This past Friday, PCJ360 students had the incredible opportunity of going to the Peace Support Training Centre in Kingston Ontario. To put it simply, the PSTC is a training facility for the Canadian Armed Forces as well as other Canadian government members that focuses on preparing people to go out into the field. In everyday terms, it is a school that trains people on how to work around the globe in peacekeeping actions. I’m just going to put this out there – this was one of the coolest experiences of my 3 year undergrad journey so far (even though we had to get up in the wee hours of the morning). I’m going to try and encapsulate the greatness of the trip in a few paragraphs, so if it seems like I am leaving parts out, that is simply because you have to be there and see for yourself!

Our day went a little like this: first, we had a briefing with Major Sylvester who talked about the PSTC’s history. He told us the key focus of the program is to ensure the best possible training through an always improving curriculum created by credible instructors. He also pointed out interesting things about the training that you may not have expected, such as the extensive training all PSTC students go through on cultural sensitivity.

Next we had the opportunity to hear Major Fifield talk about his field work, as he returned from his mission in South Sudan only a year ago. He was incredibly honest about the struggles and accomplishments made by his team and the best thing about him was that he was not shy to point out major problems (no pun intended). His honesty was refreshing to all us 360s! We also had the opportunity to hear Major Dunning speak about his experiences working in the DRC just one month ago. He was just as honest and thoughtful as Major Fifield and he really gave us an extensive explanation of the DRC’s state, as it has a long way to go before things can get better.

I saved my favourite for last (although they were all so kind and brilliant). Captain Ingersoll, who is probably the one of the coolest humans to ever walk this earth, has almost 40 years of experience in the Canadian Armed Forces. I cannot begin to explain the charisma and nobility he held as he taught us about the process of negotiation in the field. He explained to us the importance of understanding a country and its people’s history as well as reaching out to people through honest connections. He explained that trust and friendship between the soldiers and locals were key to any sort of positive affect the team would make in their area. His gravitas and genuine desire to leave us with more skills left everyone whispering he’s my favourite one at lunch. As for me, as long as people like Captain Ingersoll are around in our armed forces, I will sleep soundly.

Oh and did I mention? We got to practice explosive threat training with the Majors in real life. We learned about different types of explosives, their range and capacity as well as how to spot mines in the field. We ventured out into the cold yet bright training area and simulated walking through mine fields. It is safe to say we utterly failed at detecting even one mine (or at least my group did and I was at the front); thank god it was a training session. They even simulated tiny explosions for us to experience the shock value (and let me tell you – I was shocked to say the least). On a serious note this exercise was probably one of the most poignant moments of the trip for me because it was yet another example of our soldiers’ undying bravery. Standing there surrounded by a bunch of fake mine simulations the gravity of their job hit hard. Their everyday duties are of paramount importance to not only their survival but the people around them. One couldn’t help but take a moment to marvel in the courage of a man like Captain Ingersoll.

All in all, this trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the inner workings of the PSTC and well worth it I must say. So to those future 360s out there: I hope you all take this opportunity when it comes to you! It will be one of many great PCJ memories to make during your undergrad experience.