Battle Rhythm

Episode 3.6: Bridging the Gap, One Post-Doc at a Time

28th March 2024

In episode 6 of BR Season 3, Co-hosts Linna Tam-Seto and Steve Saideman discuss new legislation proposed to address the abuse of power crisis within DND; military to civilian transition issues for veterans transferring to public service and Tik Tok! Steve interviews our Post-Doc, Ryan Atkinson about his research on emerging technologies and NATO Centers of Excellence.
Ryan Atkinson is Postdoctoral Fellow at Carleton University where his research focuses on defence policy. He previously worked at NATO and has experience in the private sector as a cybersecurity consultant. Ryan completed a PhD from Western University and an MA from the University of Toronto.

Episode 3.4: A View From Finland & Germany on Defence Strategy

28th February 2024

In the fourth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 3, Steve is joined by our new co-host and former CDSN postdoc, Dr. Thomas Hughes. Steve & Thomas discuss the motivations and implications behind a new allowance for Permanent Residents to join the Canadian Armed Forces, Hungary votes Sweden into being a NATO member & Canadian based company starts supplying drones to Ukraine. Today's feature interview is with Minna Ålander.
Minna Ålander’s research focuses on NATO, security in Northern Europe, Nordic defence cooperation, Arctic security, as well as German and Finnish security and defence policy. Previously, Ålander worked at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin. She holds a joint master’s degree in international relations from the Free University of Berlin, the Humboldt University of Berlin and the University of Potsdam. Since August 2023, Ålander is a Non-resident Fellow with the Transatlantic Defense and Security Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA).

Episode 3.5: Janice Stein, Canada’s Dean of International Relations

13th March 2024

In episode 5 of Battle Rhythm's third season, Steve and our newest co-host Dr. Wendy Wong discus strudel surveys, mark the 4 year COVID pandemic anniversary, Nikki Haley vs Donald Trump & Sudan’s human rights crisis. in Today's feature interview, Wendy asks Janice Stein about how we should be thinking about the 120 year old conflict in Gaza, deterrence theory and the challenges for academics studying security in the past and today along with barriers for defence policy makers in Canada compared to its counterparts.
Janice Gross Stein is the Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management in the Department of Political Science and the Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario. She was the Massey Lecturer in 2001 and a Trudeau Fellow. She was awarded the Molson Prize by the Canada Council for an outstanding contribution by a social scientist to public debate and has received Honorary Doctorates of Laws from universities in Canada and abroad. She is also an Honorary Foreign Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a Senior Fellow of the Kissinger Center at SAIS at Johns Hopkins University. Her current research focuses on technology and public policy in the context of great power competition. Last year, she co-chaired the National Advisory Committee on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy for the Minister of Global Affairs

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Episode 3.3: Czech Future Forces

14th February 2024

In the third episode of our third season, hosts Steve and Linna discuss Trump's threats on the safety of NATO allies, Minister Joly's launch of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and the facts behind the National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft. In today’s feature interview Anessa asks Petr Tichý about lessons learned from his career as a pilot during the cold war, language training in Borden to his current role with the NATO Future Forces International Exhibition and his predictions for the future of the Czech Armed Forces.
Colonel Retired Petr Tichý is the program director at the NATO Future Forces International Exhibition. He is an experienced Sales Project Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the electrical and electronic manufacturing industry. Skilled in Crisis Management, Negotiation, Analytical Skills, Government, and Operational Planning. Strong sales professional with a PhD focused in management from Defence University. His other positions include the NATO AGS project manager within Retia company. He worked as an independent researcher at the Population Protection Institute and an academic researcher at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Defence University. Petr Tichý retired from a career in the Czech Airforce with an educational background from the Military Academy (Master Pilot), Kosice, Air Force University (International Studies & Leadership), USAF Air Command and Staff College (Military Science & Operational Studies) and the NATO Defence College

• www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trump…ill-blair-1.7113129
• www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/i…aspx?lang=eng
• www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-c…ng-auto-theft.html

Episode 3.2: When Rambo Meets the Red Cross

31st March 2024

In the second episode of our third season, hosts Steve & Artur discuss implications for Trump's win in New Hampshire Primary, the federal ruling on inappropriate use of the Emergency Act in Ottawa and domestic political pressure to increase the role of the Canadian Armed Forces in Disaster Response requires culture change and more money for CAF personnel; plus Steve and Arthur set the bar for civil discourse when discussing Israel, the ICJ and Canada's role.
In our feature interview, Steve stays on the topic of civ-mil relations when he interviews Stanislava Mladenova about her dissertation turned book about the working relationships between America Special Operations Forces and International Non-Governmental Organizations in fragile states.

Stanislava is a Global Fellow at Brown University’s Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Studies. She recently completed her doctoral research at King’s College London, Department of War Studies, where she explored the functional relationship between SOF Civil Affairs Units, NGOs, and populations, in settings affected by low-intensity conflict and state fragility. Stanislava’s operational experience includes assignments in Afghanistan, where she served as a Political Adviser to the NATO Senior Civilian Representative on economic issues, governance, corruption, disaster management, gender, humanitarian assistance, and the recruitment of child soldiers. At the US Institute of Peace, she implemented programs that established dialogue and cooperation between the police forces, gendarmerie, and local communities in six West African countries. She holds a Master’s of Public Administration from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs at the University at Albany, New York.

Episode 3.1: Inside the Strategic Joint Staff

4 January 2024

In the first episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 3, with co-host Anessa Kimball, Professor at Université Laval. Steve & Anessa discuss Sweden in Latvia, CAF sexual misconduct reporting increases for men and the implications for Chief f Defence Staff General Eyre's retirement announcement. Today's feature interview is with Brigadier-General Errington, Strategic Joint Staff Director General Plans.

For more information on culture change in the Canadian Armed Forces see our previous interviews:

Episode 2.26: Transforming Military Cultures: feature interview Steve asks Nancy Taber, Tammy George & Maya Eichler about their experience setting up a MINDS network focused on Transforming Military Cultures

Episode 49: Healthy Tension: Feature Interview with guests Deputy Minister of the Department of National Defence, Jody Thomas and Acting Chief of the Defence Staff Lt.-Gen. Wayne Eyre. Lt.-Gen. Wayne Eyre

Episode 2: Feminist Futures for the CAF: Feature Interview with Brig.-Gen. Jennie Carignan

Brigadier-General Errington’s command experience includes two years as a Rifle Platoon Commander in 2 PPCLI followed by a year as Recce Platoon Commander. He commanded an Airborne Platoon in both the Canadian Airborne Regiments (CAR) and the PPCLI Parachute Company, before commanding Anti-Armour Platoon. As a Major, he enjoyed two years as Officer Commanding A Company (para) in 3 PPCLI, then another two years in the Operations Squadron at Dwyer Hill Training Centre (DHTC). Following his promotion to LCol, he was appointed as the Special Operations Task Force Commander in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2010–2011, earning the Meritorious Service Medal. He assumed command of 3 PPCLI in June of 2012, and held the appointment until after the Regiment’s 100th Anniversary Ottawa Commemoration in September 2014. As a Colonel, he commanded the Combat Training Centre in Gagetown from July 2017–July 2019 when he was promoted to BGen. Brigadier-General Errington is very proud and humbled to have had the opportunity to command twice at the platoon, company, and unit levels in various Light, Airborne, and Special Force units.

Brigadier-General Errington held a variety of staff jobs within the Battalion. However, he has predominantly been employed in current operations from the rank of Capt to BGen (Brigade G3 Operations (Ops), J35 in Canadian Expeditionary Force Command, DHTC Ops O/COS, CA G33, Director current Ops at Strategic Joint Staff and Chief of Staff Ops for the CA).

Brigadier-General Errington’s operational experience includes overseas deployments to Croatia, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. His domestic operations have included those deployed to floods in Winnipeg and Medicine Hat; forest fires in British Columbia; and providing security for the G8 Summit in Kananaskis and the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010.

Brigadier-General Errington has had some unique honours throughout his career, serving in the Queen’s Guard at Buckingham Palace in 1998, leading the Canadian parachute contingent to Normandy, France, in honour of the 70th Anniversary of D-Day, and commanding 3 PPCLI during the 100th Anniversary Commemoration. He has also held the appointment of Director of the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps from February 2016 to July 2019.

Brigadier-General Errington was appointed Strategic Joint Staff Director General Plans in July 2022.

Episode 2.34: Learning Lessons at the Year Ahead with Lama Mourad

December 2023

In the thirty-fourth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2, with co-host Anessa Kimball, Professor at Université Laval. Steve & Anessa discuss the infamous legacy of Henry Kissinger, F-35 procurement and interoperability and new allegations of a toxic workplace at CSIS.
Our feature interview is with Lama Mourad, who will be joining us as a panel moderator for the Year Ahead on Dec 7th. Lama is an assistant professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University. Her research focuses on the intersection of forced migration, local governance, and the politics of borders, with a regional focus on the Middle East.

Episode 2.33: Throwback -> 2019 Peace with Women Fellows

22nd November 2023

In the thirty-third episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Linna Tam-Seto, Assistant Professor Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy within the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Steve and Linna discuss CAF members access to benefits, the repercussion of burn pits and supressing lessons learned from Afghanistan.
Our guests are the 2019 Peace with Women Fellows who discuss a wide variety of issues from leadership and learning to recruitment and retention.

Fellows in order of appearance:

23:20: BG Lisa Ferris, NZ Defence Legal Services & Paz Magat, Director, Peace With Women Fellowship

29:10: Colonel Tracey Onufer, USAF, CoS SOF South & Commodore Solveig Krey, Norweigan Navy, Dep ACOS Ops

34:00: Colonel Debra Lovette, USAF, Human capital, Joint Force Space & Air Commodore Elanor Boekholt-o’Sullivan, Netherlands, Cyber Defence

38:20: LtColonel Joana Polekauskiene, Lithuania, instructor mil academy & Colonel Lysane Martel, RCAF professional development

42:30: Colonel Dr. Lale Baroschek, Germany, Recruitment & Colonel Solene le Floch, French Air Force, Human Resource manager

48:00: Captain Rachel Durbin, Australia, Navy, Future Force & Captain Fiona Shepherd, RN, ACOS Logistics, Operations and Plans

Episode 2.32: Battle Rhythm x Conseils de sécurité: Visiting Defence Fellow Colonel MC Harvey

8th November 2023

In the thirty-second episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Erin Gibbs Van Brunschot, Director of @UCalgary’s Centre for Military, Security & Strategic Studies, and co-director of the CDSN. Steve & Erin discuss an increase in hate crimes across Canada, the war in Israel/Gaza & sexual misconduct in Latvia.
Today's feature interview is en francais with Conseils de sécurité hosts Sarah-Myriam Martin-Brûlé & Artur Wilczynski interviewing this year's NPSIA/CDSN Visiting Defence Fellow Colonel Marie Christine Harvey.
La Colonel Harvey nous parle de son parcours, des défis liés aux postes qu'elle a occupés, notamment comme instructeur et lors de commandement d'opérations domestiques et internationales. Elle démantèle des mythes liés à l'armée et nous explique en quoi les Forces Armées canadieenne se distinguent des autres armées.

Episode 2.31: Open by Default Project

25th October 2023

In the thirty-first episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Linna Tam-Seto, Assistant Professor Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy within the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Steve and Linna discuss her presentation on how men exposed to sexual trauma in the military access support services for that trauma at CIMVHR, the Meeting of MINDS event organized by the CDSN for the nine networks and ADM Policy, the Ombudsman criticizing Ottawa for not supporting military advisers and CSIS chief raises concerns about China's interest in Canadian universities.

For our Feature Interview, Steve speaks with Matt Malone, Assistant Professor at Thompson Rivers University, and he researches the laws that protect secret information, especially trade secrecy, confidential information, access to information, privacy, data protection, and cybersecurity. They discuss Matt’s recent project, the Open by Default Project.

Episode 2.30: Resilience podcast Meaghan Wilkin and Lobna Cherif

10th October 2023

In the thirtieth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2, with co-host Anessa Kimball, Associate Professor at Université Laval. Steve & Anessa discuss Anessa’s research at the NATO Centers for Excellence in Europe, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the potential cut in the defense budget, Low artillery supplies and Europe’s perception of Canada’s NATO 2% commitment.
For our feature interview, Steve speaks with Professors Meaghan Wilkin and Lobna Cherif (Department of Military Psychology and Leadership Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston) about the Resilience Plus podcast that is a new addition to the CDSN Podcast Network. The Resilience podcast provides resources on responding to trauma, empowering individuals to maximize their productivity and effectiveness in pursuing personal and professional goals.

Episode 2.29: Security vs. Populism

27th September 2023

In the twenty-ninth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2, with co-host Artur Wilczynski, retired DG of Foreign Intelligence Operations Canada and Senior Fellow GPSIA, University of Ottawa. Steve & Artur discuss Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s revelation of intelligence that the government of India was involved in the murder of a prominent British Columbia Sikh leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on Canadian soil and the risk of diaspora protestations being perceived as threats by home governments. The lack of vetting, which led House Speaker Anthony Rota to invite and recognize a man who fought for a Nazi unit in the Second World War during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Parliament, the diplomatic and international embarrassment as well as Russia using this incident as propaganda to justify the war in Ukraine. The final discussion focused on the weaponization of parental rights in anti-trans protests and far right involvement, which has the potential to turn violent, and its implications for security in Canada.

Episode 2.28: Training Exercises

13th September 2023

In the twenty-eighth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Erin Gibbs Van Brunschot, Director, Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies at University of Calgary. Steve & Erin discuss the public inquiry into foreign election interference and its new commissioner Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s trip to Asia for the ASEAN summit, India among the top sources of foreign interference in Canada, the break down of Trudeau’s plane in India, and China raising concerns about New Cold War.

For our Feature Interview, Steve speaks with Thomas Hughes a former postdoc for the CDSN. Thomas is currently a McKenna Postdoctoral Fellow at Mount Allison University.

Episode 2.27: Servicewomen's Salute

30th August 2023

In the twenty-seventh episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Linna Tam-Seto, Assistant Professor Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy within the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Steve & Linna discuss the just ended Summer Institute, the Canadian Armed Forces changing housing benefits for troops, a Survey about the Canadian public’s perception of the military, the current challenges the CAF faces due to Domestic and Emergency Operations given the increasing wildfires and Climate change events over the Summer especially the evacuation of Kelowna and Yellowknife.

For our Feature Interview, Linna speaks with Rosemary Park, the founder of Servicewomen's Salute, which promotes and celebrates women's contributions to the Canadian Military. The CDSN is one of the partners helping with the upcoming Aspire & Inspire workshop series and Gala dinner organized by Servicewomen's Salute in October.

Episode 2.26: Transforming Military Cultures

2nd August 2023

Summary

In the 26th episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-hosts Steve Saideman & Artur Wilczynski, Retired DG of Foreign Intelligence Operations, Canada. Steve & Artur discuss rumors and personalities in the Defence & Public Safety cabinet shuffles; ongoing coup in Niger and civil disobedience in Israel in response to justice reforms.  

For our feature interview Steve asks Nancy Taber, Tammy George & Maya Eichler about their experience setting up a MINDS network focused on Transforming Military Cultures. Transforming Military Cultures is a network of Canadian and international academic researchers, defence scientists, military members, veterans, and people with relevant lived experience who are collaborating to challenge, reimagine, and transform the Canadian Armed Forces culture into one that embraces inclusivity and difference. The Network employs an anti-oppression framework in drawing on diverse critical perspectives and international lessons learned. Our activities aim to determine the root causes of the problematic military culture and provide practical insights to help transform Canadian Armed Forces culture into one that serves the future needs of Canada and Canadians. Centre for Social Innovation and Community Engagement in Military Affairs (SICEMA) 

Episode 2.25: Vice Admiral Angus Topshee on Canada’s Global Deployment

19th July 2023

Summary

In the twenty fifth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-hosts Steve Saideman & Anessa L. Kimball, author of the new book, Beyond 2% – NATO partners, institutions & burden management: Concepts, risks & models. Steve & Anessa discuss the recent NATO summit in Vilinius: membership, arctic, expectations and Ukraine. Today's feature interview, Steve interviews Vice Admiral Angus Topshee. The Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy answers questions about personnel shortages, Canadian arctic security, human security as the heart of the Indo-Pacific strategy, the role of leadership in culture change.

Episode 2.24: Visiting Defence Fellow, Col Cathy Blue

5th August 2023

Summary

In the twenty fourth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Erin Gibbs Van Brunschot, Director of @UCalgary’s Centre for Military, Security & Strategic Studies, and co-director of the CDSN. Steve & Erin discuss the wildfires and climate change, protests triggered by police violence in France; Wagner vs Putin; and the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius. Today's feature interview, Steve interviews Col. Cathy Blue, the CDSN/NPSIA visiting Defence Fellow for 2022/2023, about her experience in the program.

Episode 2.23: From Battalion to Brigade

7th June 2023

Summary

In the twenty third episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with special co-host, Justin Massie, Full Professor of political science at the Université du Québec à Montréal, Associate Director of the Network for Strategic Analysis, and Codirector of Le Rubicon; Steve & Justin record from Riga, Latvia where they provide highlights from their Stakeholder Visit to Task Force Latvia.

For our Feature Interview, Co-host Dr Linna Tam-Seto (She/Her) talked with Dr. Alexandra Heber (She/Her) about her work on a glossary titled: “Glossary of Terms: A shared understanding of the common terms used to describe psychological trauma.” Dr. Heber explained the importance of the project as a shared language around Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is essential and she hopes that the upcoming version will serve as a source of information and a communication tool that facilitates discussions around mental health concerns within the Defence and Security community.

Episode 2.22: The Trust Factor: Chat Apps

24th May 2023

Summary

In the twenty second episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Linna Tam-Seto, Research Associate in the Trauma and Recovery Lab at McMaster University, and former post-doc fellow of the CDSN; Steve & Linna discuss the External Monitor’s Report on progress of addressing the Arbour Report, university labs come under government scrutiny for national security risks.
For our Feature Interview, Steve speaks with Dr. Bessma Momani about her research on mal/dis and mis information shared via multinational chat app groups.

Episode 2.21: Climate Science & Policy

10th May 2023

Summary

In the twenty-first episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Erin Gibbs Van Brunschot, Director of @UCalgary’s Centre for Military, Security & Strategic Studies, and co-director of the CDSN. Steve & Erin discuss use of force amongst Canadian policing agencies, the end of the COVID emergency & the Civil War in Sudan.
In today's feature interview, Anessa speaks with Pauline Pic about her post- doc research on the intersections of human geography and human security in the Arctic.

Tracking Injustice Project: trackinginjustice.ca

Episode 2.18: Responsible Democracy

29th March 2023

Summary

In the 18th episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-hosts Steve Saideman &Artur Wilczynski, Retired DG of Foreign Intelligence Operations, Canada. Steve & Artur discuss foreign interference and intelligence, government leaks vs whistle blowing & protests in Israel.
Note from the Producer: CDSN was so busy these past 2 weeks, we didn't have time for a Feature Interview! If you are thirsty for new content and perspectives, check out our YouTube Channel with new presentations via our Capstone Seminar in Calgary, feature topics including:
1. Effective Disaster Management and Multi-Stakeholder Role: A Case of Bangladesh. (Mohammed Sadman Sakib)
2. Next Wave of Jihadists or Deradicalized Citizens?: A Controlled Narrative From A Human Security And Social Identity Perspective. (Haval Ahmad)
3. Trauma, Culture, and Militarism: Multidimensional Healing in the Canadian Armed Forces. (Ash Grover)
4. Approches alternatives afin de comprendre et surveiller la culture au sein de l’Équipe de la défense (Isabelle Richer)
5. “Functional Actors” and Canadian Defence & Security Policy: Lessons from the Arctic 1985-2010. (Ryan Dean)
6. Cold Comfort: Threat Perception and Confidence-Building in Europe and the Arctic (Thomas Hughes)
7. The Canada-U.S. Permanent Joint Board on Defence (PJBD): Legacy and Relevancy in the 21st Century. (Nicholas Glesby)
8. Women, Peace & Security: Military Application and Beyond (Ye Hee (Leona) Ahn)

Episode 2.17: Interference & Oversight

15th March 2023

Summary

In the seventeenth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Erin Gibbs Van Brunschot, Director of @UCalgary’s Centre for Military, Security & Strategic Studies, and co-director of the CDSN. Steve & Erin discuss Chinese government election interference and police stations in Canada, oversight of the RCMP in BC and across Canadian communities & concerns about lagging progress for Canadian women in international defence roles.
Today's feature interview is with author of World War Z, Max Brooks and Daveed Gartenstein-Ross of Valens. Steve, Daveed and Max discuss their work in national security, specializing in the simulation and gaming world. They explain the creation process of Sleeping Giants’ simulation, Valens Global’s approach to war game simulations, and the benefits and purposes of their war games aiming to develop situational research skills and negotiation abilities.

Links
National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians: www.nsicop-cpsnr.ca
The Modern War Institute: www.mwi.usma.edu

Episode 2.16: Mitigating Risk

1st March 2023

Summary

In the sixteenth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Linna Tam-Seto, Research Associate in the Trauma and Recovery Lab at McMaster University, and former post-doc fellow of the CDSN. Steve & Linna discuss the Emergency Act Inquiry - who was responsible, asset freezing, Doug Ford, US funding & PR of China activities in Canada. For our Feature Interview, Linna speaks with Dr. Ashley Williams about her findings on military to civilian transition and access to health services and some misconceptions about veteran health. She is also working on a veteran led project writing guidelines for healthcare providers project on chronic pain as well as a project on equine assisted learning for Public Safety personnel dealing with PTSD.

Dr. Ashley Williams is a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences as well as Co-Chair, Student and Post-Doctoral Engagement Committee (SPEC) with the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research/ L'Institut canadien de recherche sur la santé des militaires et des vétérans (CIMVHR). CIMVHR is a partner with the Canadian Defence and Security Network, students who would be interested in being part of CIMVHR’s Students and Postdoctoral Engagement Committee (https://cimvhr.ca/student-and-postdoctoral-engagement-committee/). looking for candidates interested in policy making, there are opportunities to submit proposals submitted to the upcoming forum (https://cimvhrforum.ca/trainees interested in knowing more about SPEC outreach they are welcome to sign up for their distribution list to receive all future invitations and information.https://cimvhr.ca/student-and-postdoctoral-engagement-committee/ (the mailing list sign up is located at the base of the page)The deadline to apply for the CDSN Post-Doctoral position is March 15th! https://www.cdsn-rcds.com/postdoctoral-fellows

Episode 2.15: Visionary Thinking

15th Feburary 2023

Summary

In the 15th episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-hosts Steve Saideman Artur Wilczynski, Retired DG of Foreign Intelligence Operations, Canada. Steve & Artur discuss balloon responses, U.S. Air Force Gen. Minihan’s memo & Chinese "police stations" in Canada. For our Feature Interview, Steve speaks with Major-General Lise Bourgon, currently the Women Peace and Security Champion for the CAF.

During the interview, Steve spoke with MGen Lise Bourgon about her position as Chief of Personnel, the challenges she faces as CMP’s current priorities are reconstitution, recruitment, and personnel retention. MGen Bourgon also explained the housing strategy for the CAF members, their protocol for managing problematic behaviors of members in leadership positions, and their efforts to reduce movements & relocations as a way to retain personnel.

Episode 2.14: NATO(ish)

1st February 2023

Summary

In the 14th episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-hosts Steve Saideman & Anessa L. Kimball, author of the new book, Beyond 2% – NATO partners, institutions & burden management: Concepts, risks & models. Steve & Aneessa discuss sending offensive equipment to Ukraine, the threat of Russian cyber attacks and Turkish resistance to NATO expansion. For our Feature Interview, Steve speaks with Stéfanie von Hlatky, the Canada Research Chair on Gender, Security, and the Armed Forces, associate professor of political studies at Queen's University, Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Arts and Science and co-director of  the Network for Strategic Analysis and the Canadian Defence and Security Network (including co-host of Battle Rhythm, season 1!)

During the interview, Stefanie and Steve discuss her new book: Deploying Feminism, The Role of Gender in NATO Military Operations. Topics include the context of the project idea, the research process, and fieldwork trips leading to the book. Stefanie also explained her previous research and the importance of focusing the book’s research on Women, Peace, and security, trying to convey gender equality as a key element to more stable security outcomes. The book is available at all the usual outlets, including the publisher Oxford University Press, and on amazon.

Episode 2.13: Welcome to 2023

18th January 2023

Summary

In the thirteenth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host  Erin Gibbs Van Brunschot, Director of @UCalgary’s Centre for Military, Security & Strategic Studies, and co-director of the CDSN. Steve & Erin discuss the Brazilian election protests, Canadian purchase of a U.S.-made National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) for Ukraine and a quick summary of F-35 procurement efforts. Today's feature interview is with Conseils de sécurité podcast host, Sarah-Myriam Martin-Brûlé.

Episode 2.12: Domestic Emergency Operations

14th December 2022

Summary

In the twelfth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Linna Tam-Seto, Research Associate in the Trauma and Recovery Lab at McMaster University, and former post-doc fellow of the CDSN. Steve & Linna discuss highlights from the CDSN's Annual Year Ahead event, takeaways from the Arbour Report's Stakeholder Engagement event, the recent RWE coup plot in Germany as well as Peruvian President Castillo's successful self-coup.

Episode 2.11: A National Force

30th November 2022

Summary

In the eleventh episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Erin Gibbs Van Brunschot, Director of @UCalgary’s Centre for Military, Security & Strategic Studies, and co-director of the CDSN. Steve & Erin discuss information sharing and other takeaways from the Emergencies Act Inquiry and implications for policing in Canada, Indo-Pacific strategy and allyship. Steve speaks with Peter Kasurak, Fellow the Centre for International Defence Policy (CIDP) at Queen’s University about his book “A National Force: The Evolution of Canada's Army, 1950-2000”

Episode 2.10: Canadian Forces Intelligence Command (CFINTCOM)

16th November 2022

Summary

In the 10th episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-hosts Steve Saideman & Anessa L. Kimball, Ph.D. discuss messaging faux pas at the Vimy Gala, missile scare in Poland and #COP27. For our Feature interview, Steve speaks with Major-General (MGen) Michael Wright, Commander Canadian Forces Intelligence Command and Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Episode 2.9: Leading By Example

2nd November 2022

Summary

In the ninth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Linna Tam-Seto, Research Associate in the Trauma and Recovery Lab at McMaster University, and former post-doc fellow of the CDSN. Steve & Linna discuss the CDSN mid-term Conference, her research on mentorship presented at CDSN partner CIMVHR’s annual Forum; Doug Ford testifies before the Public Order Emergency Commission, rumors of a potential new Haiti Mission for Canada. This week’s Feature Interview is from the archives, revisiting a November 2020 episode with Major-General Lise Bourgon who is now Acting Commander Military Personnel Command, Canadian Armed Force Women, as well as Peace and Security Champion.

Episode 2.8: Researching the Middle East

19th October 2022

Summary

In the eighth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Erin Gibbs Van Brunschot, Director of @UCalgary’s Centre for Military, Security & Strategic Studies, and co-director of the CDSN. Steve & Erin discuss the Emergencies Act Inquiry, Russian targeting of energy & water infrastructure with remote weapons systems and the use of propaganda from both sides as well as the Chief of Defence Staff’s plea to the public to help with capacity building. Today’s feature interview is with Gianmarco Fontana, PhD student at Universite Laval, he speaks with Anessa about his research on the wars in the Middle East, including Iran.

Episode 2.7: Operation UNIFIER

5th October 2022

Summary

In the seventh episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Artur Wilczynski, Retired DG of Foreign Intelligence Operations, Canada. Steve & Artur discuss the implications of the Nord Stream pipeline burst, Russian strategy in Ukraine, domestic emergency operations during Hurricane Fiona and protests in Iran. Steve speaks with LCol Gilbert about Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) mission in support of Ukraine's security forces.

Episode 2.6: MINDS

22nd September 2022

Summary

In the sixth episode of Battle Rhythm, Steve Saideman & Anessa L. Kimball, Ph.D. discuss developments in the war in #ukraine #Germany’s obligation to meet #NATO’s 2% spending target and #northkorea 's new law on Preemptive Use of Nuclear Weapons. For today’s feature interview, Steve speaks with Ehren Edwards, Manager of the Department of National Defence MINDS program. They talk about the vision, goals and funding of the program

Episode 2.5: The Prisoners Dilemma

7th September 2022

Summary

In the fifth episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Artur Wilczynski, Retired DG of Foreign Intelligence Operations, Canada. Steve & Artur discuss the mass casualty tragedy in Saskatchewan, harassment of Minister Freeland and the rise of political hate with comments on government intelligence gathering tools along with Artic Security. Steve speaks with Danielle Gilbert, Assistant Professor of Military & Strategic Studies at the United States Air Force Academy about her article in this month’s Foreign Affairs journal, “The Prisoners Dilemma”.

Episode 2.4: Excellence Scholars

24th August 2022

Episode 2.3: America's Great-Power Opportunity

10th August 2022

Summary

In the third episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Linna Tam-Seto, Research Associate in the Trauma and Recovery Lab at McMaster University, and former post-doc fellow of the CDSN. Steve & Linna discuss the CDSN Summer Institute highlights, Veterans Affairs MAiD recommendation and the CBSA discrimination survey.  For today’s feature interview, Steve speaks with last year’s Undergraduate Excellence scholars, Safia Hafid and Alex Rizkallah about their MINDS funded projects.

Summary

In the third episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Erin Gibbs Van Brunschot, Director of @UCalgary’s Centre for Military, Security & Strategic Studies, and co-director of the CDSN. Steve & Erin discuss state secrets and SCIFs vis a vis Mar-a-Lago; Canada’s rising hate crime problem, and the US-Russia prisoner exchange. For today’s feature interview, Steve speaks with @Ali Wyne, senior analyst with @Eurasia Group's Global Macro-Geopolitics practice about his new book "America's Great-Power Opportunity: Revitalizing U.S. Foreign Policy to Meet the Challenges of Strategic Competition" (Polity, 2022)

Links:

Washington Quarterly: https://twq.elliott.gwu.edu/files/2022/07/Wyne_45-2_TWQ-1.pdf

Episode 2.1: The Ones We LeT Down

13th July 2022

Summary

Today is the first episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Artur Wilczynski, Retired DG of Foreign Intelligence Operations, Canada. Artur shares his view on the Rogers outage and protecting critical infrastructure and national security implications; Steve and Artur discuss responses to dissident Reservist James Topp, flags and you guessed it, the NATO Summit. For today’s feature interview, Artur speaks with our network partner Charlotte Duval – Lantoine about her newly published book “The Ones We Let Down.”

Episode 2.2: Covering Canadian Defense & Security

27th July 2022

Summary

Today is the second episode of Battle Rhythm, Season 2 with co-host Anessa Kimball, associate professor in the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, director of Centre sur la sécurité internationale (CSI, Centre on International Security), and co-director of the CDSN. Steve & Anessa discuss NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept, Canada’s turbine-related sanctions on Russia & GoC’s push for more airspace privacy. For today’s feature interview, Steve speaks with Senior political reporter for @GlobalNews, Amanda Connolly about her experiences as one of Canada’s few national security and defense journalists.

Anessa’s book recommendation: ENTITLED - Kate Manne

Season 1 Hosts

Stéfanie von Hlatky: Co-Director of CDSN-RCDS & Associate Professor of political studies at Queen’s University and Director of the Queen’s Centre for International and Defence Policy (CIDP). Her research focuses on NATO, armed forces, military interventions, and defence policy.

Stephen M. Saideman: Director of the CDSN-RCDS and Paterson Chair in International Affairs at Carleton University. His research focuses on NATO, civil-military relations, and international security

Summary

In the season finale of Battle Rhythm: Season 1, Steve and Stef discuss the Arbour Report as stakeholders in the project and as op-ed writers; the upcoming NATO Summit in Madrid, NORAD Modernization and  a Q&A session with Stéfanie in her last episode as co-host as she steps aside for another important and exciting role as Associate Dean Research within the Faculty of Arts and Science at Queen's University.

Recommends

1. Dave Grohl's The Storyteller

2. David Foenkinos novels

3. Le Lambeau by Philippe Lançon

Links

1. Stéfanie von Hlatky op-ed

2. Episode 49: Healthy Tension with guests Deputy Minister of the Department of National Defence, Jody Thomas and Acting Chief of the Defence Staff Lt.-Gen. Wayne Eyre

Summary

In the 74th episode of Battle Rhythm, guest host Erin Gibbs Van Brunschot and Steve talk about Sexual Misconduct in the military and civilian cops & prosecutors, the new handgun regulations and CANSEC. Today’s feature interview guest is with Executive Director of Project Ploughshares Canada, Cesar Jaramillo [19:30]. This week’s RnR segment [55:40], where we will provide some levity in these trying times with entertainment reviews and suggestions: Breaking Bad, Operation Mincemeat, Obi-Wan

Links:

• Ploughshares Canada Tweet

• Summer Institute

• Independent External Comprehensive Review into Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment in the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Guest Biographies

Erin Gibbs Van Brunschot is co-director of the CDSN Security theme and the Director of the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies as well as Professor of Sociology at the University of Calgary, Canada. Erin is also co-director, with Jean-Christophe Boucher, of CANIS (Canadian Network on Information and Security). Her research focuses on the concept of risk as it primarily applies to criminal offending and victimization. Her current research projects include an examination of how past experiences with various types of hazards influence self-protective behavior and expectations for the future, and the means by which individual and institutional efforts to enhance security work together and/or at cross-purposes.

Cesar Jaramillo’s work has focused on such program areas as nuclear disarmament, outer space security and conventional weapons control. As an international civil society representative, Cesar has addressed, among others, the UN General Assembly First Committee (Disarmament and International Security), the UN Conference on Disarmament, the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), as well as states parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). He has also given guest lectures and presentations at academic institutions such as the National Law University in New Delhi, the China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing, and the University of Toronto. An occasional columnist on matters of disarmament and international security, Cesar graduated from the University of Waterloo with an MA in global governance and has bachelor’s degrees in honours political science and in journalism. Prior to joining Project Ploughshares, Cesar held a fellowship at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI).

Summary

In the 73rd episode of Battle Rhythm, Stef and Steve talk about expectations for the upcoming Independent External Comprehensive Review into Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment in the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, led by Madame Louise Arbour as well as Finland, Sweden and NATO expansion. Today’s feature interview is with Dr. Binyam (Ben) Solomon, Senior Defence Scientist at Defence Research and Development Canada | Recherche et développement pour la défense Canada [20:15]. This week’s RnR segment [41:45], where we will provide some levity in these trying times with entertainment reviews and suggestions: Game Night, Multiverse of Madness, Sanford’s The Investigator.

Links

• Summer Institute

• Saideman’s Semi-Spew: Early Admissions, NATO Edition

Guest Biography

Dr. Binyam Solomon is Senior Defence Scientist at Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). He is also an Adjunct Research Professor at Carleton University. Previous appointments include Chief Economist, Department of National Defence and acting Chief Scientist at the Centre for Operational Research and Analysis (DRDC). He has published extensively in economics, statistics, and defence topics. His research interests include political economy, aspects of national security, peacekeeping economics, and time series methods. Dr. Solomon holds a PhD in Defence Economics from the University of York, United Kingdom.

Summary

In the 72nd episode of Battle Rhythm, guest host Linna Tam-Seto and Steve talk about her recent work on military sexual trauma within the Sexual Misconduct network, as well as her postdoc mentorship work in relation to the recent racism report, and a report on accommodating families. Today’s feature interview is with LCol Melanie Lake, Task force Commander Operation UNIFIER [26:30]. This week’s RnR segment [58:20], where we will provide some levity in these trying times with entertainment reviews and suggestions: Metal Lords, Kids in the Hall, Moonknight

Guest Biography

Raised in Churchill Falls, Labrador, LCol Melanie Lake graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2002 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. She has been immensely privileged to serve in all three Combat Engineer Regiments in Canada. She began her career in 5 RGC as a Field Troop Comd, served as 2IC 23 Armd Sqn and Operations Officer at 1 CER and was Officer Commanding of 24 Fd Sqn and 25 Sp Sqn at 2 CER before returning to her current job as the Commanding Officer of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa, ON. She had the opportunity to learn from some of the best Sappers and Soldiers in the country and considers herself very lucky for these opportunities.

Outside of Combat Engineer Regiments, LCol Lake served as an instructor at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, spent time as a HUMINT operator, worked in the Office of the Chief of the Defence Staff as the Senior Staff Officer and oversaw Engineer Operations and Plans at the Canadian Joint Operations Command. She deployed to Afghanistan three times on Op ATHENA and on two domestic operations including as the JTF Comd for Op WINISK. In March 2021, she assumed command of Operation UNIFIER Roto 11. She will return as Commanding Officer of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment following this deployment.

She and her partner Jeff, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer, have a young daughter named Avigail.

Summary

In the 71st episode of Battle Rhythm, guest host Anessa Kimball and Steve talk about Finland, Sweden and NATO, US assurances, Ukraine’s borders along with Canada’s defence contributions and implications; finally the data within the Minister’s Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination Final Report. Today’s feature interview is with Major-General M.H.L. (Lise) Bourgon, CMM, MSC, CD, Acting Commander, Military Personnel Command [36:45]. This week’s RnR segment [1:03:30], where we will provide some levity in these trying times with entertainment reviews and suggestions: Russian Doll, Outcasts, Barry

Links

• Ministerial Advisory Panel report released as part of effort to eliminate systemic racism and discrimination on the Defence Team

• Linna Tam-Seto: Network and Support: The benefits of mentorship

Guest Biography

Major-General Lise Bourgon joined the military in 1987 under the ROTP training plan and was selected to attend Le College Militaire Royal de St-Jean where she graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. Following wings training in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1994, she was posted to 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Shearwater where she served on HMCS Preserver, NCSM Ville De Quebec and HMCS Toronto. In 1998, she was transferred to 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron, where she served as a pilot instructor. Following her promotion to Major in 2001, she was posted to Ottawa in the Directorate of Air Requirements - Maritime as a Project Director working on projects such as the Maritime Helicopter Program and the Self-Defence Program. She was posted back to 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in 2004 to serve as the Detachment Commander on HMCS Montreal. Following her deployment, she was appointed as the Wing Plans and Tasks Officer in 2005. She graduated from the Joint Command and Staff Program at the Canadian Force College in Toronto in 2007. Following her promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel, she was appointed the Commanding Officer of 406 Maritime Operational Training Squadron in 2007 and served in Shearwater, NS until July 2009 when she was chosen to be the Executive Assistant to the Chief of the Air Staff in Ottawa.  In June 2011, she was promoted to Colonel and posted as the NATO Liaison Officer at the NATO Air Headquarters in Ramstein, Germany.  After only two years in Germany, she was appointed as the new 12 Wing Commander in Shearwater, Nova Scotia. Following her tour as Wing Commander, she was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-general and deployed as the Joint Task Force Commander for OP IMPACT. Upon her return from deployment, she was assigned to Canada Joint Operational Command as the Chief of Operations. In August 2016, she was transferred to the Strategic Joint Staff as Director General Operations. In 2018, she assumed the duties of Chief of Staff, Operations at the Canadian Joint Operational Command. In 2021, she completed a one-year Defence Fellowship assignment with the Centre of International and Defence and Policy at Queens’ University. Since April 21, she is assigned as the Deputy Commander of Military Personnel Command. In addition to her daily job, MGen Bourgon is the Canadian Armed Forces Women, Peace, and Security champion.  

Summary

In the 70th episode of Battle Rhythm, Stef and Steve talk about NATO expectations & 2% aspirations, the defense review announcement and former CDS Vance’s guilty plea. Today’s feature interview is with Temitope Oriola, Associate Professor, Sociology at the University of Alberta [20:05].This week’s RnR segment [46:15], where we will provide some levity in these trying times with entertainment reviews and suggestions: The Stranger, D-Day Girls, No Way Home

Guest Biography

Temitope Oriola is joint Editor-in-Chief of the journal African Security and associate professor at the University of Alberta. A recipient of the Governor General of Canada Academic Gold Medal (first awarded by the Earl of Dufferin in 1873), Oriola’s book Criminal Resistance? The Politics of Kidnapping Oil Workers is one of a small number of book-length sociological investigations of political kidnapping in the English language. Professor Oriola’s research expertise focuses on policing & use of force, terrorism studies and armed insurgencies. A decorated researcher and teacher, Professor Oriola is a two-time Carnegie fellow and president of the Canadian Association of African Studies (CAAS).

What the ‘freedom convoy’ reveals about the ties among politics, police and the law

Summary

In the 69th episode of Battle Rhythm, Stef and Steve talk about the ISA, Steve’s appearance in a parliamentary hearing with discussion of the military personnel announcement, highlights from the NATO summit, and the F35 purchase announcement. Today’s feature interview [20:00] is with Christophe Fortier-Guay discussing his role as OSCE’s special monitoring mission to Ukraine (SMMU).This week’s RnR segment [57:40], where we will provide some levity in these trying times with entertainment reviews and suggestions: Is it Cake?, Turning Red, Our Flag Means Death

Guest Biography

Christophe Fortier-Guay joined the OSCE’s special monitoring mission to Ukraine (SMMU) in 2017 where he served as a lead political advisor to the mission’s leadership in war-torn Donbas (Luhansk MT). In February 2021, he was promoted acting Deputy Team Leader of the Kharkiv MT, covering Kharkiv, Poltava and Sumy Oblasts. On 1 February 2022, he was appointed acting Team Leader of Kharkiv MT. Prior to his deployment to Eastern Ukraine, he assisted the Director of international cooperation of the French Ministry of Interior. From 2012 to 2014, he was the senior advisor to the Minister of International Relations and Foreign Trade of Quebec. Earlier appointments include serving in the Cabinet of the French Minister for Budget and Spokesman of the Government; in the Political Affairs Secretariat of the Organization of American States in Washington DC; and in the Global strategy firm of Hubert Védrine, former Secretary General of the French Presidency and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is a graduate of the University of Montreal (B.A. political science), the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Master’s in international affairs, conflict and security issues) and of the French National School of Administration (ENA – Promotion Louise Weiss). In 2019, he successfully completed the Senior Executives in National and International Security program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Summary

In the 68th episode of Battle Rhythm, Stef and Steve talk about the Conference of Defence Associations Institute's annual Ottawa Conference, Russia, Ukraine, foreign fighters & supply convoys. Today’s feature interview is with The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence [21:45]. This week’s RnR segment [55:20], where we will provide some levity in these trying times with entertainment reviews and suggestions: Adam Project, Dead Eyes, Rick Atkinson

Guest Biography

Minister Anand is a devoted leader with a proven record of service. In her Oakville community, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Lighthouse Program for Grieving Children, the Oakville Hospital Foundation, and Oakville Hydro Electricity Distribution Inc. Minister Anand has worked as a scholar, lawyer, and researcher. She has been a legal academic, including as a Professor of Law at the University of Toronto where she held the J.R. Kimber Chair in Investor Protection and Corporate Governance. She served as Associate Dean and was a member of the Governing Board of Massey College and the Director of Policy and Research at the Capital Markets Research Institute, Rotman School of Management. She has also taught law at Yale Law School, Queen’s University, and Western University.

Minister Anand has completed extensive research on the regulation of financial markets, corporate governance, and shareholder rights, and has appeared regularly in the media to discuss these topics. In 2015, she was appointed to the Government of Ontario’s Expert Committee to Consider Financial Advisory and Financial Planning Policy Alternatives. She has conducted research for Ontario's Five-Year Review Committee, the federal Wise Person's Committee, and the Task Force to Modernize Securities Legislation in Canada. In 2019, the Royal Society of Canada awarded her the Yvan Allaire Medal for outstanding contributions in governance relating to private and public organizations.

Minister Anand holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Studies from Queen's University, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford, a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Laws from the University of Toronto. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1994.

Minister of National Defence Mandate Letter(December 16, 2021)

Summary

In the 67th episode of Battle Rhythm, Stef and Steve talk about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Today’s feature interview is with Lieutenant-colonel John Benson, MSM, CD, A de C, Commandant 2e Bataillon Royal 22e Régiment et La Citadelle de Québec [20:00]. This week’s RnR segment [46:35], where we will provide some levity in these trying times with entertainment reviews and suggestions: All of Us Are Dead, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Resident Alien

The Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group Latvia completed an evaluation of its capabilities as a “force package” to meet NATO standards during Exercise Silver Arrow in September. The multinational exercise involved almost 3,000 troops and 200 vehicles from 12 NATO allies and was designed to test the battle group’s ability “to plan and conduct operations with the Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade” and enhance their readiness, said its commander, Lieutenant-Colonel John Benson.

Guest Biography

Lieutenant-Colonel John Benson was born in Toronto, Ontario. After completing his studies at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, he was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment in 2004, where he was employed as a platoon commander during the build-up of TF 2- 06 as well as a reconnaissance platoon commander for a few months. He was also deployed to KANDAHAR in 2006-2007 as a mentor to an Afghan National Army (ANA) company commander as part of Roto 0 of the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (ELMO/OMLT).

After a short assignment as Director Land Resource Requirement (DBRT/DLR), he was again deployed to KANDAHAR in 2009, this time as J33-3 of Task Force Kandahar (TFK), coordinating day-to-day operations at the brigade level until September 2010. Upon his return to Canada, he was again posted to the 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment as an operations officer. In this position, he participated in the domestic operation LOTUS during the floods in Montérégie. He also implements the TF 3-12 build-up training plan. Promoted to the rank of major in 2012, he had the privilege of commanding an infantry company during the build-up.

After completing his assignment as Company Commander, he held the positions of Study Group Director at the Canadian Army Command and Staff College, Deputy Director of the Center for National Security Studies at the Forces College Canadian Forces, Chief of Staff for the Commander of the 1st Canadian Division and Section Chief at the Army Doctrine Centre. He is also deployed to Baghdad for a year to initiate the NATO mission in Iraq from October 2018 to November 2019.

Lieutenant-Colonel Benson holds a bachelor's degree in military and strategic studies as well as a master's degree in defense studies. He is also a graduate of the Land Force Technical Staff Program (LMTP). His wife Caroline is a CELE officer, and they have a daughter (Mia) and a son (William) together. In addition to traveling around the world as a family, they enjoy practicing many sports.

Summary

In the 66th episode of Battle Rhythm, Stef and Steve talk about the internationalization of the trucker convoy and the impending Russian invasion of Ukraine. Today’s feature interview is with Ben Roswell, president of the Canadian International Council. [20:50]. This week’s RnR segment [54:30], where we will provide some levity in these trying times with entertainment reviews and suggestions: Raising Dion, Reacher, Jack Reacher books.

Links:

• Canadian International Council

• The Battle to Save Democracy, Podcasted.

Biography

Ben Rowswell has been President and Research Director of the Canadian International Council since November 2018. Prior to the CIC, Ben served as Canada’s Ambassador to Venezuela from 2014 to 2017. This capped a 25 year career as a professional diplomat including assignments in Canada’s embassies to Egypt, to the United States, and in Canada’s Permanent Mission to the UN. He served Canada’s first diplomatic envoy to Baghdad, Iraq, after the fall of Saddam Hussein from 2003 to 2005, as Deputy Ambassador to Afghanistan and as head of the NATO Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar between 2008 and 2010. As a practitioner of international relations, Ben’s thematic interest has been in human rights and democracy. He founded the Democracy Unit at Global Affairs Canada, and worked closely with human rights activists in Iraq and Afghanistan. As Ambassador to Venezuela, Ben was an outspoken advocate of the restoration of the popular sovereignty of Venezuelans after the suspension of constitutional order in early 2017.

These experiences abroad awakened an interest in the role of citizens in our own democracy. In Ottawa, Ben supported the Cabinet process as a member of the Privy Council Office during the tenures of Jean Chrétien and Stephen Harper, experiences that exposed him to the far-reaching impact that public opinion has on decision-making at the highest levels of government. Ben brings that passion for the role of individual citizens to the CIC, a platform for everyday Canadians to participate in the national conversation about our nation’s role in the world.

Summary

In the 65th episode of Battle Rhythm, Stef and Steve talk about Civ-Mil protocol when it comes to domestic protests and Canada’s commitment in Ukraine. Today’s feature interview is with M.E. Sam Samplonius, Co-Chairperson of It’s Not Just 700, a volunteer run, non-funded organization that provides camaraderie, informal support, and advocates for those impacted by Military Sexual Misconduct and Military Sexual Trauma in the Canadian Armed Forces. [17:15]. This week’s RnR segment [43:40], where we will provide some levity in these trying times with entertainment reviews and suggestions: Wolf like me,  Witcher, Twilight of the Gods—Pacific War book

Guest Biography

M.E. Sam Samplonius has over 40 years of CAF Reserve Force service and is a Military Sexual Trauma (MST) survivor. Like many other survivors, her first assault happened during her Basic Recruit training when she was 17 years old.

Sam was an active member of IJ700 since 2015 when she became involved in the Hands Project and maintained the IJ700 Instagram account for inspirational messages. At that time she felt she had dealt with her multiple sexual assaults and constant sexual harassment well, and was enjoying a successful Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) career happily married to a Regular Force CAF spouse. However in 2016 she was again a victim of MST that was so traumatizing that it caused the loss of her full-time military position. The mental and physical trauma of this incident also led to the breakdown of her marriage as she tried to cope with the added release of unresolved previous MST, depression and hypervigilance.

Diagnosed with complex PTSD in 2018, through regular therapy Sam has taken on the challenge of dealing with the sexual and gender harassment she has experienced, and the military sexual trauma inflicted from domestic violence, kidnapping and unlawful confinement incidents. She finds helping others is one her best healing practices.

As a Reservist, Sam maintained a federal Public Service career concurrently while serving in the CAF. While her career was in Materiel Management, she also volunteered for many workplace initiatives relating to Employee Wellness and Diversity, gaining extensive experience in Joint Occupational Health & Safety program development as a Master Trainer and Union Shop Steward. For ten years she co-facilitated for the Treasury Board JLP Anti-Harassment course for Managers. Collaboration not confrontation has been a personal mantra stemming from her Union Local Executive days.

As a Public Servant, Sam sought out many opportunities for full-time CAF contracts on regional and national projects that made full use of her repertoire of skills and experience in training development and facilitation, conflict management, policy review, ethics and diversity.

In May 2021 when IJ700 disbanded, Sam agreed to join Dr. Lori Buchart in creating a new informal peer support group to ensure MST survivors would still have a safe and secure place to go for peer support and healing resources. Through discussions they found a shared passion and professional experience in promoting and facilitating positive organizational change that has created an amazing synergy for influencing culture change and the creation of It’s Not Just 700.

Now retired from the Public Service and facing a medical release from the CAF, Sam will be increasing her work in the area of CAF Veteran advocacy that she began in 2007. In addition to volunteering as the Co-Chairperson with INJ700, she also volunteers as a Senior Advisor with the Canadian Military Sexual Trauma Community of Practice, and an Advisor for the Centre of Excellence on PTSD.

Summary

In the 64th episode of Battle Rhythm, Stef and Steve talk about Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Russia. Today’s feature interviews are with The 2021 Class of the Halifax Peace With Women Fellowship, discussing education and instruction and field operations [20:40]. This week’s RnR segment [55:45], where we will provide some levity in these trying times with entertainment reviews and suggestions: Yellow Jackets, Alex Rider, Conquering Tide.

Guest Biography

The 2021 Class of the Halifax Peace With Women Fellowship convenes 12 diverse and accomplished women from 12 countries. All Fellows are senior, active-duty military officers from NATO member and partner countries. The 2021 Class represents more than 330 years of combined service to their countries and a wide range of expertise. HFX is proud to welcome its fourth class of distinguished leaders to the Halifax network.

Group 3: Education & Instruction

• Lieutenant Colonel Monika Mertinaitė: Senior Advisor, Defense Policy Group, Ministry of National Defense, Lithuania

• Brigadier General Catherine Bourdès: Deputy Director of French Higher Military Education, Directorate for Higher Military Studies

• Colonel Anna Siverstig: Commanding Officer, Swedish Air Warfare Center, Swedish Air Force

Group 4: Field Operations

• Group Captain Louise desJardins: Director Joint Effects/J3E, Royal Australian Air Force

• Colonel Danielle Willis: Commander 93 Air Ground Operations Wing, United States Air Force