Camp Aldershot, situated just outside of Kentville, is home to many unique training facilities for the Canadian Army.
On Wednesday, August 13th, Major David Garvin said farewell after serving 5 years as Commanding Officer of the 5th Canadian Division Support Group at Camp Aldershot.
Major Garvin was presented with a Horse Hame for his outstanding service as Garrison Aldershot Commander from July 13th, 2020 – August 13th, 2025.
The base, situated off Lanzy Road, seems to always be a mystery to locals who have never stepped foot on their soil, including myself.
Camp Aldershot has been in our back yard providing a training venue for thousands of Canadian soldiers and divisions for 120 years. The base’s primary role is to provide infantry soldiers key skills such as marching, walking, tying boots, shooting, basic field maneuvers, and a number of other abilities to help them learn and succeed.
Not only is Camp Aldershot a place for soldiers, but it also has a working relationship with many other groups within the Canadian Armed Forces alongside first responders such as Fire, RCMP & Kentville Police to assist with training exercises on the grounds when needed.
I had the pleasure of being present for the changing of command ceremony where many politicians, fellow military, and agencies were present for the occasion.
The ceremony included soldiers marching through the parade square, where Major David Garvin handed his roles over to newly appointed Major David Andrews. Signing of documents and meeting with soldiers was all part of the farewell and welcoming of the newly appointed commander.
“As base commander I was not responsible to deliver training, but to enable it. What that means is all the trucks, the food, the accommodations, and the training area was managed by me and my people,” Major David Garvin explained.
Garvin was responsible to ensure the tools and equipment were available to soldiers in order for them to succeed while acting in his role at Camp Aldershot.
Everyday, soldiers from various units across Canada take part in training exercises and call Camp Aldershot home.
There are many public servants along with a split between regular force and reserve force soldiers who work at the base.
Many of the soldiers working are from the Annapolis Valley, while the other half of the soldiers are from all across the country.
The base is primarily comprised between what is known as regular force and reserve members.
Reserve members are mostly close to home outside of the base and are the life and blood of what happens. Basically, they know the routine and provide a sturdy structure to the camp.
“The regular force side cycles in and out of Camp Aldershot every three years give or take, which gives this place its advantage,” Major Garvin shared.
Major Garvin highlighted how having regular force members coming in and out brings a plethora of different ideas from across the country, making for a healthy mix and allowing for continuous progression.
Typically, a posting by default is 3 years. It can be more or less, but Garvins position, due to circumstances, was 5 years before changing command, making his time here a little more unique.
With 41 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, Major Garvin has played a pivotal role in the success and development of Camp Aldershot over the past 5 years.
Major David Garvin has officially moved to Gagetown and is now working there. We wish him all the best in his new role and appreciate him for his time at Camp Aldershot and his continued service within the Canadian Army.
We wish the new base commander Major David Andrews all the best within his new role at Camp Aldershot and we are looking forward to continued success for the base and all the members who train in our community.
New base commander Major David Andrews salutes in parade square at Camp Aldershot following the changing of command ceremony.
Adrian J.
