For many officer cadets, summer training means field exercises, leadership tasks, and operational experience. For Officer Cadet Donovan Dobson, it meant stepping into the world of international diplomacy and representing Canada abroad.
This past spring, Officer Cadet Dobson, a History student at the Royal Military College of Canada and Aerospace Control Officer candidate, was selected as part of the inaugural Defence Diplomacy On-the-Job Experience (OJE), a new Canadian Defence Academy initiative that placed officer cadets in Canadian diplomatic missions around the world. Dobson completed a five-week placement at the Canadian Embassy in Manila, Philippines, gaining firsthand insight into how military relationships support Canada’s international interests and strengthen partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
One of only 12 cadets chosen for the program’s first cohort, Dobson joined fellow participants assigned to diplomatic missions in the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Belgium, and Poland. The experience provided exposure to a side of military service that many young officers never see, where diplomacy, strategic engagement, and international cooperation intersect.
“I was eager to apply because I saw it as a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience while living and working in another country,” said Officer Cadet Dobson.
While in Manila, Dobson’s days began early with physical training before reporting to the embassy. His responsibilities ranged from supporting the creation of a Canadian history and military collection for the Philippine Military Academy library to observing meetings with senior military leaders and government officials. These experiences offered a behind-the-scenes look at how defence relationships are built and maintained.
What left the greatest impression on him was the influence that defence engagement has on international relations.
“The biggest surprise for me was seeing the direct impact the Defence Team has on international relations,” he reflected. “Their work has real influence on diplomacy in the region and the Indo-Pacific as a whole.”
The timing of Dobson’s placement was particularly significant as Canada continues to deepen its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and strengthen defence cooperation with partners such as the Philippines. The experience allowed him to witness firsthand how military diplomacy supports broader national objectives while building trust and collaboration between nations.
As a member of the inaugural cohort, Dobson also recognized that he was helping shape the future of the program itself.
“The impression we leave may influence whether this opportunity continues for future cadets,” he said.
For Dobson, the placement reinforced the importance of adaptability, cultural awareness, and relationship-building as essential leadership skills for future Canadian Armed Forces officers. It also demonstrated that service to Canada can take many forms, whether in operational environments, headquarters, or diplomatic missions abroad.
His experience serves as a powerful example of how today’s officer cadets are preparing to lead in an increasingly interconnected world. Through opportunities like the Defence Diplomacy OJE, future officers gain valuable perspectives that extend beyond traditional military training, helping them understand the critical role that diplomacy, partnerships, and international engagement play in advancing Canada’s interests and promoting global security.
