From the Commanding Officer
REGIMENTAL HQ – MONTREAL, QC. The first 100 days are done, but the real work is only just beginning. I'm thrilled to announce the launch of the training year in a few weeks. On 25 August 2026 we'll host the Unit Leadership Symposium, where leaders will establish the start state for the training year ahead, followed immediately by our Regimental Muster on 1 September. All serving members of the regiment will parade together for the first time in the 26/27 training year.
One exciting announcement: for the first time in the regiment's history, we'll be using a real Microsoft Outlook Calendar to track all regimental operations and tasks. If you still have D365 access, feel free to add the 365 Outlook Calendar "RHC – Operations" to keep track of unit activities.
Major renovations continue to plague the armoury, but thanks to the diligent work of Sgt Jeff Trottier-Harrison, we now have two-thirds of our parade square back, and with a little luck we'll soon have brand new toilets and showers that actually work.
A complete tally of qualified soldiers will be announced next month, but we're forming about a dozen hackles for our newly minted Highland Warriors.
Operationally, the unit continues to punch above its weight, with 19 members on expeditionary operations or preparing to deploy, and another 10 nominated for the full-time Arctic Response Company Group, slated to begin early next month.
On 22 July, a contingent of the regiment gathered at Beechwood Cemetery for a celebration of life marking the 20th anniversary of Cpl Jason Warren's death. Nearly 40 attended, including folks who flew in from Edmonton.
And as always, the regiment played a strong part in both the Montreal and Maxville Highland Games, word on the street is, "If the Black Watch wasn't there, the Montreal Games wouldn't have happened." The pipes performed with their usual grace, and the Tug of War team once again gently let the Navy win (we will need to pack on a little more weight next year).
The unit is ready for 26/27. The energy is in the air, and our soldiers are ready to step up and serve. I expect this training year to be as exciting as my first 100 days.
CO RHC