Photo courtesy of the Royal Military College of Canada
For 150 years, the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) has played a significant role in developing leaders for the Canadian Armed Forces and beyond. In 2026, the institution is marking its sesquicentennial, celebrating a legacy that stretches back to June 1876 and continues to shape Canada’s military and public service today.
The milestone is particularly meaningful for members of the military community at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Cold Lake, where many serving and retired personnel have studied at RMC through programs such as the Regular Officer Training Plan and the University Training Plan for Non-Commissioned Members.
According to the college, more than 20,000 naval and officer cadets have graduated from its undergraduate military education programs since its founding. In addition, more than 5,000 Canadian and international military students have completed graduate studies through the institution, while more than 1,000 other Canadians have earned bachelor’s degrees through the college.
RMC notes that its graduates have gone on to serve and lead in a wide range of roles across Canada and around the world. Their contributions have helped shape the country’s military, government, industry, and international reputation for leadership and service.
Some notable alumni of the Royal Military College of Canada with ties to CFB Cold Lake include Colonel Jeremy Hansen, the first Canadian to travel to the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis II mission; Colonel Joshua Kutryk, Canadian astronaut and former CF-18 test pilot in Cold Lake; Colonel Chris Hadfield (Retired), one of Canada’s most celebrated astronauts and former fighter pilot; and Colonel Mark Hickey, the current Wing Commander of 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake.
The institution describes the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on its national and international contributions while celebrating its development as a modern, equitable, diverse, and inclusive institution.