Article By: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2
With over more than two decades of dedicated service, Lieutenant‑Colonel Jonathan Hallett’s career has been marked by courage under fire, technical mastery, and transformational leadership, shaping both operational outcomes abroad and critical infrastructure readiness at home.
LCol Hallett joined the Royal Canadian Engineers as a Direct Entry Officer on 25 August 2004, embarking on a career defined by unwavering commitment to Army core values and leadership principles. From the outset, his potential was evident. During the Basic Engineer Officer Course (BEOC), he earned the Spirit Award in Phase 3, followed by recognition as Top Student and recipient of the Peers Award in Phase 4, highlighting his professionalism, leadership, and character early in his career.
LCol Hallett’s operational service reached defining moments during Operation ATHENA (2008) as part of Task Force 108 (TF‑108) in Afghanistan, and later during a year‑long deployment with the Mission Transition Task Force (MTTF) in 2011. His performance consistently demonstrated composure, and decisive leadership in high‑pressure combat environments. A defining moment of his career occurred during TF‑108, when an improvised explosive device detonated just metres from his position, immediately followed by an enemy ambush. Despite being concussed by the blast, LCol Hallett reacted instinctively and decisively dragging a wounded soldier to cover, returning effective fire, and maintaining command presence under extreme conditions. His actions enabled the engineer breach team to open a safe lane, allowing the attached infantry platoon to evacuate all casualties. His courage and leadership under fire were instrumental in preventing further injuries and ensuring mission success. For his outstanding leadership, tactical effectiveness, and professionalism during TF‑108, LCol Hallett was awarded the Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation.
Following his back-to-back operational deployments, LCol Hallett was posted to Real Property Operations Detachment (RPOD) Suffield as a Requirements Officer, later being promoted and appointed as Officer Commanding (OC) RPOD Suffield in 2014. After completing the Joint Professional Studies Course (JPSC) in 2017, he was posted to Real Property Operations Unit (Ontario) (RPOU(O)) as the Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO). After four years with RPOU(O), LCol Hallett was promoted to his current rank and appointed as the Commanding Officer (CO) of Real Property Operations Unit (West) (RPOU(W)) in 2022, assuming leadership of one of the most complex infrastructure organizations within the CAF. As CO, he is responsible for the stewardship of a $6.4 billion infrastructure portfolio supporting operations, training, and readiness across Western Canada.
Under his leadership, RPOU(W) successfully delivered $310 million in infrastructure and minor new construction programs, maintaining compliance and operational effectiveness despite inconsistent annual funding. Anticipating future defence requirements, LCol Hallett directed the development of $118 million in business plans, strategically positioning RPOU(W) to absorb increased defence spending tied to Canada’s commitment to 2% of GDP. These efforts directly support future capabilities such as the F‑35 fleet, ensuring infrastructure readiness keeps pace with emerging operational demands. His tenure has also seen marked improvements in data collection, analytics, and evidence‑based decision‑making, strengthening governance, transparency, and long‑term planning across the organization.
A Professional Engineer since 2009 and a certified Project Management Professional (2017), LCol Hallett brings deep technical credibility to every role he undertakes. His academic achievements include a Master of Defence Studies from the Royal Military College (2018) and a Master of Business Administration from Athabasca University (2020). Committed to bilingualism, he holds a French language profile of CBB, achieving the highest oral proficiency score through self‑directed study. As CO, he actively promoted language development by conducting bi‑weekly meetings in French and fostering a culture of continuous learning throughout RPOU(W).
LCol Hallett’s leadership extends well beyond operations and infrastructure delivery. He has deliberately fostered a vibrant, inclusive, and respectful culture, championing grassroots initiatives, cultural events, and professional development activities that strengthened cohesion across a diverse military and civilian workforce. By celebrating cultural heritage and investing in both formal and informal development opportunities, he empowered individuals to contribute their unique strengths and perspectives.
For over 20 years, LCol Hallett has mentored adults through Toastmasters International, dedicating approximately three hours each week to developing others’ public speaking and leadership skills. His mentorship includes supporting French‑speaking Canadians in Edmonton through a French‑language Toastmasters club, further strengthening bilingualism and community engagement beyond the CAF.
Within the Engineer Branch, his caring influence and mentorship have been recognized through the presentation of the Rimington Shotgun, a $500 Cabela’s gift card, and numerous personal departure gifts during his Departure of Dignity event symbolic honours reflecting the trust and respect he has earned among Sappers and public servants.
An accomplished author, LCol Hallett wrote “Unconventional: A Combat Engineer’s Road to Afghanistan”, chronicling his transition from the construction industry as a Direct Entry Officer to the unpredictable demands of combat operations. “I quickly learned that success on the battlefield depends not only on precision and discipline, but on adaptability in the face of chaos.” Remarked by LCol Hallett in his book. The book became one of Amazon’s best‑selling titles in the Western Region, extending his influence well beyond the military profession. As LCol Hallett retired in Jul 2025 and, his career reflects the full spectrum of what it means to be an Engineer Officer. legacy is measured not only in missions completed or infrastructure delivered, but in lives protected, institutions strengthened, and cultures improved.
In retirement, he looks forward to spending time with his spouse Nora, daughter Anna, and son Ben, making up for time lost due to the demands of military service. He also plans to write a second book, capturing both his combat experiences in Afghanistan and the healing journey on the hometown battlefield. Should the opportunity arise, LCol Hallett has expressed interest in returning to service as CO of a Reserve unit in Calgary. He now enjoyed camping, hiking, and hunting until the next opportunity raised.
Thank you for your service.
CHIMO!