While the wearing of jeans is the current issue, perhaps it should be seen as a symptom of a larger problem – College leadership failure.
In 2016, the CDS ordered a SSAV because of "a spotlight on issues of harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour, potential suicides, mental health, fitness, alcohol and drug abuse." The
report was published last March, with Gen. Vance accepting every one of the report's recommendations.
Of note here, the report stated that “Dress Standards at RMC are a major bone of contention… particularly 'walking-out dress' and the use of dress as a punishment.” The CDS
noted, “What part of wearing a ceremonial uniform downtown on a Friday night to have a drink with your friends would directly relate to your ability to be a good warrior leader or a good infantry officer? ...It’s a rhetorical question, because there is none.”
Yet, this ongoing fashion crisis shows that RMC leadership is essentially telling the CDS to go **** himself.
This isn’t really surprising though. Cadets all take courses on leadership, and every year Cadets ask why the evidence-based principles of good leadership they are taught aren’t practiced by RMC's military staff.
Maybe MilCol’s “leaders” need to dust off
Leadership in the Canadian Forces: Conceptual Foundations (Hint: Ch 5 and 6)
With thanks to Professor Al English