Vanguard Magazine

4 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 www.vanguardcanada.com E D I T O R' S N O T E Each generation likes to imagine that it is living through unprecedented historical change and longs for a "simpler" time. But nostalgia is almost always an illusion. Our great-grandparents faced a pace of transformation not unlike our own. Con- sider defence: in just over half a century, we went from wooden ships to satellites, from horse-mounted regiments to jets, from signal flags to digital networks. The story of defence has always been one of in- novation and adaptation. What is becoming clear today is that the rate of change is not slowing, it is acceler- ating. Canada's defence posture is enter- ing a new era. We are rapidly shifting to a world where the digital landscape is just as contested as the Arctic, and where cyber operators now work shoulder to shoulder with sailors, soldiers, and aviators. This issue of Vanguard explores how Canada is adapting to this complex reality, investing in capabilities that ensure readi- ness in a rapidly shifting global environ- ment. We begin with a deep dive into the cy- ber domain and the creation of the Ca- nadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM), the nation's newest operational command. By unifying cyber, signals intelligence, and electronic warfare, CAFCYBERCOM puts Canada's digital defences on a true warfighting footing. It represents not only a structural shift, but a strategic one, ensuring our operators can act with agility at home and alongside al- lies across NATO, NORAD, and the Five Eyes. At sea, we spotlight the Canadian Coast Guard's Future Fleet, one of the most am- bitious undertakings in Canadian ship- building history. From Bay Class lifeboats and offshore science vessels already in ser- vice, to cutting-edge Polar Icebreakers and hybrid research ships now under construc- tion, this effort is designed to safeguard Canada's oceans and reinforce sovereignty in the North. Not every form of change is technologi- cal. As another feature in this issue high- lights, the Canadian Armed Forces has been grappling with profound cultural and workplace challenges. What began as an attempt to address systemic issues such as misconduct, discrimination, and coun- terproductive leadership has now evolved into a comprehensive culture-change program, anchored by clear structures, sustained momentum, and visible action. The goal is a more resilient, inclusive, and cohesive institution that reflects the values Canadians expect. These stories remind us that transforma- tion can be seen through either a glass- half-full or a glass-half-empty lens. The challenges ahead are undeniable, from cy- ber threats to climate change, from Arctic sovereignty to institutional renewal. But so too are the opportunities. Canada is not only building fleets and commands, but also laying the foundations of readiness for decades to come. There's one thing that has never changed, and that's the people that make up the CAF. At the heart of every ship launched or cyber operator trained are Ca- nadians committed to service. Their work is the throughline across generations of change, proving that while technologies shift and challenges evolve, the mission endures: to safeguard Canada's sovereign- ty and strengthen its role in the world. Terri Pavelic, Editor-in-Chief EDITORIAL E D I TO R-I N-C H I E F | T E R R I PAV E L I C terri@promotivemedia.ca P U B L I S H E R A N D E X E C U T I V E E D I TO R | J. R I C H A R D J O N E S john@promotivemedia.ca E D I TO R | M I C H A E L M AC M I L LA N CONTRIBUTORS RAC H A E L B U R D M A N G R E G MacN E I L LGen PA U L P R É VO S T M A J O R P H I L L I P W H I T E EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD LGen S T U A RT B E A R E (Ret'd) Col R I C H A R D F AWC E TT (Ret'd) Capt(N) N O R M A N J O L I N (Ret'd) Col P I E R R E L E B LA N C (Ret'd) CA R I N N A L I N S H A N N O N McC L U R E SALES D I R E CTO R, CO N T E N T & B U S I N E S S D E V E LO P M E N T | DAV I D B LO N D E A U david@promotivemedia.ca ART & PRODUCTION A RT D I R E CTO R | E L E N A PA N KOVA elena@promotivemedia.ca S U B S C R I P T I O N S A N D A D D R E S S C H A N G E S C I RC U LAT I O N S E RV I C E S | circulation@promotivemedia.ca Publisher's Mail Agreement: 40052410 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to circulation dept. 21374, 2nd Concession Rd, East Gwillimbury, ON, L9N 0H7 Vanguard magazine is published 6 times per year by Promotive Communications Inc. All opinions expressed herein are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or any person or organization associated with the magazine. Letters, submissions, comments and suggested topics are welcome, and should be sent to terri@promotivemedia.ca REPRINT INFORMATION: Reproduction or photocopying is prohibited without the publisher's prior written consent. High quality reprints of articles and additional copies of the magazine are available through circulation@promotivemedia.ca PRIVACY POLICY: We do not sell our mailing list or share any confidential information on our subscribers. VANGUARD OFFICE 21374, 2nd Concession Rd, East Gwillimbury, ON, L9N 0H7 Phone: (905) 727-3875 THE FORUM FOR CANADA'S SECURITY AND DEFENCE COMMUNITY

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