On the 19 Aug 2023, Capt Sylvain Bernard will retire from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) after +42 years of dedicated and loyal service to Canada, the CAF, and the Communications and Electronics (C&E) Branch.
Capt Bernard enrolled in the CAF on the 20 Nov 1980, after completion of Basic Training, Second Language Training, and the Performance Oriented Electronic Training (POET) in Saint-Jean-Sur Richelieu. He proceeded to CFS Moisie for on the job training, followed by completing Radio Tech Training at the Canadian Forces School of Communication and Electronics (CFSCE ) in Kingston, Ontario. Upon completion of his QL3 Training in Aug 1982, he was posted to Aerospace Maintenance Development Unit (AMDU), CFB Trenton, performing telecommunication installations across the CAF. Promoted to Cpl, Nov 1984.
In June 1986, he was posted to Communication Squadron, Lahr Germany, employed as an Airfield Technician. In June 1990, he was promoted to the rank of MCpl and posted to CFSCE Kingston as an Airfield Equipment Instructor. In January 1998, he was posted to 4 Wing Telecommunication Information System Squadron, Cold Lake where he held the position of IT Maintenance Supervisor. He was promoted to the rank of Sgt in Mar 2000, and posted to ATESS, 8 Wing Trenton, in Sep 2000 as an instructor supervisor.
Capt Bernard deployed in Aug 2001 to Op PALLADIUM, Stabilization Forces AFOR HQ Sarajevo. Upon his return to ATESS, he was posted to 8 WTISS Trenton in Jul 2002. In Jun 2003, he was promoted to WO and in Sep 2003, he completed a six month tour in the Middle East as the CIS Flight WO for TF Kabul TSE. In Jun 2007, he completed a second six month tour in the Middle East as the CIS Flight MWO for TF Afghanistan TSE. He was promoted to MWO in Jul 2007. In Jul 2008, he was posted to 42 Rdr Squadron, Cold Lake as the Unit Warrant Officer, where the unit deployed to provide air space monitoring as part of JTF Games Op Podium.
In Sep 2011, he was posted to the Deployment Readiness Training Standard Evaluation Team in Trenton, where he held the position of Collective Training Standard. In Aug 2012, He was promoted to the rank of CWO and posted to 17 Wing Winnipeg as the Wing Operation CWO. In Jul 2015, he was posted to 3 Wing Bagotville as the Div Log Branch CWO.
In Jun 2018, Capt Bernard was commissioned under the Special Requirement Commissioning Plan (SRCP) and posted to ATESS as the Deputy Command and Control Information Systems Flight Commander. In Jul 2022, Capt Bernard was promoted to the rank of Major Acting While So Employed (AWSE) for 12 months to fill the Command-and-Control Information Systems Flight Commander position.
Capt Bernard would like to thank the many people he has worked with, worked for, and supported him throughout his career. He will miss all the wonderful people, good friends, and great experiences that have made it an outstanding adventure. None the less, he would also like to thank his wonderful wife Lisa and his kids Erica, Lauren and Scott for the love and unconditional support they showed him throughout his time in Military. Capt Bernard and his wife Lisa will remain in the region, he plans to spend more quality time with family and grandchildren; Blake, and Nathanial.
To recognize Sylvain’s Career, a retirement function will be held at Tomasso’s, in Trenton, on Wednesday, 23 Aug 2023 commencing at 1200. Those wishing to attend are requested to contact Capt Joshua Hill ([email protected]) by 18 Aug 2023. Congratulation messages, best wishes, anecdotes, and messages may also be passed via email to Maj Tyrel Waldner ([email protected]).