Authentic Military Training for Civilians
Learn about our mission to provide authentic Canadian Armed Forces tactical training and the experienced NCM instructors behind our programs.
Bridging Military Expertise with Civilian Training
MilConnect was established with a clear mission: to provide civilians with access to authentic military tactical training taught by experienced Canadian Armed Forces Non-Commissioned Members (NCMs).
We believe that the valuable skills, discipline, and knowledge developed within military training can benefit civilians in various aspects of life - from outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness to personal development and team building.
Our programs are designed to transfer military expertise to civilian contexts while maintaining the high standards, safety protocols, and effective teaching methodologies used in Canadian Armed Forces training.
The Principles That Guide Us
Our training programs are built on the same core values that guide the Canadian Armed Forces
Integrity
We maintain the highest standards of honesty, ethics, and transparency in all aspects of our training programs and operations.
Excellence
We strive for excellence in every aspect of our training, from curriculum development to instruction and participant support.
Respect
We foster an environment of mutual respect among instructors and participants, valuing diversity and treating everyone with dignity.
Discipline
We emphasize the importance of discipline in training and skill development, teaching participants to maintain focus and precision.
Safety
We prioritize safety in all training activities, implementing rigorous protocols and procedures to ensure participant wellbeing.
Leadership
We develop leadership qualities in our participants, teaching them to take initiative, make sound decisions, and guide others effectively.
The MilConnect Journey
How a group of dedicated Canadian Armed Forces NCMs created a program to share military expertise with civilians
MilConnect began in 2018 when a group of Canadian Armed Forces Non-Commissioned Members recognized the value their military training could bring to civilian life. After years of service and deployment experience, these NCMs saw an opportunity to share their expertise with civilians interested in developing tactical skills, wilderness survival abilities, and emergency preparedness.
Led by Warrant Officer James Peterson, a 22-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps, the founding team developed a curriculum that adapted military training methodologies for civilian contexts. They focused on creating programs that maintained the rigor and effectiveness of military training while being accessible to civilians of various backgrounds and fitness levels.
The first MilConnect programs were small wilderness survival courses held in Ontario, with just a handful of participants. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with participants valuing the authentic military approach to training and the wealth of real-world experience the instructors brought to each session.
As word spread about the quality and authenticity of MilConnect training, the program expanded to include more course offerings and locations across Canada. Today, MilConnect operates in multiple provinces, offering a comprehensive range of training programs taught by a growing team of experienced Canadian Armed Forces NCM instructors.
Throughout our growth, we've remained committed to our founding principles: providing authentic military tactical training taught by experienced NCMs, maintaining the highest standards of safety and instruction, and creating an environment where civilians can develop valuable skills that enhance their capabilities and confidence.
The MilConnect Training Methodology
Our approach to training combines military precision with civilian accessibility
Authentic Military Standards
Our training programs maintain the high standards and methodologies used in Canadian Armed Forces training, adapted appropriately for civilian participants. We don't water down the content - we make it accessible while preserving its integrity.
Progressive Skill Development
We structure our programs to build skills progressively, allowing participants to develop a solid foundation before advancing to more complex techniques. This approach ensures thorough learning and confidence at each stage.
Practical Application
Theory is important, but practical application is essential. Our training emphasizes hands-on experience in realistic scenarios, allowing participants to apply what they've learned in controlled but challenging environments.
Small Group Instruction
We maintain small instructor-to-participant ratios to ensure personalized attention and feedback. This approach allows instructors to address individual learning needs and ensure proper technique development.
Comprehensive Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount in all our training activities. We implement rigorous safety protocols based on military standards, with appropriate modifications for civilian training environments and participant experience levels.
Continuous Improvement
We regularly review and refine our training programs based on participant feedback, instructor observations, and evolving best practices. This commitment to improvement ensures our training remains effective and relevant.
Meet Our Founding Team
The experienced Canadian Armed Forces NCMs who established MilConnect
WO James Peterson
Founder & Lead Instructor
Warrant Officer Peterson served for 22 years in the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps, with multiple deployments and extensive experience in combat tactics and training development.
Sgt. Lisa Rodriguez
Co-Founder & Survival Training Director
Sergeant Rodriguez brings 15 years of experience with the Canadian Rangers, specializing in wilderness survival and Arctic operations in Canada's most challenging environments.
WO Thomas Wilson
Co-Founder & Tactical Operations Director
Warrant Officer Wilson served for 20 years in the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps, specializing in small unit tactics and leadership development for NCMs and officers.
Our Connections
MilConnect maintains relationships with various organizations to enhance our training programs
Canadian Veterans Association
Wilderness Safety Council
Canadian Outdoor Skills Association
Emergency Preparedness Canada
While MilConnect is not officially affiliated with the Canadian Armed Forces or Department of National Defence, our instructors bring their military experience and expertise to our civilian training programs.
Ready to Experience MilConnect Training?
Join our community and learn authentic military tactical skills from experienced Canadian Armed Forces NCM instructors.