09/02/2026
Unless you are completely unplugged from the media, I am sure you have heard about the shade being thrown on our program.
As usual it astounds me (not) how many callous and uninformed opinions there are out there that have turned a proud event (awards presentation at a course graduation parade) into a shamefest.
There is so much wrong info out there about this picture that it would take too many words to unpack, so instead I will keep it to my point.
There are many ways and trades that serve Canada when joining the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
The Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) officer in the photo presenting the medal to the Cadet, is a CAF member serving in COATS, the Cadet Organization Administration & Training Service.
Many Regular & Reserve Force members that can no longer be deployed due to injuries opt to transfer to COATS so they can continue serving Canada by passing on their military skills and knowledge mentoring youth in leadership and instructional skills.
Some of these members may have medical limitations that impede a high standard of fitness, but they do not diminish their desire or ability to continue serving Canada.
Why am I posting this here?
Because once upon a time that CAF member was me.
One day I was an excited Private learning & packing parachutes for the , looking forward to white wings and peacekeeping missions.
Then, thanks to injuries, I was devastated that the Regular Force military career I planned and dreamt about during my four years as an Army Cadet was possibly ending.
My only option at the time was to transfer to the CIC to try and heal or be released.
So to those disparaging the medical/fitness accommodations that may be granted to allow someone with the skills & abilities & desire to serve Canada, I would kindly ask that you focus on the mission requirements of a CIC officer.
They may have physical limitations that prevent the stereotypical version of what a soldier should look like, but our hearts are devoted to service with the same patriotism as many Canadian soldiers.
We rarely get to know what someone's story is, or what challenges they overcame to still exist, so I wish the world could just appreciate the effort and see the value.
While I am proud of my Logistics Branch service where I started, I am equally proud of my CIC Branch service.
I retired knowing that I was given an awesome second chance to continue serving Canada through mentoring its future with the same attitude of sacrifice I had the day of my attestation in 1981.
Now as this story has gone viral and it is no longer about just one picture, I hope all CIC officers ignore the uneducated trolls and focus on all the great supportive posts I have seen today.
Thank you for your service. 🍁
Illuminate Viam
