Royal Military College Saint-Jean

Royal Military College Saint-Jean
Motto French: Verité, Devoir, Vaillance
Motto in English
 Truth, Duty, Valour
Type Military college
Established 1952
Chancellor Hon. Harjit Sajjan, PC OMM MSM CD MP(ex-officio as Minister of National Defence)
Principal Commandant Simon Bernard (CMR 1993)
Administrative staff
 20
Undergraduates up to 200
Location Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada
45°17′49″N 73°15′09″W / 45.29694°N 73.25250°W / 45.29694; -73.25250Coordinates: 45°17′49″N 73°15′09″W / 45.29694°N 73.25250°W / 45.29694; -73.25250
Campus 80 acres (32 ha), waterfront, situated on the west bank of the Richelieu River, Fort Saint-Jean (Quebec)
2 year program 'A diploma not like the others' 'Un diploma pas comme les autres'
Affiliations AUCC, IAU, AUFC, COU, CIS, CVU, PPC, UArctic, MAISA, Cégep de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Website http://www.cmrsj-rmcsj.forces.gc.ca

The Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMCSJ), commonly referred to as RMC Saint-Jean (French: Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean), is a Canadian military academy located on the site of Fort Saint-Jean, originally built in 1666, which is now part of the town of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, 40 km south of Montreal. It is the arm of the Canadian Military College system that primarily ensures the smooth transition of selected Cadets from Quebec high schools to university education by providing pre-university (Quebec's separate college-level) programs. The programs are harmonized with those at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC). The four components of achievement are Academics, Leadership, Athletics and Bilingualism. RMC Saint Jean offers a low teacher-student ratio, a physical fitness programme, teaching, and leadership activities. The college has clubs, an intramural sports programme and recreational facilities.

Responsibilities

Program

The logo and flag of the Royal Military College Saint Jean.
Royal Military College Saint-Jean enamel pin

Corresponding to the first two years of college studies in Quebec, preparatory year is a pre-university program of studies. Intended for students who have obtained their high-school certificates in Quebec or the equivalent elsewhere in Canada, the program prepares students to continue their studies at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario.

Military education for Canadian officers is focused on the four components unique to the military colleges: military training, physical fitness, bilingualism and academic excellence. [2]

About 200 students per year receive training at RMC Saint-Jean in a two-year, general military, college diploma program:

The RMC Saint-Jean allows Quebecers who have already completed a year at certain colleges to switch into the first year at RMC Saint-Jean. RMC Saint-Jean offers courses in French to the French-speaking cadets and in English to the English-speaking cadets.[3]

Although the college does not offer university-level courses as it did before 1995, credits can be applied to programs at RMC or other universities. So that students can move seamlessly from one to the other, the academic programs at the two institutions are harmonized. At the end of the first or preparatory year, students who opt for the “General” program (science, arts, business) stay on at CMR for another year. Students studying engineering go to Kingston, Ontario into the first year at RMC.[3]

The preparatory year ("prep year") cadets acquire the necessary academic standard needed to attend RMC. Although the program is intended mainly for students from Quebec, the preparatory year is open to students from Canada who need to upgrade their studies before beginning university courses. The academic function of CMR is to educate its cadets up to the second year of a college degree. The remaining studies are to be completed at the RMC in Kingston.

Divided into two semesters, the academic year is composed of 75 teaching days and a final examination period, followed by a supplemental examination period.

In preparation for continued university studies at RMC, students select either the Social Sciences programme (for students pursuing degree in Arts) or the Science programme (for students pursuing a degree in Engineering or Science). Each programme is offered in both official languages. The two programmes share core courses: four in literature; three in philosophy; two in Second Language Studies; three in physical education. These core courses are supplemented with courses specific to each programme.

Academics

Faculty of Science [4] Faculty of Social Sciences [4]

The preparatory year students register in either the social sciences or science program. The programs are offered in both official languages. The social sciences program features courses in sociology, history, political science, mathematics, computer science, chemistry and physics. The sciences program includes courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and history. The core courses in both programs include: literature, humanities, second language, and physical education.

The mandate of the preparatory year is to develop in its students good work habits, academic diligence, critical facility, and team spirit.[5]

Uniforms

Royal Military College Saint-Jean uniforms

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.[6]

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.[7]

Mess dress is worn in the Senior Staff Mess for formal occasions such as mess dinners.

Proficiency badges

Royal Military College Saint-Jean badges 2011

The gold thread crossed pistols are awarded as a military badge for marksmanship when marksman levels are achieved for the pistol; a crown is awarded in May to the top score in the College. The gold thread crossed rifles are awarded as a military badge for marksmanship when marksman levels are achieved with a rifle; a crown is awarded in May to the top score in the College. The gold thread cross swords in a laurel wreath military proficiency badge is awarded if the following conditions have been met by the student: a mark of at least B in military assessment; positive leadership qualities in the summer training report; an academic average of at least 70%; a mark of at least B in physical training; a satisfactory mark in the bilingualism profile; A crown is awarded to the top Cadet having received this award, by year. All students are awarded at least a blue star for a start at bilingualism. As they achieve proficiency, they receive a silver or gold star. An academic distinction badge is awarded to a student with an academic average of at least 80% at the end of the year. The crossed bats are physical fitness badges are awarded upon reaching a certain number of points on the regular physical fitness test.

As cadets learn and demonstrate leadership skills, they are appointed to different positions. Since all cadets are technically officer-cadets in the Canadian Forces, "Bars" distinguish differences in rank and responsibility. The number of bars increases from 0 to 5 as students are promoted. There are five no-bar positions and 152 bar positions.[6]

Awards

Awards are granted to outstanding cadets:

Award Description Honours
John Matheson Memorial Sword Preparatory Year cadet who achieved the highest results in all four components of the College’s program, namely Academics, Leadership, Athletics and Bilingualism. H17417 John Matheson (Royal Military College of Canada 1936)
Ex-Cadets Trophy First Year cadet who achieved the highest results in all four components of the College’s program, namely Academics, Leadership, Athletics and Bilingualism. Royal Military Colleges ex-cadet club

Centres

CFMDS

Founded in 1966, the mission of the Canadian Forces Management Development School (CFMDS) is to apply management and leadership training and consultation to the defence team. The CFMDS is housed at the RMC Saint-Jean.[8]

NCMPDC

The Non-Commissioned Members Professional Development Centre (NCMPDC) was created on 1 April 2003 and is located at Campus St-Jean. The courses that are offered at the centre are the Intermediate Leadership Qualification (ILQ), the Advanced Leadership Qualification (ALQ) and finally the CPO1/CWO Chief Qualification (CQ). All courses include both distance learning and a residential portion. The distance learning portion lasts 9 or 10 weeks depending on the course and allows the candidates to remain with their respective units. These courses also prepare the candidates for the residential portion which last three weeks and takes place on the RMC Saint-Jean site.[9]

The NCMPDC courses were created as a result of the NCM Corps 2020, which is the strategic guidance for the professional development of the Canadian Forces Non-Commissioned Members.[10]

More than a thousand members of the Canadian Forces transit through the NCMPDC each year in order to perfect their knowledge and skills following or before their promotion to the ranks of warrant officer (petty officer 1st class), master warrant officer (chief petty officer second class) or chief warrant officer (chief petty officer first class).

The NCMPDC is a unique professional education establishment within the CF. It is the only pan-CF school that is for NCM's taught by NCM's and as of September 2007 commanded by an NCM.

Since May 2009, NCMPDC is under the command of the Canadian Forces College (CFC) in Toronto, which offers a similar professional development curricumlum but for officer from the ranks of major to brigadier-general.

On April 20, 2012, the auditorium at the Non-Commissioned Members Professional Development Centre (NCMPDC) was named after Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard, MSC who was the first Regimental Sergeant Major in the 123-year history of the Royal Canadian Regiment to be killed by enemy action; He was previously stationed in Germany, Kosovo, Bosnia and Afghanistan.[11]

Regular Officer Training Plan

Royal Military College Saint Jean lapel pin

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 the Regular Officer Training Plan (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 the Canadian Forces. The application deadline to ROTP is in January for Basic Officer Training in July and admission the following September.

Typically, successful applicants enter the Canadian Military College (CMC) System as an Officer Cadet, where they receive an education that balances academics, leadership, bilingualism and athletics. If there are more qualified candidates than the CMC System can accommodate or the choice of programme is not offered, such as Nursing, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy, successful applicants would be eligible to apply to any Canadian university where books, laboratory fees, and student fees are covered, and students receive a monthly salary.

Since an application to ROTP is also an application to the Canadian Military College System, all candidates are assessed against an aptitude test, a medical examination, and an interview. Military Potential is an assessment of Aptitudes, Personality Traits, and the choice of occupation. Academic Performance is evaluated, with a candidate's top six most recent marks related to the requirements of the chosen programme. Officer Cadets are obliged to maintain satisfactory academic and military performance throughout the programme.

Squadrons of the Cadet Wing

Tracy Squadron, Royal Military College Saint-Jean

The undergraduate student body, known as the Cadet Wing, is sub-divided into three smaller groupings called Squadrons, under the guidance and supervision of senior cadets.[12] The squadrons are currently named in honour of local communities. Squadrons are subdivided into flights and sections.

Squadron # Name
1 Richelieu
2 Iberville
3 Tracy

In the 1960s, the three squadrons were named Cartier, Maisonneuve and Champlain in honour of historical figures.

Routine

Chair, Royal Military College Saint-Jean logo

When they arrive at the Officer Cadets Division, the officer-cadets have already chosen their service. They are soon separated into three squadrons (Richelieu, Iberville or Tracy).

The preuniversity programme features modern, diversified teaching methods: workshops, introduction to research methods, laboratories, group projects, oral and multimedia presentations. The staff provide academic support in the form of workshops, tutorials, and supplementary courses.

The cadets live in the Cartier Building or the Champlain Building and eat in the Dextraze Pavilion (completed in 1993). The cadets can not leave the campus except on weekends, however some weekends are used for military training.

During the week, the daily routine consists of inspection, running, breakfast, classes, sports, and studies. The officer-cadets attend academic classes and undergo military training. The military training is in the form of drill, cartography, compass use and two major field exercises each year. The cadets can take roles as cadet squadron leader, deputy cadet squadron leader, cadet flight leader and section commander. Outside classes, bilingualism is promoted by French / English weeks.

On the weekend, with the exception of military training, the students are largely free.

History

Royal Military College Saint-Jean main entrance

In Fall 2007, the federal government reopened the military college at Saint-Jean. The military college was slated for closure in 1995. On July 9, 1994, the federal and provincial governments agreed to maintain it as a non degree-granting college.[13]

The reopening of RMC Saint-Jean in 2007 greatly differs from the original college which opened in 1952 and from the RMC of Canada located in Kingston. The new RMC Saint-Jean encompasses the Canadian Forces Management and Development School, one of the oldest CF training establishments in the country. It is also the home to the Non-Commissioned Member Professional Development Centre, which develops the prospective future senior leaders of the Canadian Forces NCM Corps.

Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, inaugurated the Royal Military College Saint-Jean on May 24, 2008, and she presented the new college coat of arms to the Commandant, Colonel Francois Pion.[2]

The Commandant of Royal Military College Saint-Jean reports to the Commander, Canadian Defence Academy (CDA). RMC Saint-Jean also has its own board of governors. Cadets at RMC Saint-Jean are issued scarlet uniforms. The first-year program at RMC Saint-Jean is freeing up beds at RMC allowing more Regular Officer Training Program (ROTP) cadets to attend RMC rather than civilian universities.[3]

Year Significance
1926

Fort Saint-Jean plaque (Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada 1926) Constructed in 1743 by M. de Léry under orders from Governor la Galissonnière. This post was for all the military expeditions towards Lake Champlain. On August 31, 1760, Commandant de Roquemaure had it blown up in accordance with orders from the Governor de Vaudreuil in order to prevent its falling into the hands of the English. Rebuilt by Governor Carleton, in 1773. During the same year, under the command of Major Charles Preston of the 26th Regiment, it withstood a 45-day siege by the American troops commanded by General Montgomery.
1926/replaced 1980

Fort Saint-Jean plaque (Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada 1926, replaced 1980)

  • "As a result of the Iroquois wars a first fort was erected at St-Jean by the French in 1666. In 1748 a second fort was built to protect the French colony against British military expeditions aming up the Richelieu. Later on, as a result of the American Revolution two redoubts were built to protect the now English colony against an Americain invasion. Following the 1837 uprising a new military complex was built on the site of its predecessors. It is this complex which as served since 1952 as the core of the new Collège militaire royal de St-Jean."
1948
  • In the post-war re-organization of the Canadian Forces, the Canadian Military Colleges Circle (CMC) was formed with RMC, Royal Roads Military College (RRMC) and Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean(CMR) (now known as RMC Saint-Jean)
1950
  • The Old Brigade, alumni celebrating 50 or more years since they entered one of the military colleges, are inducted.
1952
1968
  • Pavillon Lahaie was built, featuring laboratory, library and office space
1971
  • CMR established a formal partnership with the Université de Sherbrooke, after which CMR cadets were able to obtain a bachelor's degree without leaving Saint-Jean.
1973
  • The CMR March (music), "La marche du Richelieu" composed by Madame Denise Chabot (wife of head of French department LCol C.A. Chabot) in 1954 became the official college march.[14] "La Gaillarde" is the slow march.
  • To honour the academic staff of Canadian Military Colleges, the bands play “March of the Peers: from Iolanthe” (1881) words Sir William S. Gilbert, music Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan (1842-1900), arrangement Bryceson Treharne which opens with a fanfare leading to a swaggering march from Sullivan’s ‘Iolanthe’.[15]
1974
  • Col (Ret'd) André D. Gauthier OMM, CD, then Vice-Commandant and Director of Cadets 1973-1975 presented "CADET" (1974), an 18-inch statuette of an Officer Cadet to CMR, which is currently displayed in the Commandant's Office. The (then) Cadet Wing Commander, 10055 OCdt Pierre Trahan (CMR 1974) served as the model 'at attention' and in the moment of drawing his sword to bring it to a full salute as on a ceremonial parade ground.
1 October 1977
1977-1991
  • 15th Anniversary celebrations 8 October 1977.
  • Plaque presented to Collège Militaire Royal de Saint-Jean by the RMC Club 8 Oct 1977
1983-4
  • 1st Terry-Fox run in Saint-Jean 1983; 2,000 runners attended the 2nd race held Sun 9 Sept 1984
1984
  • Honour Guard of 114 cadets at the depart of Pope Jean-Paul II 20 September 1984
  • Saturday May 12, 1984, the band performed at the CMR graduation for the first time
1985
1988
1992
  • The College is granted the Freedom of the City
1994/1994
  • Col (Ret'd) André D. Gauthier OMM, CD, then Vice-Commandant and Director of Cadets 1973-1975 loaned 30+ military-themed statuettes and bas reliefs, which were displayed at the Cadet Mess at CMR until the College's closure. These works now form part of the 70+ Gauthier Collection on display at the Royal Military College of Canada.
1995
  • The College is granted the Freedom of the City
  • Following the end of the Cold War and massive government cutbacks on defence spending, the Department of National Defence closed Royal Roads Military College (RRMC) and Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean (CMR).
  • RRMC is no longer a military institution, and is now maintained by the Government of British Columbia as Royal Roads University.
  • The loss of CMR and RRMC along with their many traditions and history as military colleges still remains a bitter event for many cadets and alumni.[16]
2007
  • The reopening of CMR was discussed during the Debates of the Senate (Hansard) 1st Session, 39th Parliament, Volume 143, Issue 93 on Thursday, May 3, 2007.
  • The reopening of CMR was announced in July 2007 for the fall term 2007.
2008
  • Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, inaugurated the bilingual named Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMC Saint-Jean) and College militaire royal de Saint-Jean (CMR Saint-Jean)
  • On May 24, 2008, she presented the new college coat of arms to the Commandant, Colonel Francois Pion.[2]
  • RMC Saint-Jean now operates as part of ASU Saint-Jean as Campus Saint-Jean where preparatory year ("prep year") cadets acquire the necessary academic standard needed to attend RMC.
2012
  • Royal Military College Saint Jean celebrates 60th anniversary 1952-2012
  • 22 April -The College is granted the Freedom of the City

Features and buildings

Royal Military College St Jean pin

Richelieu, Tracy and Iberville Squadrons live in the Cartier and Champlain Blocks. The Vanier, DeLéry, Dextraze, Lahaie and Massey Pavillons along with the Old Mess are shared. The campus provides state-of-the-art technological support: library, well-equipped laboratories, ample supplies of learning materials, and Internet access. RMC Saint-Jean infrastructure is currently used by the Canadian Forces located at ASU Saint-Jean and by a non-profit corporation called Campus du Fort Saint-Jean (Quebec), which arranges for the upkeep of many of the educational facilities and leases them out to educational institutions such as the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) for their local program while also renting out others for short events such as large banquets or conventions. The Register of the Government of Canada Heritage Buildings lists six recognized Federal Heritage Buildings on the Royal Military College Saint-Jean grounds:[17]

Designated buildings

Name Address Municipality PC Coordinates IDF IDP IDM Image
Fort Saint-Jean National Historic Site of Canada (1748 & 1775–1776) Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada J3B 45°17′53″N 73°15′07″W / 45.298°N 73.252°W / 45.298; -73.252 (Fort Saint-Jean National Historic Site of Canada (1748 & 1775–1776)) 13294
Royal Military College Saint-Jean, Gallisonnière Block / Supply Building 6 (1955) * named after Roland-Michel Barrin de La Galissonière, (commandant-general of New France);
  • Recognized Federal Heritage Building 1987
  • originally served as classrooms before being converted to a dormitory for senior officer-cadets;
 Jacques Cartier Street, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada 45°17′54″N 73°15′06″W / 45.2984°N 73.2517°W / 45.2984; -73.2517 (Royal Military College Saint-Jean, Gallisonnière Block / Supply Building 6 (1955)) 10513
Administration Building No. 24 (1937-8) recognized Federal Heritage Building (1989) Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada 45°17′56″N 73°15′08″W / 45.2988°N 73.2523°W / 45.2988; -73.2523 (Administration Building No. 24 (1937-8)) 4768
Former Museum, Former Guard House, Building 26 (1850) Recognized Federal Heritage Building 1989
  • served as a guard house & military prison (1850-1972) & museum (1972-2006)
 Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada 45°17′58″N 73°15′09″W / 45.29946°N 73.25245°W / 45.29946; -73.25245 (Former Museum, Former Guard House, Building 26 (1850)) 4769
Royal Military College Saint-Jean, Officer Cadet Dormitory (Building No. 4 and Montcalm Barracks) (1839) named after General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm;Recognized Federal Heritage Building 1987
  • originally served as classrooms before being converted to a dormitory for officer-cadets;
 Jacques Cartier Street, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada 45°17′57″N 73°15′06″W / 45.2992°N 73.2516°W / 45.2992; -73.2516 (Royal Military College Saint-Jean, Officer Cadet Dormitory (Building No. 4 and Montcalm Barracks) (1839)) 4498

Other Buildings

Building Builtẽ Recognition Photo
Cartier Pavilion 1955
Champlain Pavilion 1953
  • residence for Officers, Officer Cadets and civilian students
CWO Couture Building 16 2012
  • drill hall named after CWO Couture, who served for 17 years at RMC Saint-Jean from 1962 to 1979, and who died in 2010.
  • display cabinet features his uniform, photo, sword and pace stick.[18]
DeLery Building 1957
Dextraze Pavilion 1992
Lahaie Pavilion 1968–74
  • Library laboratories and additional offices for professors and staff named after Brigadier-General Marcelin L. Lahaie, first Commandant at CMR.
Maisonneuve pavilion 1953
Massey Building Musée Fort-Saint-Jean Pavillon « Les Forges » 1937
  • Named after Vincent Massey former Governor General of Canada
  • The old forge building (1839) burned in 1883; The site was transformed into a mess for officer cadets known as the 'old forge'.
  • The current building houses the Corporation du Fort Saint-Jean, a non-profit corporation which manages the site; Fort Saint-Jean Museum and is rented for private functions.
  • The Musée du Fort Saint-Jean located in « Les Forges »; the tour includes a historic interpretation of the campus’ military facilities (heritage-related and contemporary).
Former Protestant Chapel/former Museum 1956
  • Built originally as a Protestant Chapel, the building housed the Museum of Fort Saint-Jean from 2006-2012.
Officer's Mess Building 5 1957
  • Former Catholic chapel dedicated to Saint Maurice, the patron saint of soldiers, swordsmiths, and armies.
  • With the reopening of RMC Saint-Jean, it was converted into a recreational and social activity centre, mess featuring a stained glass window of Saint Maurice,
  • Recognized Federal Heritage Building 1987[17]
  • Registry of Historical Places[19]
Parade square 1955
  • 300 feet by 400 feet
Private Married Quarters (PMO)bricks (1935)/wood (1952)
  • residents for military personnel and their families
Sergeants’ Mess, Building 3 1839
  • Registry of Historical Places[20]
  • Federal Heritage Building 1987[17]
Vanier Pavilion 1957

Museum

Fort Saint-Jean Museum
Established 1965
Location Massey Building, Old Forge, on campus of Royal Military College Saint-Jean, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Quebec
Curator Eric Ruel
Website (Official)

The museum is located in Fort Saint-Jean on the campus of the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean. The museum mandate is to collect, conserve, research and display material relating to the history of the CMR, its former cadets and its site, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Guided tours are offered. The museum contains collections of military memorabilia, military artefacts, maps, models, videos and historical objects. The site has been occupied since 1666 by different garrisons, a shipyard and a military college.[21] The CMR Ex-Cadet Foundation manages the museum which recognizes more than 325 years (1666–1995) of military history at the fortifications located on the Richelieu River. The flora and centennial trees enhance the site. The RMC Saint-Jean art collection includes a bronze sculpture of a cadet 'Truth Duty Valour (1976)', by William McElcheran (Canadian 1927-1999) “Presented to ‘le college militaire royal de saint jean’ by the commandant, staff & cadets of R.M.C., Canada on the occasion of the sister College’s visit, 12–17 May 1976”

H18424 Lt Cdr (Ret`d) David Daniel Ruddy founded the CMR Museum in 1965 in order to exhibit artefacts from Fort Saint-Jean and souvenirs from Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean. He was the CMR Museum Director from 1965 to 1988. In 1965 artefacts and documents were moved from the CMR library to the old guard house built in the 19th century by the Royal Engineers.

The museum club began as a club for cadets in 1972 with the head of the museum club serving as Curator. Officer Cadets were part of the team that converted the old guard house into a proper museum. Office Cadets designed diorama(s) used in the museum and the business card from the museum featured a picture of one of the officer cadet's model soldiers on it.

The museum was opened in the old guardhouse at the northern entrance to the College from 1974–1998. The three small cells were used to display the historic periods (1666-1951) and the large cell the drunk tank was for the display of memorabilia from CMR, which had opened in 1952. The CMR museum was opened on special occasions until it was recognized as an official museum of the Canadian Forces in May 1973.[22]

The museum was closed from 1998–2003. The Museum Committee of the CMR Ex-Cadet Club Foundation was founded on January 22, 2003. When the museum was accredited a Canadian Forces Museum, the Museum Committee became an independent entity separate from the Foundation.[23]

In 2006, while Hélène Ladouceur served as curator, the museum site moved from the old guardhouse to the entrance of the former Protestant Chapel. LGen(ret.) and Senator Roméo A. Dallaire presided over the official opening, which took place on March 29, 2006.

Eric Ruel became the museum curator in 2006. The museum web site museedufortsaintjean.ca was created in June 2007.

In May 2012, while Eric Ruel served as curator, the museum relocated in the historical pavilion «les Forges». The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 17:00, from May 24 until September 1.[21]

Archaeology Digs have taken place on the site from 2009 to 2013 through the Quebec Archaeo Month, an initiative of Archéo-Québec. Funded by the Directorate of History and Heritage of the Canadian Forces as part of a five-year agreement between the Fort Saint-Jean Museum, Laval University and the Royal Military College Saint-Jean, the Archaeology Digs are supported by the Corporation du Fort Saint-Jean and archaeologists from Parks Canada. The museum is a member of the Canadian Museums Association, Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN), Virtual Museum of Canada and the Organization of Military Museums of Canada Inc. The museum is an accredited museum within the Canadian Forces Museum System.[24] The museum has formed a cooperating association of friends of the museum to assist with projects.[25]

Memorials

Other Description Photo
25th Anniversary Monument
  • donated by the Club des Anciens du CMR de St Jean in 1977 to honour 25th anniversary of college
  • unveiled by Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Second World War Memorial (1 Dec 1945) 24063-009
  • A granite slab erected on 1 December 1945 is dedicated to the officers, non-commissioned officers and men of No. 48 Canadian Infantry (Basic) Training unit who died during the Second World War.[26]
  • Includes the Bible's 2 Timothy 4:7 (King James Version): I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
  • Donated by the Club des Anciens du CMR de St Jean
24063-018
  • A plaque on a granite slab is dedicated to former Sergeant-Majors of the Collège Militaire Royal de Saint-Jean.[27]
24063-005
  • stone shaft was erected on 26 September 1964 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Royal 22e Régiment (French-Canadian).[28]
  • The Regiment trained at Fort Saint-Jean in 1914.
  • The monument lists the Regiment's battle honours
A Century of Service
  • A plaque commemorates the centennial of the Royal Canadian Regiment 1883-1983, Canada's oldest permanent force infantry regiment. Elements of the regiment garrisoned Saint Jean sur Richelieu from 1884-1908 and 1924-

Plaques

Plaque Description
  • Built in 1748 during the French régime. During the 1837 rebellion, French-Canadian nationalists of the Parti Patriote planned to attack Fort Saint-Jean, then under British control with British troops.

The plan was not executed. "En 1839, des travaux sont entrepris au Fort Saint-Jean dans le but d'y édifier un important camp militaire qui pourrait contrer toute tentative de rébellion ultérieure."

  • 24063-008 Fort Saint-Jean[30]
  • A bronze plaque on a slab commemorating Fort Saint-Jean was erected by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 1926 and replaced in 1980.

Naval, Military, & Air memorials

Military Vehicles Description Graphic
Air Defense Anti-Tank System (ADATS) near Dextraze pavilion
Anchor of HMCS Bonaventure (CVL 22)
  • HMCS Bonaventure (CVL 22). Royal Military College Saint-Jean. This anchor is one of the two anchors of HMCS Bonaventure (CVL 22), a Majestic-class aircraft carrier. First built for the Royal Navy as HMS Powerful, this aircraft carrier served the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Forces Maritime Command from 1957 to 1970. She was the last aircraft carrier to serve Canada. This starboard side anchor of "The Bonnie" was donated by the Canadian Forces Maritime Command 6 May 1998 and is located at the Massey Building, Musée Fort-Saint-Jean Pavilion <<Les Forges>>.
Plaque on stockless anchor of HMCS Bonaventure (CVL 22)
  • Plaque on stockless anchor of HMCS Bonaventure (CVL 22) at Royal Military College Saint Jean, Saint Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec, Canada. HMCS Bonaventure (CVL 22) was a Majestic class aircraft carrier built for the Royal Navy as HMS Powerful. She served in the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Forces Maritime Command from 1957 to 1970 and was the third and the last aircraft carrier to serve Canada. The anchor depicted is the starboard anchor of "The Bonnie" and is located by the Massey Building, <<Les Forges>> Musée Fort-Saint-Jean Pavillion. The anchor of "The Bonnie" was donated to the museum by the Canadian Forces Maritime Command on 6 May 1998.
HMCS Bonaventure anchor plaque
Admiralty pattern anchors of HMS Fury
Ancres Fury. Anchors of HMS Fury (1814).
Plaque at HMS Fury anchors
HMS Fury (1814) plaque.
Anti-tank weapons
  • These 75mm anti-tank cannons were used during the Second World War.
AVGP M-130 a Canadian armoured personnel carrier borders parade square near Richelieu River
AVGP Grizzly, a Canadian armoured personnel carrier borders parade square near Richelieu River
Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck
  • Designed and manufactured in Canada after 1952
  • It could reach a speed of 1046 km/h at 16 460 m and was the first plane to pass the sound barrier.
Canadair CF-104 Starfighter near entrance
Canon-obusier
  • English bronze Shell-gun cannon, gun-howitzer was manufactured 1841-1846.
Cannon
  • This German 77 mm cannon circa 1916 was a Great War prize.
Centurion tank
  • Canada purchased Centurion tanks in 1950 to replace Sherman tanks.
  • Four men were required to operate the 53-ton, 35 km/h tank with a V-12 Rolls-Royce motor, deploying 20-pound ammunition.
M109 howitzer M109A4 by staff residences
M4 Sherman tank
  • Manufactured in the United States, used by Canada during the Second World War
  • Five men were required to operate the 33 ton, 40 km/h tank deploying 76 mm munition.
Naval signal cannon
  • This six-shot cannon launched projectiles from HMCS Mackenzie (DDE 261) to signal the presence of the Navy.
  • It is used at RMC St Jean to celebrate the graduation of officer cadets.

Traditions

Tradition Significance
blanket toss blanket toss of senior class members after the last waltz at the Grad Ball
'change of command ceremony' The former commandant offers farewell and best wishes to the college and to the new Commandant. The new commandant accepts a first salute as the cadet wing marches past.
College Coin Every new officer cadet is issued a challenge coin upon completion of First Year Orientation Period. The coin is engraved with the name of the college in French and English surrounding the college badge on the obverse. The cadet's college number and the motto is in both languages.
college toast CMR toast to absent comrades meaning those who have fallen in action or who had died
Convocation
  • held on Friday evening in late May in the Dextraze Pavilion with parents, relatives of the graduating cadets and foreign exchange cadets in attendance
  • Guest of Honour and The Commandant present short talks to the young future leaders
  • The diplomas are given out[31]
End of Year Parade
  • held on Saturday morning after convocation, Guest of Honour takes the salute
  • martial music provided by the band of the Royal 22nd Regiment from Valcartier Garrison,
  • The year’s winning squadron is announced
  • awards and prizes are presented[32]
Feux de joie an honour guard perform a rifle salute with field artillery, or more commonly, rifles using blank ammunition.
Freedom of the fort Officer cadets are equal independently of their year. They are also allowed to remove their headgear.
Jacket exchange CMR Director of Cadets exchanges tunics with I Year Officer Cadet at CMR Christmas Dinner.
Just passing by When a graduate of the CMR pilots an aircraft in the vicinity of Saint-Jean, Quebec, he or she conducts an impromptu airshow over the college.
Obstacle course race gruelling course for recruits set up by the cadets' immediate predecessors, memorialized by a sculpture
Old 18 First year cadets are required to memorize the names of the first class in the order of their college numbers.[33]
Old Brigade Alumni who entered military college 50 or more years before wear unique berets and ties, have the Right of the Line on reunion weekend memorial parades, and present the college cap badge to the first-year cadets on the First Year Badging Parade. Each class traditionally marks its 50-year anniversary and entry into the Old Brigade with a gift.
Shouldering professors at closing exercises, cadets carried professors around the room
Skylarks annual class practical joke or prank e.g. "The Great Plane Robbery" 1957;[34] A cadet drove the CMR Rempart zamboni on Gouin Boulevard in July 1984.
Sweetheart broach officer cadets gave their dates an enamel brooch in lieu of a corsage for formal dances at Christmas and graduation. The museum retains several examples.

Commandants

With college numbers and rank held as commandant

Name Year Significance Photo
H11171 Colonel Marcelin L. Lahaie, DSO, CD 1952–1957 The Lahaie Pavilion, built in 1972, named in his honour.
Group Captain Jean G. Archambault, AFC, CD 1957–1960
Captain J.A.T. Marcel Jetté, CD 1960–1963
H12481 Colonel J. Armand Ross, DSO, CD (Honorary 1975) 1963–1966 Brigadier General Armand Ross's DSO was for his actions at Zutphen, Netherlands[35]
Colonel Roland Antoine Reid, C.M., C.V.O., MC, CD, ADC 1966–1968 Brigadier-General (Ret'd) Roland Reid was Founding president of Canadian Battlefields Foundation[36]
H12882 Colonel Jacques Chouinard, CD, ADC (Honorary 1973) 1968–1970
H14129 Colonel Gérard Charles Édouard Thériault CD, ADC (Honorary 1975) 1970–1971 As General, he served as Chief of the Defence Staff from 1983-1986. He was President of AEG Canada Inc. 1986-1995.
3814 & H12478 Brigadier-General Jean-Paul A. (Jack) Cadieux, CD, ADC (RMC 1957)[37] 1971–1973
Colonel J. Arthur R. Vandal, CD, ADC[38] 1973–1975
4377 Lieutenant General Richard J. Evraire, CD (CMR/RMC 1959) 1975–1978
  • In 2012, he was added to the wall of honour at the Royal Military College of Canada
3759 Colonel Charles-Eugène Savard, OMM, CD, ADC (CMR 1957) 1978–1981
5359 Colonel (Ret'd) J. Yvon Durocher, CD, ADC (CMR/RMC 1962) 1981–1983
5643 Colonel (Ret'd) Rudolphe J. Parent, OMM, CD, ADC (CMR/RMC 1963) 1983–1986
6116 Colonel (Ret'd) J.L.H. Claude Archambault, OMM, CD, ADC (CMR/RMC 1964) 1986–1989
H7860 Brigadier-General (ret`d) Senator Roméo Dallaire (CMR RMC 1969) 1989–1991 Senator, Educator, Author
6496 Brigadier-General (Ret'd) Charles J.C.A. Émond CD (CMR/RMC 1965) 1991–1994
8738 Colonel (Ret'd) J.Marcel Parisien (CMR RMC 1971) 1995
12603 Colonel J.U. François Pion OMM, CD (RMC 1980) 2007–2010
14154 Col Guy Maillet, CD (CMR/RMC 1983) 2010–2013
17312 Colonel M.A.J. (Jennie) Carignan, MSM, CD

(RMC 1986-1990)

 2013- 2009-2010 First woman in Canadian Forces history to command a combat arms unit in theater, Task Force Kandahar Engineer Regiment - Afghanistan

2011 - The Women’s Executive Network - Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women - (Xstrata Nickel Trailblazers & Trendsetters Award)[39]

Hall of Fame

Royal Military College Saint-Jean inaugurated its Hall of Fame on 7 September 2013. Potential candidates must have studied at, been employed as a member of the faculty or staff at, or have had a notable involvement with Royal Military College Saint-Jean over the course of its existence since 1952. The Hall of Fame contributors include the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean Ex-Cadet Foundation, the Class of 1963 and the Fort Saint-Jean Branch of the RMC Club.[40]

Plaque Presented to Royal Military College Saint-Jean by ex-cadet club 8 Oct. 1977
Student # Name Induction
H7543 Honourable Joseph A. Day, Senator, 2013
12320 General (retired) Walt Natynczyk 2013
4377 Lieutenant-General (retired) Richard Evraire 2013
H15198 professor Jacques Castonguay, former Royal Military College Saint-Jean Principal, 2013
H7860 Lieutenant-General (retired) the Honourable Roméo A. Dallaire Senator 2013

Alumni

Shown with college numbers.

Student # Name College Year Significance
7861 Lieutenant-General Senator Roméo Dallaire, O.C., C.M.M., G.O.Q., M.S.C., B.Sc. CMR RMC Senator, Former Commander of UN Mission to Rwanda, author of Shake Hands with the Devil and They Fight Like Soldiers, They Die Like Children.
8276 Doctor Marc Garneau C.C., CD, Ph.D., F.C.A.S.I., M.P. CMR RMC 1970 Canadian astronaut aboard space shuttles Challenger and Endeavour, logged nearly 700 hours in space; NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 1997,
5105 Doctor Jack Granatstein O.C., Ph.D., LL.D., F.R.S.C. CMR RMC 1961 Canadian historian
9573 Steven MacLean CMR 1973 Canadian astronaut
4393 Doctor Desmond Morton, O.C., C.D., F.R.S.C., Ph.D. CMR RMC 1959 Canadian historian
12320 General Walter Natynczyk OMM, M.S.C., CD CMR RRMC 1979 Chief of the Defence Staff; Deputy Commanding General of the Multi-National Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom
Kevin O'Leary CMR 1974 entrepreneur
8356 Guy Saint-Pierre CMR 1970 Businessman, politician
H12878 Colonel(ret) Jean Berthiaume, OBE, CD CMR 1952 First Administrative Director at the CMR, Commandant of the 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, Chief of Staff of the ONUC mission in 1960, Commandant of the Quebec Western District
18095 Sylvain Charlebois, Ph.D. CMR RMC 1992 Canadian Researcher

Faculty

Roch Carrier in 2006

In fiction and popular culture

The College's central place in Canadian military circles has made it the setting for novels, plays, films and other cultural works.

Arms

Royal Military College Saint Jean logo and flag
Arms of Royal Military College Saint-Jean
Crest
A dexter arm embowed vambraced and gauntleted proper holding a sprig of three maple leaves Or all ensigned by the Royal Crown proper;
Motto
Vérité Devoir Vaillance;
Banner
Gules on a Canadian pale Argent a maple leaf charged with an annulus Gules fimbriated inscribed Royal Military College of Canada • Collège militaire royal du Canada in letters Or and ensigned with the Royal Crown proper;
Symbolism
This motto is used by Canadian military colleges. The structure of the crest is typical of Canadian military colleges, this one distinguished by the torse’s colours and the gold maple leaves.

Books

See also

References

  1. ↑ The Canadian Defence Academy Planning Directive FY 06/07 – FY 09/10
  2. 1 2 3 "The Governor General of Canada Inaugurates the Royal Military College of Saint-Jean". StreetInsider.com. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  3. 1 2 3 "Reopening of CMR….RMC Club President… Pierre Ducharme". Rmcclub.wordpress.com. 2007-07-31. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  4. 1 2 Science Archived July 6, 2011, at the Wayback Machine.
  5. ↑ Redirect
  6. 1 2 Royal Military College of Canada uniforms and proficiency badges
  7. ↑ "e-Veritas " Blog Archive " Top Headlines". Rmcclub.ca. Retrieved 2011-02-22.
  8. ↑ "Royal Military College Saint-Jean—RMC Saint-Jean—Canadian Forces Management Development School (CFMDS)". Cmrsj-rmcsj.forces.gc.ca. 2008-02-19. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  9. ↑ "Non Commissioned Member Professional Development Center (NCMPDC)". Cmrsj-rmcsj.forces.gc.ca. 2008-02-19. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  10. ↑ Archived October 30, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
  11. ↑ Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard
  12. ↑ History of RMC Squadron Names
  13. ↑ Pound, Richard W. (2005). 'Fitzhenry and Whiteside Book of Canadian Facts and Dates'. Fitzhenry and Whiteside.
  14. ↑ "La marche du Richelieu".
  15. ↑ Regimental Marches
  16. ↑ The Future of the Reserves—Dr. Klepak, archived from the original on 2009-05-02
  17. 1 2 3
  18. ↑
  19. ↑ "RMC Saint-Jean old Mess". Historicplaces.ca. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  20. ↑ "RMC Saint-Jean Sergeants’ Mess". Historicplaces.ca. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  21. 1 2 "CMR". Cmrstjean.com. 2006-09-01. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  22. ↑ "CMR Museum". Museedufortsaintjean.ca. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  23. ↑ history of the Fort Saint-Jean Museum
  24. ↑ Museum of the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean at the Wayback Machine
  25. ↑ Canadian Forces Museums at the Wayback Machine
  26. ↑ "No. 48 Canadian Infantry (Basic) Training unit". Cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  27. ↑ "Sergeant-Major plaque". Cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca. Retrieved 2011-10-07.
  28. ↑ 22e Battalion stone shaft
  29. ↑ Fort Saint-Jean
  30. ↑ Fort Saint-Jean
  31. ↑ RMC Saint-Jean Convocation
  32. ↑ RMC Saint-Jean end of year parade
  33. ↑ Biographies Old 18
  34. ↑ Roberg, Pete (Spring 2005), "The Great Plane Robbery" (PDF), Ensign 15 (2), ISSN 1188-5467, archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-07-02
  35. ↑ BGen Armand Ross
  36. ↑ BGen Roland Reid Order of Canada
  37. ↑ BGen Jean-Paul A. Cadieux
  38. ↑ Colonel J. Arthur R. Vandal
  39. ↑ http://business.financialpost.com/2011/12/06/canadas-most-powerful-women-top-100/
  40. ↑ Royal Military College Saint-Jean inaugurated its Hall of Fame
  41. ↑ Dion always discusses policies with her, wife says
  42. ↑ Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean Speech on the Occasion of the Reopening of the Royal Military College Saint-Jean
  43. ↑ Pourquoi a-t-on fermé le Collège militaire de Saint-Jean?
  44. ↑ Le Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean
  45. ↑ The unknown Fort
  46. ↑ Les defies du Fort Saint-Jean

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