Chief of Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre, announced his summer retirement in a statement to CAF members and civilian personnel on Jan. 12 after three years in the position.  (Photo: supplied)

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag News

Chief of Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre, is set to retire in the early summer after 40 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, he announced in a message sent to CAF members and civilian personnel on Jan. 12.

“Rest assured that my foot will not come off the gas until my last day as your CDS,” he stated.

“Next month will mark my third year as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Last summer, I informed the Government of my intent to retire in the early summer of 2024 and proposed a deliberate transition plan with the stability of the CAF as its overarching principle.”

Gen. Eyre stated to facilitate the change-over, he asked that a successor be identified as soon as possible in the New Year “to allow for an orderly and deliberate handover for the multiple cascades this change will generate as part of the active posting season, as well as a suitable preparation period for my successor, a best practice from a number of our allies.”

“The last three years have been characterized by multiple crises and challenges and an unrelenting demand for CAF support. In all, you, the members of the Defence Team, have delivered magnificently,” he said.

“… It has been, and continues to be, an honour to lead the Canadian Armed Forces. Defence Team – thank you for all that you do for our country.”

A separate media release issued by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office states, “A selection process will be initiated to appoint the next Chief of the Defence Staff. General Eyre will continue to serve in his role until the appointment of his successor and the completion of a deliberate transition period.”

The Chief of the Defence Staff is appointed through a Governor in Council appointment and is responsible for the command, control, and administration of the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as military strategy, plans, and requirements.

Trudeau said Gen. Eyre has held the position of CDS since 2021 and has dedicated his life to serving Canada and Canadians.

“In a period of significant change, General Eyre is praised with championing efforts to modernize the CAF’s capabilities, rebuild its readiness and make it an inclusive and respectful organization that attracts and retains talent from all segments of Canadian society while continuing to deliver operational excellence,” the Prime Minister’s statement read.

Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair said General Eyre has always served Canada with tremendous determination and professionalism.

“His leadership both as Chief of the Defence Staff and during his many years of service has been critical. In his many tours abroad and here at home, he has helped the Canadian Armed Forces navigate through some of the most challenging of circumstances.”

Along with the Minister of Defence, the Prime Minister thanked General Eyre for his many years of service to Canadians and congratulated him on his upcoming retirement.

“After attending military college in Ontario and British Columbia, he spent the majority of his career in command or deputy command positions. Along with four postings in the United States, he served in Cyprus, Croatia, Bosnia, and twice in Afghanistan, where he oversaw training for the Afghan National Security Forces.”

Trudeau said in 2018, Gen. Eyre became the first non-U.S. Deputy Commander of United Nations Command Korea and the most senior Canadian officer ever permanently stationed in the Indo-Pacific region.”

On home soil, Eyre commanded various disaster relief operations, including the military response to both the 2015 Saskatchewan wildfires and the 2016 Fort McMurray evacuation. He was appointed Commander of the Canadian Army in 2019 and was promoted to the rank of General in 2021.

“As Chief of the Defence Staff, Gen. Eyre helped stabilize the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) during a period of turmoil and led the institution in responding to the many security crises and challenges facing our country and the world. At home, this included responding to emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather events in our communities. Around the world, it included defending the rules-based international order alongside our allies and partners and protecting Canadians in harm’s way,” the Prime Minister said.