Major Shawn Groves, MMM, MiD, CD enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in May 1984. On completion of Basic Training in Cornwallis and subsequent QL3 training at CFB Chilliwack, he was posted to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa as member of 1 Troop, AKA the “other Troop” of 23 Field Sqn. As a Corporal he was posted to 22 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown. On promotion Sergeant returned to 1 Troop, 23 Field Squadron as a Section Commander and then as Recce Sergeant, 4 Troop, 24 Field Squadron. Major Groves would finish his time in 2 Combat Engineer Regiment as 2 Troop Warrant Officer before being posted to the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, “The School”.
While at “The School” Major Groves was the inaugural Sergeant Major Army Diving in the Army Dive Centre and also Sergeant Major Tactics. It was as SM Tactics that Major Groves was lured to the dark-side and commissioned to the rank of Captain. As Captain Groves he served as an exchange officer with Royal Engineers. On promotion to Major he had the privilege to command 41 Support Squadron, and subsequently as the Deputy Commanding Officer of 4 Engineer Support Regiment. Major Groves is currently in Kingston as the Commanding Officer 1st Canadian Division Headquarters
Over the span of his career Major Groves completed several operational tours and deployments, the most unique being a tour in Cambodia as a technical advisor for the Cambodian Mine Action Center. Among several decorations and commendations Major Groves was awarded over his career is a Mention in Dispatches for his actions in Somalia, and a Commander’s Commendation for his role in the Army’s response to hurricane Igor’s impact on Newfoundland. Major Groves was recently inducted into the Order of Military Merit. He retired on 17 April 2015.
Sergeant Groves fostered cooperation with two rival Somali factions in and around the town of Matabaan in 1993. Gaining their trust, he learned the exact location of a large quantity of land mines. He subsequently neutralized the mines, reducing the risk to coalition troops and enabling non-governmental organization to deliver greatly-needed relief supplies to previously inaccessible areas.
