Royal Military Colleges Alumni Association Inc.

🌎 From Kingston to Manila!

Officer Cadet Donovan Dobson recently completed a five-week placement at the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines as part of the inaugural Defence Diplomacy On-the-Job Experience program. The opportunity gave him a unique look at how military relationships help strengthen Canada's partnerships around the world.

“I was eager to apply because I saw it as a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience while living and working in another country.”

Reflecting on the experience, Dobson noted:

“The biggest surprise for me was seeing the direct impact the Defence Team has on international relations.”

Experiences like these help prepare the next generation of Canadian Armed Forces leaders to succeed in a world where diplomacy, partnership, and military cooperation go hand in hand.

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After weeks of preparation, RMC Saint-Jean Naval and Officer Cadets put their endurance, determination, and teamwork to the test during the traditional Obstacle Course, before marking an important milestone in their journey at the Badging Parade.

Throughout every stage, participants pushed their limits, demonstrated courage, and showed exceptional teamwork. Whether overcoming physical challenges, persevering through fatigue, or encouraging one another along the way, each team met the challenge with resilience and pride.

Congratulations to all Naval and Officer Cadets who took part in this demanding and rewarding tradition. Your commitment, teamwork, and determination reflect the spirit of RMC Saint-Jean and the values you continue to build as future leaders.

🚴‍♂️ Le Tour Des Collèges is gaining incredible momentum! 🚴‍♀️

With more than a month still remaining in their fundraising campaign, our dedicated cyclists have already reached 65% of their $150,000 goal raising over $98,000 in support of the Museum Capital Fund and the Truth Duty Valour Fund.

Every dollar raised helps preserve our proud military colleges heritage, honour the legacy of those who came before us, and support the future of the Canadian Military Colleges community.

Let’s help them keep the momentum going! If you have already donated, thank you. If you have not yet had the chance, now is the perfect time to show your support and help push Le Tour Des Collèges across the finish line.

Every gift brings them closer to $150,000. Every contribution makes an impact.

Support the ride. Honour the legacy. Invest in the future.

Donate here: https://www.rmcalumni.ca/en/a-ride-of-remembrance-and-legacy-le-tour-des-colleges/

🎉 A sincere thank you to the Vancouver Island Ex-Cadet Club for their generous support of Royal Roads Homecoming!

Their commitment to the ex-cadet community and continued support of Royal Roads traditions help make Homecoming a meaningful opportunity for alumni to reconnect, celebrate shared experiences, and honour the proud legacy of the College.

We are truly grateful for their partnership and dedication to keeping the spirit of Royal Roads alive for generations of alumni.

Please join us in recognizing and thanking the Vancouver Island Ex Cadet Club for their wonderful support.

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🎉 A heartfelt thank you to Vaughan Bevan Wealth Management Group (TD Wealth Private Investment Advice) for their generous support as the Gold Sponsor of Royal Roads Homecoming!

Their commitment helps make this special gathering possible, bringing alumni together to reconnect, celebrate shared memories, and honour the lasting legacy of Royal Roads. We are truly grateful for their partnership and support in helping us create a meaningful and memorable Homecoming experience.

Please join us in recognizing and thanking Vaughan Bevan Wealth Management Group for their outstanding generosity and community leadership.

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🏆 Battle of the Classes — Week 1 Results Are In! 🏆
The Class of 1979 came in swinging, leading the charge in Week 1 with more than $5,000 in donations!

Together, our alumni community raised an impressive $12,809.10 in the first week alone, an outstanding start to this year’s challenge.
Even more inspiring, 37 classes from the Class of 1959 through to the Class of 2025 stepped forward and participated in Week 1.
The Battle of the Classes runs from 1 August to 31 December, and every donation counts toward your class’s cumulative total regardless of where you choose to direct your support.

Week 1 has set the tone. The challenge is on ,let’s keep the momentum building! 🎉

https://www.rmcalumni.ca/en/botc/

The Royal Military Colleges Alumni Association is proud to congratulate Brigadier-General Cathy Blue, former Director of Cadets and RMC alumna, on her promotion to the rank of Brigadier-General on 28 July 2026 by the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, LGen Speiser-Blanchet.

BGen Blue will be taking on the responsibilities of Director General Canadian Forces Grievance Authority, bringing to this important role an exceptional career of service, leadership, and professionalism.

A CELE officer with a distinguished record across the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Air Force, BGen Blue has served in operational, instructional, staff, and senior advisory appointments, including with 7 Communications Group, 8 Air Communications and Control Squadron, 8 Mission Support Squadron, the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics, the Canadian Forces College, the Royal Military College of Canada, and RCAF Headquarters.

Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation as a trusted leader, thoughtful advisor, and consummate professional, consistently bringing sound judgment, strategic perspective, and a deep commitment to Defence Team members.

As a former Director of Cadets, BGen Blue also holds a special place in the RMC community, having helped shape and mentor future leaders during one of the most formative stages of their military careers. Her continued success reflects the very best of the values we hold close: Truth, Duty, Valour.

Congratulations, BGen Blue, on this well-deserved promotion and exciting new appointment. Your leadership continues to inspire the RMC alumni community and the next generation of leaders.

RMC 2007 Alumna Leah West Helping Shape Canada’s Cybersecurity Future

RMC alumna Leah West, Class of 2007, has built an extraordinary career at the intersection of military service, law, national security, public policy, and academic leadership.

A former armoured officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, Leah served for 10 years and deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. She later transitioned into law and national security, serving with the Department of Justice’s National Security Litigation and Advisory Branch, clerking at the Federal Court of Canada, and appearing before courts and national security review bodies, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Today, she is an Associate Professor at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, where her work focuses on national security law, international humanitarian law, and cyber operations.

Leah is also a widely respected voice on national security and cyber policy. She has authored and co-authored significant scholarship, including National Security Law, and has been consulted by federal agencies such as Public Safety Canada, the Department of Justice, the Communications Security Establishment, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Her expertise has also been brought before the House of Commons, the Senate, and the European Parliament.

Most recently, Leah and her colleague Alex Wilner were awarded a prestigious SSHRC Partnership Grant to establish the Canadian Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, a national network designed to strengthen Canada’s cybersecurity capacity through interdisciplinary education, research, and training. Based at Carleton’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, the initiative brings together researchers from four Canadian universities and partners from government, industry, and the non-profit sector. It will help train more than 160 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers while advancing work in areas such as emerging technologies, critical infrastructure protection, national security, foreign interference, research security, democracy, privacy, and human rights.

From her time at RMC to her military service, legal career, and academic leadership, Leah’s path reflects the very best of a Royal Military College education: service, discipline, intellectual courage, and a commitment to Canada. Her work continues to influence some of the most important conversations facing our country today, particularly as Canada prepares the next generation of leaders to respond to complex digital and national security challenges.

Representing Canada Abroad: Ryan Ward, RMC 2004, Appointed Incoming Consul General in Bengaluru

The Royal Military Colleges Alumni Association is proud to recognize Ryan Ward, RMC Class of 2004, whose career reflects the reach, resilience, and global impact of a CMC education.

A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Ryan began his career as a Logistics Officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force, completing specialized training in human resources, transport, and leadership, and working at National Defence Headquarters on officer assessment for senior staff positions.

Ryan has since built an accomplished career as a Canadian diplomat and trade leader, with nearly two decades of experience advancing Canada’s international commercial, investment, and economic interests across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. His diplomatic work has included leadership roles in India, Nigeria, Kenya, Libya, and Indonesia, supporting Canadian organizations in complex and rapidly evolving global markets.

Throughout his career with the Trade Commissioner Service, Ryan has led multidisciplinary teams, strengthened government and private sector partnerships, and helped Canadian companies pursue opportunities in areas such as innovation, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, education, infrastructure, life sciences, mining, aerospace, and investment.

Most recently, Ryan has been named incoming Consul General in Bengaluru, where he will continue supporting Canada’s trade, investment, innovation, and international partnership priorities. In this role, he brings a wealth of experience in economic diplomacy, market development, investment attraction, and international business strategy.

Ryan’s career is a strong example of how CMC graduates continue to serve Canada beyond the parade square, building bridges across sectors, strengthening international relationships, and advancing Canadian interests on the world stage.