Rick Hillier

General Rick Hillier, OC, CMM, MSC, OStJ, ONL, CD

General Rick Hillier stands among the most influential Canadian military leaders of the modern era. During more than three decades of service, he commanded soldiers from troop level to the highest military appointment in the nation, led multinational forces in Bosnia and Afghanistan, reshaped the Canadian Armed Forces during a period of sustained combat operations, and became one of the most recognized and respected public figures ever to wear the Canadian uniform.

Born on 30 June 1955 in Campbellton, Newfoundland and Labrador, Hillier grew up in the nearby community of Boat Harbour. Raised in a hardworking family, he developed an early appreciation for discipline, leadership, and service. Although he originally hoped to become a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot, medical limitations redirected him to the Canadian Army. He enrolled at Memorial University of Newfoundland, earning a Bachelor of Science degree while joining the Canadian Forces through the Regular Officer Training Plan in 1973.

Upon commissioning into the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps, Hillier began what would become an exceptional command career. He served with the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s), one of Canada’s oldest cavalry regiments, before assuming increasingly senior appointments throughout the Canadian Army. His natural leadership, operational insight, and ability to inspire confidence quickly marked him as one of the Army’s most promising officers.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Hillier commanded at every level, eventually taking command of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, Canada’s senior regular force armoured regiment. During this period he also held important staff appointments in Canada and abroad, gaining extensive experience in planning multinational operations and working alongside allied militaries.

International recognition followed during the conflicts that accompanied the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. In 2000, Hillier commanded NATO’s Multinational Division (South-West) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, overseeing thousands of troops from numerous allied nations during one of NATO’s most complex peace support operations. His leadership earned widespread praise and further established Canada’s reputation as a trusted coalition partner.

His reputation continued to grow when he became Commander of the Canadian Army in 2003. Only a year later, he was selected to command the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, Afghanistan. Leading approximately 6,000 soldiers from thirty-five nations, Hillier directed security operations during a critical stage of Afghanistan’s reconstruction while coordinating military, diplomatic, and humanitarian efforts among an exceptionally diverse international coalition.

In February 2005, Hillier was appointed Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, becoming the professional head of the Canadian Armed Forces. His appointment coincided with one of the most demanding operational periods in Canadian military history. Under his leadership, Canada expanded its combat commitment in Afghanistan, modernized equipment, increased operational readiness, and renewed public awareness of the Canadian military after decades of declining visibility.

Hillier became known for his direct communication style and unwavering advocacy for the men and women under his command. He consistently argued that Canada’s military existed foremost to defend the nation and defeat those who threatened its security. His straightforward manner resonated strongly with serving personnel and veterans, helping restore pride and confidence throughout the Canadian Armed Forces during a period of intense operational tempo.

As Chief of the Defence Staff, Hillier championed significant investments in equipment, improved support for military families, enhanced care for wounded personnel, and greater recognition of veterans’ sacrifices. He worked closely with allied commanders in NATO and the United States while maintaining Canada’s reputation as a highly professional and capable military partner.

Following his retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces on 1 July 2008, Hillier remained an influential voice on defence and national security. He became Chancellor of Memorial University of Newfoundland, served on numerous corporate and charitable boards, authored the bestselling memoir A Soldier First: Bullets, Bureaucrats and the Politics of War, and continued speaking publicly on military affairs, leadership, and Canadian defence policy.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hillier once again answered the call to public service when he was appointed Chair of Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force. Drawing upon decades of operational planning and logistics experience, he helped oversee one of the largest vaccine distribution efforts in Canadian history.

General Hillier’s distinguished career has been recognized through numerous Canadian and international honours. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a Commander of the Order of Military Merit, a recipient of the Meritorious Service Cross, an Officer of the Order of St. John, a Member of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, and has received numerous Canadian campaign, service, commemorative, NATO, United Nations, American, Dutch, and provincial honours recognizing both operational leadership and public service.

Today, General Rick Hillier remains one of Canada’s most respected military leaders. His legacy extends beyond the commands he held or the medals he earned. He is remembered for restoring confidence in the Canadian Armed Forces, championing those who served under him, strengthening Canada’s role within allied military operations, and ensuring that the professionalism and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers remained firmly in the public consciousness. His influence continues to shape Canadian military leadership and defence policy well into the twenty-first century.