Canadian Army welcomes new Chief of Staff Army Reserve

Ottawa, Ontario — Today, Brigadier-General Kelly Woiden became the Canadian Army’s top Reservist as he accepted his new appointment as Chief of Staff Army Reserve in a ceremony held at Army headquarters in Ottawa. After thirty-eight years of distinguished service, his predecessor, Brigadier-General Gary O’Brien, is retiring.  

BGen Woiden comes to the job with thirty-seven years of military service and expertise behind him. He recently returned from a deployment in Afghanistan where he was the Assistant Commanding General – Army Development for NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan.

With all the responsibilities that come with his new job, what will be the general’s top priority?

“Maintaining an adaptable, effective and sustainable Reserve that is credible in the eyes of, not only our own stakeholders, but the Army and the Canadian Forces,” says BGen Woiden.

As much as today’s ceremony welcomed the incoming leader, it also recognized the contributions of the outgoing BGen O’Brien. He played a crucial role in increasing cooperation and integration between the Regular and Reserve Forces. He was also instrumental in improving reservists’ pensions and job security in the civilian sector.

“For me, the Army Reserve built really fundamental life skills. The strength in building those fundamental life skills are important to every Canadian,” says BGen O’Brien.  “I tell young people today to accept the challenge and put themselves into the service to their country.”

Photo by MCpl Steve Bogue, Army Public Affairs, Ottawa