Article by: Capt Kyle Ho, RPOU(W) Operations Officer 2
Every Sapper has a story, but few are as operationally rich, technically sound, and leadership‑driven as that of newly promoted Chief Warrant Officer Christian Poirier. His journey began on 09 Dec 98, when he joined the Canadian Army as a Primary Reserve Infantryman. On 23 Feb 01, Christian component‑transferred to the Regular Force as a Combat Engineer, beginning a remarkable career within the Canadian Military Engineers. His decisions led him on a path that would place him at the forefront of some of the most dangerous and important missions during Canada’s Afghanistan Campaign.
After completing his QL3, he was posted to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1CER) in Edmonton on 09 Nov 01. Even as a new Sapper, Christian’s reliability, maturity, and strong work ethic immediately set him apart. He was employed as the Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant’s (SQMS) Assistant, a position normally held by a senior Corporal. His administrative precision and attention to detail earned the early trust of all the leadership.
CWO Christian Poirier’s first operational experience would soon follow. Christian deployed on Operation GRIZZLY for the G8 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, and later deployed on Operation PALLADIUM Roto 11 to Bosnia in 2002 as the SQMS Assistant / Squadron Sergeant Major driver. These deployments solidified his competence in logistics and support functions. Upon his return to Edmonton, Christian went back to the field troop, where he accumulated a wide range of qualifications, becoming one of the first engineers to obtain the Light Armoured Vehicle 3 (LAV3) qualification. Due of his competence, he was frequently appointed as a driver for key positions such as recce and commanders. These experiences exposed him early to combat team manoeuvre and tactical planning, laying a strong foundation for his future operational leadership.
In 2004, he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ATHENA, serving as a section driver. Upon redeploying from Kabul, Christian recognized a critical shift in the battlespace. The enemy was no longer fighting in conventional ways. Understanding that the future global counter-insurgency operation would demand adaptability and flexibility, he redirected his focus toward Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), a high-demand field. Selected for advanced training, he successfully completed Advanced Conventional Ammunition Disposal and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) qualifications. At a time when IEDs were the most lethal threat to Canadian soldiers, Allied partners, and the local population, his skills became vital, and he had the opportunity to test them in real-life application. In 2008, he deployed on Operation ATHENA Roto 5 as an IEDD Operator. His team defeated hundreds of devices and disposed of thousands of kilograms of ordnance and homemade explosives. Their actions directly saved countless lives among the Afghan public, coalition forces, and ISAF partners.
Upon returning to 1 CER, his performance and combat experience earned him a seat on the DP3 Section Commander Course. After the course, he was immediately redeployed to Kandahar again in 2009, this time as a Section 2IC. His combat experience from the previous year made him a critical contributor to tactical-level operational planning. After two consecutive combat deployments, he was employed in the training cadre, where he passed on life‑saving knowledge to the next generation of EOD Operators. Promoted to the rank of Sergeant, he deployed to Afghanistan for a fourth time, this time on Operation ATTENTION in Kabul. There, he trained members of the Afghan National Army (ANA) in explosive hazard recognition and served as an advisor overseeing the distribution of EOD equipment in Afghanistan. This increased the ANA’s survivability and their ability to protect their own forces and civilians. Christian would later receive a command commendation recognizing their efforts.
In 2016, Christian was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer and returned to field troop. His technical proficiency with LAV 3s and manoeuvre warfare made his mechanized troop highly efficient in moving, shooting, and communicating across the battlespace. He later moved to 17 Armoured Squadron as the SQMS, where he oversaw the reception of the new Armoured Engineer Vehicles (AEVs) and all associated equipment. He rebuilt the squadron’s logistical systems from the ground up, tracking EIS and AEV components and ensuring the Sqn achieved the initial operating capability. Following this vital work, Christian deployed to Jordan, where his EOD experience was once again required.
In 2018, he was selected to attend the Army Technical Warrant Officer (ATWO) course in Kingston, Ontario. All students were expected to complete two years of university courses within a one-year timeframe. That same year, he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Military Merit. It is one of the highest military honours to recognize members of the CAF who showed exceptional service and devotion to duty. Only 0.1% of soldiers are appointed as members annually. It is not only a career-defining achievement for the individual but also a testament to the CME branch earning such an honour at such a young age. Upon completion of the ATWO course, he was posted to the National Capital Region, where he put his technical expertise into practice. CWO Poirier contributed to the Light Armoured Vehicle 6.0 Reconnaissance Surveillance System project for the next two years and was promoted to Master Warrant Officer in 2020.
Christian returned to 1 CER in 2021 as the Light Squadron Sergeant Major. In 2022, he deployed to Kuwait as the Operational Support Hub and Camp Sergeant Major for a full year, providing leadership, discipline, and operational oversight for deployed personnel from various trades. CWO Poirier would receive their second Commander's Commendation for their efforts. Following that deployment, Christian attended second official language training in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2024, he was posted to 4 Engineer Support Regiment (4 ESR) across the country as the QMSI during a period of transition to a new facility.
Finally, on 22 Apr 25, after seven overseas deployments, 6 postings, and more than two decades of distinguished service, Christian Poirier was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer. He then accepted an OUTCAN posting to the United States Army Non-Commissioned Academy, focusing on leadership, ethics, and advanced technical education. He also married the love of his life after being side by side for over a decade before his OUTCAN posting. Christian recently graduated from the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Course and made the Commandant's list. Throughout his career, CWO Poirier has consistently demonstrated the character, leadership, and professionalism expected of a Chief Warrant Officer. CWO Christian Poirier humbly remarked, “Your journey starts with the smallest tasks, and it’s your attitude, not your rank, that decides how far you’ll go. Work hard, stay humble, and always remember that no Sapper succeeds alone. Look after your team, learn from everyone around you, and never stop growing and learning.”
Congratulations to CWO Christian Poirier MMM, CD, on achieving this milestone in his career, and best of luck as he continues as an instructor at the U.S. Army’s Sergeants Major Course.
CHIMO!