CWO Willard
Chief Warrant Officer Sean Willard enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1986 as an Army Reservist with The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh’s Own). One year later, he transferred to the Regular Force and, upon completion of training, was posted to the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment in Oromocto, New Brunswick.
In 1991, CWO Willard completed the Basic Parachutist Course in Edmonton, Alberta, and was subsequently posted to 3 Commando, The Canadian Airborne Regiment in Petawawa, Ontario. He later joined the Parachute Company of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, where he served as a Section Commander in Para Coy, November Coy, and the Assault Pioneer Platoon. He also held the position of Air Ops NCO within the Battalion Operations cell.
In 2005, having earned qualifications as a Jumpmaster and Parachute Instructor, CWO Willard was posted to the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre in Trenton, Ontario. There, he instructed on a wide range of courses, including Basic Parachutist, Jumpmaster, Parachute Instructor, Drop Zone Controller, and Military Freefall Parachutist.
In 2008, he returned to 3 RCR and served as Company Quartermaster for Oscar Company.
The following year, he transferred to The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment in Belleville, Ontario, and resumed his instructional duties at the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre, where he also worked in the training standards cell. He continued to instruct across all parachuting disciplines until making his final parachute descent in 2014.
CWO Willard has also served with the 33 Canadian Brigade Group Battle School, instructing on numerous Basic Military Qualification and Infantry courses. In 2018, he relocated to the Kingston area and transferred to The Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment, where he continued his instructional work.
In 2019, he was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of The Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment. He also served as 12 Squadron Commander at the Royal Military College of Canada. Upon completion of his RSM appointment, he was posted to 33 CBG Headquarters, where he led the Training Assistance Group. In 2025, CWO Willard assumed his current role as Training Wing Sergeant Major at the Royal Military College of Canada. He was once again appointed RSM of the Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment and also The Brockville Rifles. CWO Willard has served on multiple domestic and international deployments throughout his long career in the CAF.
He remains supported by his wife, Pascale, and their children, Ben and Alexandra.