Commander of 3CDSG, Col. Robbin Dove is greeted by Lt.-Col. David Cronk at the colonel’s first visit to CFB Shilo on Oct. 19. Photo K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag News

The Commander of 3rd Canadian Division Support Group (3CDSG), addressed army and civilian personnel about deployments, budget pressures, staffing and philosophies during his first visit to CFB Shilo, on Oct. 19

Colonel Robbin Dove and Formation Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Marc Drolet, toured CFB Shilo accompanied by Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk and Regimental Sergeant Major Eric LeClair to various departments throughout the day-long visit.

In an afternoon town hall meeting, the Colonel addressed upcoming spring deployments of troops, stating 3rd Division is looking at four back-to-back deployments over the next two years.

“We’re gonna see it busier … than it has been since Afghanistan.”

The 3CDSG Commander said more than 500 people will deploy for small missions per year.

“That’s going to essentially start hitting the Division this coming spring. Operation Impact and 1RCHA (1 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery) from May to November 2024. 1VP [out of Edmonton] is going to be supporting Operations Union and Unifier from July 2024 to January 2025.”

He said alongside that, 1,000 people will be deployed twice a year on a rotational basis for Operation Reassurance in Latvia.

“So those are the smaller ones, along with the Global Response Task Force 2VP is going to be on, which is a 10-day notice to move and that could go anywhere in the world … “

Col. Dove said Operation Reassurance will be “the heavy hit” starting in Oct. 2024.

“It means as a base, things are going to get busy. We’re going to be back in the deployment cycle. The tasks and requirements, albeit soldier readiness or vehicles, is going to be increased. There is going to be an increased tempo for a lot of things you will see,” he said.

“Being mentally prepared, knowing what’s coming helps. Preparing your families, understanding what those deployments are, and how our role is as the institutional support in supporting those is critical,” Dove said.

Col. Dove came into his new role in July following a career that started with the 12e Regiment blindé du Canada and has included stops at the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps School, the Combat Training School and the 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas.

He said to CFB Shilo personnel that 3rd Canadian Division support group has a significant role in providing support across the three areas of operation from Thunderbay Ont., to Lower Mainland B.C. Seventy-five per cent of ranges and training areas in the CAF are under their charge.

“We certainly have an important role to ensuring that we provide institutional support across the 3 Div. AO. We’re unique.”

“We do a lot of things to make sure the troops that are going to deploy have what they need. We’ve got a lot of unique capabilities, so we enable success. That is our motto and that’s what we do. And you all are our key to doing it.”

Col. Dove explained the philosophy of the new command team.

“It relies on three P’s. It’s about people. It’s about professionalism and it’s about preparation.”

“People – really, it’s about all of you. It’s about being one team. One army, one team and that includes not just folks in uniform [but] civilians as well. We certainly couldn’t do this job and we’ve got a great representation, a great proportion of the civilians within the Division.”

He acknowledged there have been challenges with staffing and said there will be some upcoming budget restraints. However, these are more operational and do not affect the current fiscal year or the staffing fund.

Addressing the culture shift over the past few years related to situations around toxic deployments or sexual misconduct, he said the establishment of the Centre for Professionalism and Culture Change based in Ottawa will continue creating change. Additionally, there has been a strong forward momentum with the initiation of various Defence Advisory Groups (DAGs). The Colonel encouraged CAF members to become involved, noting the strength and success of the CFB Shilo Defence Indigenous Advisory Group (DIAG).

“We’re seeing great results when those DAGs really get energized and start getting more people out at the events [like] pride events or persons with disabilities, visible minorities.”

“So where they are strong, continue to reinforce success,” Dove said, adding where they are not strong, members can utilize their skills in leadership.

Military professionalism was addressed with Dove affirming the vast experience of CFB Shilo members forwarding workplace culture in positive ways.

“[Workplace] culture is evolving, societies culture is evolving, we need to continually evolve and reassess.”

One of the changes is the traditional alcohol culture tied to the CAF, he said.

“We see less abuse of alcohol, less events that are encouraging excessive drinking, but [it can be expected] that over the coming months, there’s going to be more guidance from the Centre.

While there is no plan to close messes or prevent events, new ways of thinking and alternatives need to be implemented to make safe places where CAF members are comfortable bringing their spouses or colleagues, he said.

Col. Dove urged members to “remain curious” and stay knowledgeable.

‘… really push the boundaries on your own professional development. Seize learning opportunities. We need you to be pushing to revitalize.”

Prior to the town hall, the command team’s itinerary included visits to the CANNEX, followed by a tour of the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) and a presentation to retiring manager Willemien Van Lank Velt. The team then proceeded to SIGS followed by Range Control, had an aerial tour of the base in CH-146 Griffon helicopters, and completed the visit with an evening mess dinner.

MORE to come on Col. Dove’s visit and award presentations

Commander of 3CDSG, Col. Robbin Dove accompanied by Lt.-Col. David Cronk at the colonel’s first visit to CFB Shilo on Oct. 19 with a tour of various departments on base including the CANNEX. Photo K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News

Formation Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Marc Drolet and Commander of 3CDSG Col. Robbin Dove address CFB Shilo army and civilian personnel at a townhall meeting on Oct. 19. Photo K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News