After more than 10 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, MCpl A.J. McDonald, (00339) will retire on 7 October 2026. A Departure with Dignity (DWD) will be held on 3 September 26 at 13:00 tentatively at the Unarmed Combat Room, Base Gym, CFB Edmonton. Members wishing to be added to the fight roaster are encouraged to contact the DWD OPI Capt K.S.C. Ho at: Kyle.Ho@forces.gc.ca . Anecdotes and well wishes may be sent to the same person.
CHIMO!
MCpl Alastaire Jon McDonald (A.K.A. AJ) was born in Ottawa, Ontario. Raised under the strong influence of his father and grandfather who both proud CAF members, he developed an early appreciation for service, discipline, and commitment. Motivated by a deep sense of duty and a desire for personal growth, he enrolled in the CAF on 5 Oct 2016, continuing a proud family tradition.
Upon completing Basic Military Qualification (Land) and Combat Engineer training, MCpl McDonald was posted to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1 CER). Immersed in the demanding tempo of a field unit, he quickly established himself as a capable and motivated soldier. While serving in 11 Field Squadron, he qualified on the Light Armoured Vehicle 6 (LAV 6) and a broad range of B-fleet vehicles, earning a reputation as a dependable and proficient driver. Following regimental indoctrination and participation in the Personnel Combat Function (PCF) cycle, he was selected for pre-deployment training, where he earned advance qualifications in Combat First Aid and evasive driving. His professionalism, technical aptitude, and work ethic led to an accelerated promotion to the rank of Corporal in 2019.
In 2020, MCpl McDonald deployed on Operation IMPACT, Rotation 2, to Camp Taji, Iraq. Within days of arrival, the camp came under deliberate rocket attack on 11 Mar 20, followed by a second attack on 14 Mar 20. These attacks resulted in coalition casualties and extensive damage within the compound. MCpl McDonald played an active role in consolidation efforts and casualty evacuation. This experience left a lasting impact, reinforcing the realities of operational service and the responsibilities it carries. The CAF contingent was subsequently redeployed to Kuwait prior to returning to Canada. MCpl McDonald was later sent to Erbil to assist in the closure of Camp Canada and was employed in a force protection role until Canadian personnel redeployed to Kuwait.
Following post-deployment requirements during the COVID-19 period, MCpl McDonald continued to invest in his professional development, completing DP2 and serving in a variety of roles across squadron headquarters and operations. Demonstrating a strong drive for self-improvement, he volunteered for the newly established regimental shooting cadre. Despite the challenges posed by pandemic restrictions, he successfully completed the demanding train-the- trainer program, refining his expertise in marksmanship, close quarters battle, and instructional techniques. During this program, he trained under subject matter experts from Special Force Operator, Close Protection expert, and Urban Operations instructors, gaining invaluable experience that would shape his instructional approach. His dedication culminated in a 2nd place finish at the 2021 Regimental Gun Camp following an intensive selection process.
MCpl McDonald became a foundational member of the 1 CER Training Cadre like many other members from the shooting cadre, delivering inductee training and supporting rank qualification courses, including the MCpl module. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the training standards and initial experiences of new Sappers joining the regiment. Seeking to broaden his skillset, he completed the Basic Mountain Operations course, enhancing his capability as a dismounted combat engineer. He was frequently employed in leadership roles, including Section 3IC, while also fulfilling additional duties as a signal operator and MT Representative.
In 2022, MCpl McDonald deployed on Operation UNIFIER, serving among the initial personnel tasked with establishing engineer training in Poland. Working in austere conditions with limited resources, he helped develop training aids and deliver instruction to Ukrainian forces. Drawing on his operational experience, he approached this mission with purpose, understanding that the skills he taught could directly impact survivability on the battlefield. This deployment marked a defining moment in his career, as he recognized the tangible difference his service made. For his contributions on Operation UNIFIER, MCpl McDonald was awarded a Task Force Commander Commendation.
Upon returning to Canada, MCpl McDonald was selected to serve as the Commanding Officer’s driver. It is an appointment reserved for highly trusted and capable junior leaders. He later completed his Primary Leadership Qualification and was promoted to the rank of MCpl in 2023. He was subsequently appointed as the 2IC of the Regimental Training Cell, where he played a key role in shaping the development, discipline, and culture of incoming Sappers, leaving a lasting impression on the next generation of combat engineers.
Beyond his formal duties, MCpl McDonald demonstrated a strong commitment to physical fitness and team cohesion. After several years of training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he became Head Coach of the 1 CER Grappling Team, leading the team at Western Regionals in 2025 and Exercise RELENTLESS WARRIOR in 2026, proudly representing the regiment before his posting to the Transition Centre.
Following his retirement, MCpl McDonald will focus on recovery, family, and post-secondary education as he transitions to civilian life in the Sherwood Park area with his wife, Jordana McDonald and his children, Nova and Alanna. He intends to pursue certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) through NAIT and explore opportunities within the construction industry, where his leadership, discipline, and operational experience will position him for continued success. His contributions to 1 CER and the Canadian Military Engineer community have left a lasting and meaningful legacy.
CHIMO!