Article submitted by Capt Kyle Ho,
Operations Officer, Real Property Operations Unit (West)
Real Property Steering Committee (RPSC) is the semi-annual meeting hosted by Real Property Operation Unit Western Region (RPOU(W)) with L2 and local commanders. As RPOU(W) 's area of responsibility involves three provinces (AB, SK, MB), it is essential to meet with all the key stakeholders and local commanders to identify any friction points and impacts on respected organizations. 3rd Canadian Division, 1 Canadian Air Division, 2 Canadian Air Division and countless local commanders are having competing priority. RPSC offered a platform for each organization to voice their concerns for RPOU(W) to prioritize the projects in proper order through the Engineer lens. It is also to educate the commanders on the limits of resources and challenges with RPOU functions to develop mutual understandings regarding the speed of the execution and methods of service delivery.
From the tank centralization directives to the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP), various high-stakes projects have been discussed. LCol John Hallett, the CO of the RPOU(W) and their crews were presented to answer all the questions regarding infrastructures and how local commanders can better communicate their problems and issues. National trade shortages are making it a challenge to source contractors. The requirement to work on sensitive projects in secure areas makes hiring difficult—industry volatility on supplies makes it significantly challenging to manage the budgets. Many uncontrolled factors affect the business plan's effectiveness and require consistent readjustment.
Infrastructures are the backbone of the capability. Without infrastructure, there is no capability. RPOU(W) Commander intends to provide the best possible infrastructures, meeting the needs of the end-users on the ground. All civilian employees and military staff are working diligently to achieve the commander's intent. It is a thankless job when things are working out. Still, LCol John Hallett recognized all the hard work and tireless efforts from people at all levels behind the scenes and sincerely appreciated everyone's achievements in RPOU(W). Special thanks to the Program Officers Jay Berry and Capt John Hufnagel for making this RPSC possible with their data initiatives.