Autobiography
Bdr J.L. Hamilton
H82 825 213
CTO 2401
14/04/24
1000-1 (213)
14 April 24
CTO Course O
CTO AUTOBIOGRAPHY
H82 825 213 Bdr J.L. Hamilton
1. In this autobiography I will be addressing several different topics
pertaining to my life both currently and prior to my service. To begin I will be
covering my personal life and life prior to the military, to include interests,
hobbies as well as employment history. Following this I will be touching on
what brought me to serve in the forces as well as my goals and intentions
throughout and following this course. Having spent just over 4 years in the
Canadian Armed Forces, I will speak to my relatively brief but eventful career
thus far, and my pursuing goals in the near future.
2. Born and raised in Ottawa, I come from a non military household, being
the first of the family to pursue a career in the forces which ultimately came
as a shock to my mother Sarah who has graciously supported me throughout
this endeavor. The majority of my extended family to include my mother are
employed as first responders and medical professionals. My personal time is
often divided equally between my dog, Mr. Bigglesworth who I rescued from
the Caribbean 3 years ago, and auto mechanics. I am currently in the process
of restoring a 1972 Honda CB500, without any previous experience riding or
working on motorcycles, I am eager to learn and reap the benefits of several
months worth of work. My post-secondary education was brief but fulfilling,
having attended Algonquin College for their Pre-Service Firefighting Training
and Education Program. I am currently exploring options to continue my
studies either online or in class at the University of Ottawa.
3. My military career, although subjectively brief has been incredibly
fulfilling. It should behoove the reader to know that I am currently employed
as a forward observer with the second regiment, Royal Canadian Horse
Artillery. My role as such involves supporting a combined arms force with
precision and indirect fires through the use of target acquisition and
identification while continuing to provide battlefield support to other combat
arms units. Most recently I deployed on Operation Reassurance to Camp
Adazi in support of The First Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment where again,
I was employed as a forward observer in order to teach standards, maintain
relations with NATO allies and deter Russian aggression through
overwhelming combat effectiveness and intimidating, tactically superior
training exercises. While on deployment I was grateful for many once in a
lifetime opportunities to include;
a. Targeting and directing naval gunfire,
b. Coordinating and directing Anti-Aircraft guns in Poland,
c. Supporting JTAC exercises throughout the Baltics and
d. Providing standardized training to partner nations.
4. To summarize why I initially thought to join the CAF, the decision was
primarily based on travelling, life experience as well as financial and personal
gain. To date, I am incredibly proud and grateful for the opportunity to serve.
I chose to be a gunner for the variety of sub-occupations and interesting
culture that the artillery has accrued. My current role as a forward observer
has allotted me the opportunity to work with fellow units and experience a
variety of one-off chances. Along with the responsibility associated I am also
afforded opportunities that would not otherwise be available such as my
current course and others like it. I am grateful to have a supportive and
capable sub-unit chain of command that values and appreciates their
respective subordinates.
5. My goals for the Complex Terrain Operator course are to improve my
knowledge and understandings of the difficulties associated with small unit
tactics in difficult battle spaces, as well as carrying this qualification for my
sub unit and helping to build the capabilities of Y battery in supporting other
units, whether it be on exercise or operation. My shortcoming which I am
looking to improve on this course is operating in a dismounted role,
functioning without a vehicle through complex terrain will be a learning
experience for me that I am eager to undertake.
6. My mid to long-term goals in the CAF are to develop my soldier skills
through varying courses to include JTAC training. I am eager to deploy again
in 2025/26 and experience another tour and the challenges associated. I plan
to remain in the forces for my full 25 years while still pursuing a higher
education and travelling throughout.
7. As stated previously, throughout this Autobiography I have covered my
personal life and military career thus far. As well as my goals and aspirations
moving forward through this course and in my career. I am optimistic in
regards to the Complex Terrain Operator course and I am eager to undertake
the challenges that come with it.
J.L. Hamilton
Bdr
1 Sect
CTO 2401
613-857-5834
