Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer
Chief Petty Officer First Class Robert Cléroux, MMM, CD
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Bob Cléroux is originally from Ottawa and started his military development as an Air Cadet. He joined the Canadian Forces in 1976 serving first with the Militia with Le Regiment de Hull for one year and in 1977 on graduation from Mont Bleu secondary in Gatineau he quickly joined the Regular Forces and the Navy as a Marine Engineering Mechanic.
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Cléroux has 18 years of operational experience with two tours in the Persian Gulf and one tour in the Adriatic and as had the pleasure of serving in following ships; HMCS PROVIDER his first Ship, HMCS MACKENZIE, HMCS KOOTENAY, HMCS YUKON serving in her last crew, NCSM VILLE DE QUEBEC, HMCS CALGARY where he was part of the commissioning crew, HMCS OTTAWA where he was the Chief Engine Room Artificer and as the Coxswain for three years in HMCS ALGONQUIN.
His postings have also included various shore billets including Canadian Forces Fleet School Esquimalt, Recruiting Centre in Ottawa, working for the Director General Maritime Equipment Program Management (DGMEPM) as a Project Officer and at the Director General Military Career (DGMC) as the Career Manager for the Marine Engineering Trade.
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Cléroux was promoted to his present rank in 1999 and was appointed to the Order of Military Merit and Fleet Chief of the Pacific fleet in 2005.
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Cléroux was appointed Maritime Command Chief Petty Officer in March 2007, a post he held until July 2010, the date of his appointment to Canadian forces Chief Warrant Officer.
The Role of the Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer (CFCWO)
I am often asked about my role as CFCWO. Canadians are understandably curious and some allies are surprised at the scope of responsibility accorded to this position. I would like to take this opportunity to describe the role of the CFCWO and the vision and priorities I bring to this office.
Today the CFCWO is the principle non-commissioned advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff. As such, I have several important roles including, institutional leader, co-steward of the profession of arms in Canada, and custodian of the NCM Corps.
I advise the CDS on all manner of issues and concerns relating to the welfare, morale, development and employment of our Non Commissioned Members. I communicate widely CDS intent, especially in areas of significant change within the department and the CF. I am concerned with the development of the NCM Corps and that we are ready to support the CF mission from the tactical through to the strategic level, as occupation specialists and as full institutional leaders. At the most fundamental level my concern with the NCM Corps' is that our culture is aligned with the military ethos and that values-based leadership guides our actions. As CFCWO I understand that one of my greatest responsibilities is connecting with Canadians to engender their trust, respect and confidence in the men and women who wear the CF uniform.
My vision is to ensure the continued tactical excellence of the Canadian NCM Corps and through succession planning to develop and prepare NCMs to make an enhanced contribution in positions with full institutional leadership responsibilities. This is the future described in NCM Corps 2020 and supported by the CF doctrine on professionalism and leadership.
As your CFCWO my priorities will be:
- attending to the morale and welfare of our men, women and families;
- continuing the evolution of NCM training, education, language and leadership development, and
- optimizing the succession planning and employment of the NCM Corps.
