CDS/DM Message: The Future of Canadian Military Colleges

March 10, 2025 - Defence Stories

Last week, the Minister of National Defence released the Canadian Military Colleges (CMC) Review Board report. The CMC Review Board was stood up in December 2023, in response to Recommendation #28 and the first part of Recommendation #29 of former Supreme Court of Canada Justice Louise Arbour’s Independent External Comprehensive Review report (IECR). Recommendation #28 of the IECR recommends eliminating the Cadet Wing peer leadership structure. Recommendation #29 called for the establishment of an additional review of the costs and benefits associated with educating officers through the military colleges.

We welcome the report, which highlights the enduring value of the Canadian Military Colleges and provides 49 recommendations. The Defence Team will internally assess the report and communicate the path forward.

The CMC Review Board is comprised of five external education and culture experts, a Department of National Defence public service executive and a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) representative. Over the past year, the CMC Review Board engaged with staff and Naval and Officer Cadets at the CMCs, alumni, Canadians, and visited allied and partner nations’ military academies to assess the strengths, challenges, and overall educational value of the colleges.

Since the founding of the Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston in 1876, CMCs have played a vital role in the training and education of CAF officers. The Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, and RMC Saint-Jean, in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, provide rigorous education and military professional development, shaping the next generation to lead at the tactical level in today’s complex security environment.

The well-being of CMC Naval and Officer Cadets, staff, and faculty remains a top priority, and regular updates will be provided. The modernization of our military colleges is not simply about improving individual institutions – it is about strengthening the CAF.

We thank you for your continued dedication and service.