The pace stick was passed in ceremonial recognition marking a shift in leadership from Base Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Eric LeClair to incoming RSM CWO Steven Corcoran at a CFB Shilo Change of Appointment ceremony on July 16.

 

The passing of the pace stick is significant as a symbol of drill, deportment and professional standards, with the transfer representing continuity, precision, discipline, leadership and the expectation that standards will be upheld without compromise.

 

CFB Shilo Base Commander, Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Jack Nguyen, along with 32rerCommander of the 3rd Canadian Division Support Group (3CDSG), Colonel Robert Tesselaar, addressed more than 125 guests at the function to say farewell to CWO LeClair and welcome CWO Corcoran with his wife, Melissa and son Declan.

 

LeClair was posted to CFB Shilo three years ago, with his wife, Andrea Bourgeault, who also works on the Base in civilian and volunteer roles. After 33 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, the CWO will move forward to the Transition Centre, where he said he will focus on his physical health and well-being.

 

In his last public address as Base RSM, CWO LeClair stated that, as the appointment transitions to new leadership, the responsibility of maintaining and strengthening standards continues. This responsibility is not just that of the RSM alone, he said, but of all leaders in the chain of command.

 

“The foundation of any successful military organization is built on discipline, accountability, professionalism, and a shared commitment to doing things the right way. These standards are not obstacles. They are what defines us as members of the CAF. They build trust, strengthen our teams, and ensure we remain ready to meet any challenge.”

 

He said leaders must continue to coach, mentor, and correct when required, with the understanding that correction is not about punishment.

 

“It’s about developing our people and maintaining the excellence expected of us. As leaders, we must always remember that the standard we walk past is the standard we accept. The culture of an organization is shaped by what we reinforce, what we challenge and what we choose to ignore.”

 

CWO LeClair gave personal encouragement to his successor, congratulating him on his new position and humourously advising him about difficult decisions, frustrations, and how sometimes the weight of responsibility can feel heavier than expected, but it is the nature of leadership.

 

“Through it all, remember that your people, both CAF and DND employees, are counting on you. Your leadership will shape the culture, standards, and morale of this Base. At the same time, never forget to take care of yourself. Too often, we put the mission ahead of our own well-being. While that is part of our profession and that’s what we do, you cannot lead effectively if your tank is running on empty. Take the time to reset when you need it. Spend time with those who matter the most, and don’t be afraid to recharge and take some of those rocks out of your rucksack,” departing RSM CWO Eric LeClair said.

 

Colonel Tesselaar addressed both incoming and outgoing RSMs, noting the upcoming modernization of the Army and the mission CFB Shilo holds.

 

“Thank you for everything you continue to do to enable the base to succeed in its mission. As I’ve said, our mission is often unsung and a bit thankless because it is about supporting others to be prominent, to carry the Canadian flag forward, and deploy on operations domestically or around the world.”

 

CFB Shilo Base Commander LCol Nguyen explained how CWO LeClair’s appointment three years ago made history and possibly raised some eyebrows, as in a 2PPCLI stronghold there had never been a Royal Canadian Regiment RSM.

 

“Today is about one of those occasions that remind us what military life is ultimately about, and that’s about people. Appointments change, positions change, and we say farewell to friends and colleagues. We welcome new leaders, and the institution carries on. But, every so often, someone leaves an impact that stays long after they’ve handed over the key ring, taking the whole weekend to clear out their office and move on to their next chapter. And today we recognize one of those people …” he said.

 

Guests at the ceremony heard about the significance of “fire-team partners” in the CAF.

 

“A fire team partner is your closest ally on the battlefield,” LCol Nguyen said. “They’re the ones who have your back in fire and movement. They’re the ones who are providing suppressive fire while you are moving, literally keeping you alive. Then you plant yourself, and you return that fire to enable them to move. That’s how you move forward.”

 

“I just hope that over the last year here, I’ve been able to provide that supporting fire for you, to enable you to carry on and do what you need to do as my fire-team partner. We talk about fire-team partners throughout all of our training, and then on to operations, and it means so much to all of us, and it meant so much to me to have a fire-team partner that I could rely upon. I just hope that I have done everything I could to support you as your fire-team partner,” he said, addressing LeClair.

 

“There were days when the rest of us were seeing problems, and he was seeing possibilities. There were days when the rest of us were running on fumes, and he was somehow enthusiastic. Off the battlefield, the fire-team partner gets you somewhere in the right dress, at the right time, keeps you out of jail, keeps you from being charged, and makes sure that you do a good job. Mr. Clair, you have done that in spades for me, and I appreciate it. I will appreciate it for the rest of my life. So thank you.”

 

Born in Pembroke, Ontario, Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Eric LeClair enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1992 as an infantryman and commenced his military career with the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) following completion of basic and battle school training.

 

A member of the Order of Military Merit, CWO LeClair has rendered more than 33 years of dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces.

 

Throughout his distinguished career, he has served with two Regular Force battalions of the RCR and held numerous senior leadership and instructional appointments. His contributions to the development of soldiers were further demonstrated through postings to the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre, and the Infantry School. He also served with the Canadian Special Operations Regiment as a Company Quarter Master.

 

CWO LeClair has completed five operational deployments in support of Canadian and allied operations. In 1994, he deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina with IRCR, Charles Company. In 2000, he returned to Bosnia with IRCR, serving with Reconnaissance Platoon. In 2005, he deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, as part of Operation ARCHER and the United States Embedded Training Team. In 2010, he deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, as a Platoon Second-in-Command with IRCR, Bravo Company. These operational experiences further shaped his leadership philosophy and reinforced his unwavering commitment to placing the welfare and well-being of soldiers at the forefront of his leadership. In addition to his operational service, CWO LeClair completed several prestigious international military courses, including the United States Army Ranger Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, and the Jungle Warfare Advisor Course at Medicina Lines, Seria, in Brunei Darussalam.

 

CWO LeClair regards his appointment as the Base Regimental Sergeant Major of CFB Shilo as one of the greatest honours of his career. He remains sincerely grateful for the professional relationships, enduring friendships, and shared experiences formed with Canadian Armed Forces members, Department of National Defence employees, and the broader Shilo community, all of whom contributed greatly to his time in service.

 

As he transitions into the next chapter of his life, CWO LeClair will be posted to the Transition Centre in Shilo, where he will focus on his continued physical and mental health recovery and overall well-being. He also looks forward to supporting the continued success of his wife, Andrea, a dedicated and highly respected member of the CFB Shilo team in her role as Human Resources Civilian Coordinator. Andrea’s steadfast commitment to the Defence Indigenous Advisory Group (DIAG) and to the people of CFB Shilo has made her an important contributor to the strength, inclusivity, and sense of community across the base.

 

Married to Andrea for eight years, CWO LeClair is the proud father of Cameron and Brianna, and stepfather to Petra. In the years ahead, he looks forward to spending additional time on his Harley-Davidson Road King, improving his golfing abilities, and spending time with his loyal furry fire team partner, Bear.