Local Units Profile Series - Putting our Troops first

By 2Lt Suzanne Nogue, CFSU(O) Public Affairs

Originally published in 30 Nov 17 edition of "Guard of Honour"

Photo: Catherine Villeneuve / Guard of Honour News

​For the second article in our Local Units Profile series, we sat down with Maj Claude Lemieux, Commanding Officer of the Military Police Unit (Ottawa) (MPU(O)), as well as MWO Marc Paulin, unit Sergeant-Major and Lt Adam Carleton, OIC of Services Platoon.

For most in the National Capital Region (NCR), their typical interaction with the Military Police occurs at pass control for NCR building passes and National Defence Identification Cards. However, behind the secured area, members from this unit work around the clock to provide police and security services to the NCR Defence community. Recognized for their excellence, professionalism, integrity and transparency, the unit provides a variety of services including, investigations, training for their staff and counterparts, security, patrolling, victim services and community outreach, to name a few. Not only do they work closely with military and DND personnel throughout the NCR, they also work closely with their civilian partners, such as at the RCMP, the Ottawa Police Services and the Ontario Provincial Police.

---

​“90 percent of what we do at MPU(O) is how we can best support CFSU(O) and the Defence community,” said Maj Lemieux. “We’re part of the team and we work every day to do our absolute best to support […] we win as a team and we lose as a team,” added Maj Lemieux.

​With CFSU(O) being the largest unit in Canada in terms of the number of military and civilian personnel it supports, MPU(O) operates in a very complex and unique environment. In addition to supporting the Commandant, DND buildings in the NCR and their staff, MPU(O) is also responsible for close protections services and OUTCAN units in Germany and throughout the United States. According to Maj Lemieux and MWO Paulin, the unit would not fulfill these mandates if it weren’t for their troops.

​“All our missions are no-fail missions,” said MWO Marc Paulin. “We put a huge responsibility on our younger troops and they come through with flying colours. It’s really about the guys and girls that are here […] it’s phenomenal to be able to support them and see them succeed.”

​“This is the place to be […] you can tell that the CoC really supports the troops and that they have your back,” added Lt Carleton.

​With the big move to NDHQ (Carling) underway and a growing Defence community, the main challenge facing the unit is to remain operationally ready and in a position to support the Commandant, with the same existing resources. For members of MPU(O), it also brings exciting opportunities for unique training, increased stability and new detachments to their teams. Amongst all the changes, the main priority for Maj Lemieux remains the same: to take care of his team and provide them with the tools to succeed, while always supporting the mission.

“To be able to give my team exactly what I wanted 15 years ago as a young corporal […] what I wish I had, that’s the most rewarding for me,” said Maj Lemieux.