The Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMCSJ; French: Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean), commonly referred to as RMC Saint-Jean, is a Canadianmilitary college. It is 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. RMC Saint-Jean 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
Conduct of the Preparatory Year academic activities, under the functional authority of RMC, as well as military and fitness training and bilingualism.
Provision of oversight, under the functional authority of RMC, of the Continuing Studies and Officer Professional Military Education programs.[1]
Program
RMC 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:
130–140 cadets in the preparatory year
60–70 in the second year
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.
The mandate of the preparatory year is to develop in its students good work habits, academic diligence, critical facility, and team spirit.[5]
Uniforms
RMC 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
RMC 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.
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
RMC 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, RMC 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.
In the 1960s, the three squadrons were named Cartier, Maisonneuve and Champlain in honour of historical figures.
Routine
Chair with crest of RMC Saint-Jean
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
RMC 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, but on July 9, 1994, the federal and provincial governments agreed to maintain it as a non-degree-granting college.[13]
The reopened RMC Saint-Jean 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
CMR (now RMC Saint-Jean) was established in order to conduct tri-service cadet training within the Canadian Forces. It was a classical college, with the initial purpose of providing a more equitable representation of French Canadians in the three services of the Canadian Forces. During the Spring of 1952, Louis Saint-Laurent, Prime Minister of Canada, made the decision to found a bilingual military college in Quebec, to open in September. In 1952 the Governor General of Canada officially opened Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean (CMR).
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.
1972
"Le Defile 1952-1972 College Militaire Royal de St Jean 20th Anniversary Yearbook"
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.
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.
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 bilingually-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
2015
*Royal Military College Saint Jean Dutch Canadian Friendship Tulip Garden
2017
*Held Leadersphere Symposium 2017 and hosted International Symposium on the Development of Military Academies (ISoDoMA)
Developed the Chief Warrant Officer Robert-Osside Profession of Arms Institute
2018
*RMC Saint-Jean will again offer courses to obtain a university degree [17]
Features and buildings
RMC Saint-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:[18]
Designated buildings
Name
Address
Coordinates
Government recognition (CRHP №)
Image
Fort Saint-Jean National Historic Site of Canada (1748 & 1775–1776)
originally served as classrooms before being converted to a dormitory for senior officer-cadets; Jacques Cartier Street, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Canada QC
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,
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.[22]
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.[23]
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.[24]
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.[22]
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.[25] The museum has formed a cooperating association of friends of the museum to assist with projects.[26]
Fort Saint-Jean circa 1775 siege of the fort
Artillery @ Royal Military College Saint Jean
Cadet Sculpture 'Truth, Duty, Valour' by William McElcheran
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
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.[27]
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.[28]
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).[29]
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-
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."
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) 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 Pavilion. The anchor of "The Bonnie" was donated to the museum by the Canadian Forces Maritime Command on 6 May 1998.
Commander William Edward Parry, RN, FRS abandoned his beset HMS Fury at "Fury Beach", Somerset Island, Nunavut in 1825. Furys anchors are on display at RMC St-Jean parade field.
Ancres Fury. Anchors of HMS Fury (1814).
Plaque at HMS Fury anchors
Commander William Edward Parry, RN, FRS abandoned his beset HMS Fury at "Fury Beach", Somerset Island, Nunavut in 1825. Furys anchors and plaque are on display at RMC St-Jean parade field.
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.
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.[34]
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;[35] A cadet drove the CMR Rempart zamboni on Gouin Boulevard in July 1984.
Sweetheart brooch
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.
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)[40]
18562 Colonel Simon Bernard (CMR 1993)
2015-2017
Developed the Chief Warrant Officer Robert-Osside Profession of Arms Institute
18087 Colonel Gervais Carpentier (RMC 1992)
2017-
In the fall of 2018, RMC Saint-Jean will again offer courses to obtain a university degree [41]
Notable people
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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.[42]
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
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
The College's central place in Canadian military circles has made it the setting for novels, plays, films and other cultural works.
4377 Lt. Gen. Richard J. Evraire, CD (CMR/RMC 1959) wrote the play Chambre 204 (Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu: Editions Mille Roches, 1982) inspired by his time at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean.[44]
A dexter arm embowed vambraced and gauntleted proper holding a sprig of three maple leaves Or all ensigned by the Royal Crown proper
Escutcheon
Azure two swords in saltire Argent hilts and pommels Or surmounted by an open book proper bound and edged Or all between two maple leaves in pale and two fleurs-de-lis in fess Or, on a chief Argent three mural crowns Azure masoned Or
Motto
Vérité Devoir Vaillance
Badge
Azure two swords in saltire Argent hilts and pommels Or surmounted by an open book proper bound and edged Or all between two maple leaves in pale and two fleurs-de-lis in fess Or, on a chief Argent three mural crowns Azure masoned Or;
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.
H15198 Dr. Jacques Castonguay “Pourquoi a-t-on fermé le Collège militaire de Saint-Jean?” Montreal, Art Global, 2005[45]
H15198 Dr. Jacques Castonguay "Le Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean" Meridien 1989
H15198 Dr. Jacques Castonguay "Le Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean: une université à caractère différent" Septentrion, 1992 ISBN2-921114-78-X, 9782921114783[46]
H15198 Jacques Castonguay "The unknown Fort, Editions du Levrier" 1966[47]
H15198 Jacques Castonguay "Le Defile 1952-1972 College Militaire Royal de St Jean 20th Anniversary Yearbook" 1972
H15198 Jacques Castonguay "Les defies du Fort Saint-Jean, Editions du Richelieu" 1975[48]
4377 Colonel Richard J. Evraire, CD (CMR/RMC 1959) "Chambre 204" (Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu: Editions Mille Roches, 1982)
Jean-Yves Gravel. "La fondation du Collège militaire royale de Saint Jean." Revue d'histoire de l'amérique française 27, no. 2 (sept. 1973).
H16511 Dr. Richard A. Preston "To Serve Canada: A History of the Royal Military College since the Second World War", Ottawa, University of Ottawa Press, 1991.
H16511 Dr. Richard A. Preston, "Canada's Royal Military College: A History of the Royal Military College" Toronto, University of Toronto Press, 1969.
H1877 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 of CanadaKingston, Ontario. The Royal Military Colleges Club of Canada 1984
^ ab"CMR". Cmrstjean.com. 2006-09-01. Archived from the original on 2011-07-26. Retrieved 2011-10-07. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
^"CMR Museum". Museedufortsaintjean.ca. Archived from the original on 2012-04-26. Retrieved 2011-10-07. ((cite web)): Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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