Carl Dixon

About me

I was born/grew up in: I was born in Oshawa, Ontario but I was raised in a little town called Waterside, NB just outside of Fundy National Park.

I now live in: Victoria, British Columbia.

I completed my training/education at: I graduated from Caledonia Regional High School and completed my Military Basic Training in Cornwallis, NS. More recently, I completed a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Manitoba. 

What I do at work

As the Leadership Chief, I am responsible to ensure my instructors deliver Canadian Armed Forces Institutional Principles and Ethics to our students in order to develop their Leadership qualities.

Each day I am responsible to motivate and inspire 20+ subordinates to ensure daily tasks are being carried out. Normally I have several administrative duties to perform to ensure a high quality of life for all my subordinates. Basic mathematical skills are required on a daily basis. I make many ethical and experienced-based decisions each day. Some decisions have to be made quickly. For other decisions, I gather information from subject matter experts in order to make the best decision I can, both for the short and long term.

I am always working as part of a team. These days I tend to focus on working as part of the Command Team, which includes senior, high ranking personnel. I do operate in French and use some First Nations words that I have learned while working with Indigenous youth and elders.

My career path is

I really did not have a plan when I graduated from high school. The military looked like an exciting option at the time with an opportunity to see the world. After I completed my basic training, I completed a Naval Communicator trade. During my career, I have worked with Canadians from one end of the country to the other and have learned so much about others and myself. Being a sailor for my entire career and being chronically seasick has been very difficult. I have endured over 1100 actual sea days, due to stubbornness and pure will. During my time in the military, I have acquired a second language profile and a Bachelor of Arts degree that was all paid for by the military.

I am motivated by

Every day I look forward to working with wonderful people who have volunteered to serve their country and make the world a better place to live in. In my current position, I work hard to make sure all personnel understand how to serve in a principled, ethical and respectful manner in order to best reflect Canadian values. There is nothing more satisfying than wearing the uniform with your family name on your chest and keeping your nation’s borders safe. It is also rewarding to work to make a positive impact on the world, wherever it is that you are serving.

How I affect peoples’ lives

My trade is responsible to ensure satellite communications are working properly. This is especially important in operational areas of the world to enable our units to effectively communicate with one another. We also are responsible for all VHF radio communications between seagoing vessels as well as sending Morse Code by light to other warships. Without effective and reliable communications, we would be unable to coordinate vital information that could be the difference between accomplishing a given mission or failing.  

Serving my country is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. To represent our country at the international level, and proudly wear the uniform that others have given their lives to represent, is an honor and a privilege. My career matters because it is important to defend our way of life and to help those around the world who are being brutalized and have no way to defend themselves. As a citizen of the world, it is important that we do the right thing when it is needed, so that others have the opportunity to live as free and happily as we do.

Outside of work I

I love playing and watching sports, especially NFL football. I also volunteer in my community by serving brunch each Sunday to at-risk men.

My advice to others

Serving in the Canadian Armed Forces is an amazing opportunity to meet other great Canadians, see the world and add to a resume in a meaningful way. Whether you join for a short duration or decide to make it a life-long adventure, the Canadian Armed Forces has a lot to offer. At the least, it will teach you to manage your time better, pay attention to detail, be more disciplined, be a better team-player, and test your ability to perform in stressful situations.