Command Philosophy
A message from Commander Garrett Reddy, Commanding Officer Regional Cadet Support Unit (Atlantic) to all Canadian Forces Regular and Reserve personnel, Civilian Instructors and civilian employees working in support of the Cadet Programme in Atlantic Region.
The Cadet Programme in Atlantic Region has long been recognized as a professional organization that has continuously demonstrated excellent esprit-de-corps and dedication to duty. My philosophy for the Atlantic Region is to enhance and build upon those basic building blocks that make us such a strong organization.
Critical to our success is the importance of professionalism in all our actions. Professionalism is a reflection of our ability as military personnel be it Regular or Reserve Force, CI, or Civilian employees and must extend to everything we do. We are always on display and how we conduct ourselves, such as, dress, deportment, and marks of respect, will reflect on our organization. We will be judged on our military bearing whether we deploy internationally, within Canada or across the harbour.
The Atlantic Region esprit-de-corps and strength comes from its people. I cannot over stress the importance of cooperation, coordination, and team work between Regional Cadet Support Unit (Atlantic), our Detachments, the Leagues, and Cadet Corps and Squadrons. With strong leadership, knowledge of our environment, and dedication to the Cadet Programme we will continue to be the best in our profession and excel in all our endeavours.
I place great importance on our organization’s personnel and their quality of life. You will be asked to complete many difficult and trying tasks and to work long hours. To ensure our minds are on the task at hand, it is vital that we know our families are safe, secure, and well cared for. The Canadian Forces have in place a number of agencies to assist our families. The Military Family Resource Centre is one such excellent facility. Take advantage of the many military services available. They are there for that exact purpose.
The Divisional System is essential to our individual successes as members of the Atlantic Region. I place great importance in this system and its design. All Divisional Officers and supervisors shall ensure that the Divisional System is an integral part of their daily activities. It is each person’s duty to ensure that their Divisional Officer and supervisor are well advised of any difficulties so that assistance can be provided before an issue develops into a serious situation. Without a properly maintained and functional Divisional System we are not looking after our people. This is an injustice to them and to our organization.
I encourage and support physical fitness and sporting activities. It is not only important to our physical strength but mental health as well. We will take advantage of opportunities to conduct physical training and sporting activities thus ensuring our physical and mental ability to complete our duties.
I expect all members of the Atlantic Region to reflect on our defence ethics and military ethos as members of the Canadian Forces in support of the Canadian Cadet Organizations (CCO). Strong ethics and military code of behaviour will ensure we do not stray from the rules and regulations that bind us as members of the Canadian Forces and CCO. If our ethics are strong, we will never stray from our rules and regulations. Our respect for personnel, both up and down the chain of command, will never falter. When we respect and trust each other there is no room for harassment. The best no-nonsense advice I can offer you is this, “If your gut says there is something wrong – then there is something wrong”. I recommend you stop and analyze your actions, seek advice and counsel, and then take whatever corrective action is required.
A clean and tidy environment is vital to who we are as an organization. We must ensure that our spaces are always clean and squared away. The Atlantic Region will be exposed to many visitors whose first impressions of our Headquarters, Detachments and Units will be lasting impressions. It is our duty to ensure the organization is always in a presentable and tidy state.
Finally, the most important people in the Atlantic Region are the Cadets. They are our raison d’être. It is our duty to ensure their experience is one of enjoyment and fulfillment. Our Cadets should remember their Cadet years as the best in their lives.
These subjects are but a few of the many we will encounter over the next few years. The points I have discussed must remain foremost in your mind. I do not have to remind you that we are the best at what we do. This can only be accomplished because of the tremendous teamwork and dedication of all members of the Cadet Programme. In Atlantic Region, we are responsible for the greatest youth organization in Canada.