In the age of data and digital technologies impacting our workspaces and lifestyles, the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are incorporating new practices to meet the evolving expectations of Canadians.

Innovative solutions to unique military challenges and work practices were presented at the Innovation Fair 2019 across Ottawa, Montreal, Québec City, Halifax and Toronto by teams from Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM), Canadian Forces Recruiting Group (CFRG), and Assistant Deputy Minister (Human Resources – Civilian) ((ADM(HR-Civ)) in collaboration with 2 Canadian Air Division (2 Div CA) and Military Police, Valcartier.

CAF Virtual Recruitment
CAF is employing an interactive, digital recruitment tool to give potential recruits a taste of the CAF experience, including a simulation of military training, and careers they can pursue. Through the innovative use of digital technology, the CAF is expecting to increase military recruitment in the foreseeable future.

A participant at the event noted, “I’m generally skeptical about VR, but I was instantly surprised by the level of detail when I put the goggles on and looked out the back of the transport plane I was about to virtually jump from. I think this is a great tool to highlight some of the exciting possibilities that can be realized through signing up with the CAF.”

Automated Goniometer

The Automated Goniometer, showcased at the Innovation Fair in Ottawa, is an example of new approaches to solving technological challenges. The goniometer is co-sponsored by the CANSOFCOM PROMETHEUS Innovation Programme, through their Senior Clinic Projects, and Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). It is a highly specialized camera platform for 3D object measurement, which can provide input to machine learning algorithms for object surveillance and recognition.

Military Spouse Employment Initiative

The Military Spouse Employment Initiative enables military spouses to find or continue employment both within and outside the federal public service. The Military Spouse Employment Initiative Casual Inventory, the first phase of this solution, is intended to nurture the relationship between military spouses and hiring managers, and to provide employment opportunities for military spouses moving to a new location, base or wing in Canada.

Diversity +

The Diversity+ Team has had a multiplier effect through its openness to diversity and addressing the issues of discrimination and harassment in the workplace. D+ allies at the Saint-Jean and Montreal Garrison have played a particularly important role to raise awareness around International Women’s Day and the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia.

Bravo Zulu to all involved in highlighting innovative initiatives across Defence, and a big thank you for their contributions to this article.