On 15 October, Royal Military College Saint-Jean hosted some 150 South Korean officer cadets and staff during a one-day visit, marking the 50th anniversary of Korea Canada diplomatic relations and the 60th anniversary of the South Korean Armistice. The highlight of the visit was a friendly ball hockey tournament amongst officer cadets of both nations and a fencing demonstration.
“I am very pleased to host this delegation of 140 officer cadets from South Korea that will allow officer cadets from both countries to exchange and learn from each other,” explains Colonel Jennie Carignan, Commandant of Royal Military College Saint-Jean. “This cultural visit creates ties between Royal Military College Saint-Jean and the South Korean Naval Academy which bode well for the future and it is very fitting as we mark the 60th anniversary of the South Korean Armistice.”
During the visit, Colonel Carignan welcomed the officer cadets and the accompanying staff during a presentation, outlining Royal Military College Saint-Jean’s curriculum and role within the Canadian Armed Forces officer development. A site visit and an intercultural lunch preceded the friendly ball hockey tournament and the fencing demonstration.
The visiting South Korean officer cadets are part of the ship’s company of two Republic of Korea Navy Ships which are in the Old Port of Montreal from 13 October to 16 October. This marks the first visit of Republic of Korea Navy Ships in Montreal. Under the command of Admiral Jang Soo-hong, the two Republic of Korea Navy Ships’ companies participated in several activities in the Montreal area during their stay.
The mission of Royal Military College Saint-Jean is to integrate, evaluate and develop its officer cadets for successful careers as commissioned officers in the Canadian Armed Forces by means of its academic, leadership, sports and bilingualism programs. These are the four components upon which RMC Saint-Jean’s curriculum is based. The College provides a seamless transition from high school to university by providing college-level and first-year university programmes in Science and Social Science in both official languages.
