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COLONEL ROBERT M. FOSTER, MSM CD
Canadian Defence Attaché - Ukraine

Colonel Robert Foster joined the Governor General’s Foot Guards in 1986 as a Guardsman. He chose a unique career path balancing part-time employment at unit, brigade and division level while employed on full-time service with the Army, Defence Research and Development Canada, and the Canadian Joint Operations Command.

Before commanding the Regiment from 2006 to 2009 he was Adjutant, Operations Officer and commanded all sub-units. He was also the primary author of the 125th anniversary edition of the Regimental History, Steady the Buttons Two By Two.
During his command he was appointed as the Commanding Officer of 33 Territorial Battalion Group (TBG) which he held from 2006-2011. In 2010, during OP CADENCE (G8/G20) summit), he commanded the Task Force Immediate Reaction Unit (IRU).

On the day prior to 9/11, Major Foster was appointed the Army Domestic Operations Officer where he planned over 7 major Domestic Operations in five years. He also managed the Army Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) capability which included development of international programs and the deployments of CIMIC teams to Bosnia, Haiti, and Afghanistan.

LCol Foster joined Defence Research and Development Canada, as the Senior Military Officer for the Centre of Operational Research and Analysis. He was responsible for the operational deployments of over 40 Defence Scientists and military staff.

In 2011, LCol Foster deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan with the International Security Assistance Force as the Chief Training for Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (CIED).

On return he was appointed Reserve Advisor to Land Forces Central Area before taking up the position of Deputy Commander, 33 Canadian Brigade Group which he held until 2014.

In 2012, LCol Foster joined Canada Command as the J3 Special Events. LCol Foster developed, OP DISTINCTION, the seven year plan for military commemoration which included activities such as the ceremony for the First Nations and Métis at Rideau Hall to recognize Aboriginal support to the War of 1812, and the National Day of Honour which was held on 9 May 2014 to commemorate Canada’s Mission to Afghanistan; one of the largest military parades ever held on Parliament Hill and planned within four months.

Colonel Foster has been recognized for his service with the Meritorious Service Medal (2015) from the Governor General for his work on Commemorations, the Deputy Minister Commendation (2014) for the Afghanistan Memorial Vigil, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for voluntary service as Deputy Commander 33 CBG (2013), CDS Commendation (2011) for deploying Defence Scientists in Operations, DRDC DG CORA Commendation (2010) for leadership, and Commander Canadian Army Commendation (2004) for developing the Army CIMIC Capability.

Colonel Foster is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College, the Army Command and Staff College, and the Royal Military College of Canada.

Colonel Foster was promoted on 8 August 2014 to his current rank and assumed the the position of Director Army Reserve which he held for three years. He briefly retired from service to travel around the world with his wife and three children before returning to duty as the Canadian Defence Attaché to Ukraine.