Army can evolve beyond "contribution warfare" missions and be ready for large-scale combat...

Troops are notoriously tough on their gear—armoured vehicles, weapons, field equipment, and electronics all take a beating. But have no fear, we have the right people across the country and overseas to get everything back in working order! In this episode, Master Warrant Officer Josh Wolfrom talks about the critical work of the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME). F...

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 o...

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...

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 me...

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...

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...

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 Forc...

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 Co...

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...

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...

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 wit...

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 st...

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 questi...

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 t...

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 Or...

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 ha...

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 s...

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 Forc...

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...

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...

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. **Spoile...

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 info...