Angus Topshee, outspoken head of Canada's navy, promoted to vice chief of defence staff

[daftandbarmy]

Sic 'em, Angus

Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, the outspoken head of the Royal Canadian Navy, has been promoted to the military’s second-in-command.

In an internal communiqué issued this week, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) announced Topshee is replacing Vice Chief of Defence Staff (VCDS) Stephen Kelsey in the second top job in the military.

MSN

 

[Halifax Tar]

Sic 'em, Angus

Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, the outspoken head of the Royal Canadian Navy, has been promoted to the military’s second-in-command.

In an internal communiqué issued this week, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) announced Topshee is replacing Vice Chief of Defence Staff (VCDS) Stephen Kelsey in the second top job in the military.

MSN

I would liked to have seen him move up to CDS, but I suppose this is the next best thing.

Congrats old shipmate! Keep on keeping on! And make sure the new CRCN comes in with your fire and vision.

 

[FSTO]

Charlibois is a good egg!

 

[Underway]

I would liked to have seen him move up to CDS, but I suppose this is the next best thing.

Congrats old shipmate! Keep on keeping on! And make sure the new CRCN comes in with your fire and vision.

I have some very serious reservations with him as Vice. We'll have to see as things go forward if some of that gets tempered being exposed to the whole enchilada.

 

[Jarnhamar]

I have some very serious reservations with him as Vice.

How come?

 

[ModlrMike]

I admire his ability and tendency to speak directly. Others may have difficulty with this, but I think it's exactly what's needed.

 

[Halifax Tar]

I have some very serious reservations with him as Vice. We'll have to see as things go forward if some of that gets tempered being exposed to the whole enchilada.

He is a polarizing figure, I can accept that. I also know he is a doer. And we desperately need that.

 

[dapaterson]

He is a polarizing figure, I can accept that. I also know he is a doer. And we desperately need that.

VCDS is the bureaucratic face of the CAF with the central agencies of government (PCO, TBS, Finance, PSPC, ISED...)

It's an institutional leadership role, not a command role.

NWOs as a rule do not fare well in institutional leadership roles, as they require skills not prioritized in RCN progression models.

VAdm Topshee lacks force development experience and lacks experience engaging with central agencies - both key elements of the VCDS portfolio.

I hope he will be successful; but I have my doubts.

 

[Halifax Tar]

VCDS is the bureaucratic face of the CAF with the central agencies of government (PCO, TBS, Finance, PSPC, ISED...)

It's an institutional leadership role, not a command role.

NWOs as a rule do not fare well in institutional leadership roles, as they require skills not prioritized in RCN progression models.

VAdm Topshee lacks force development experience and lacks experience engaging with central agencies - both key elements of the VCDS portfolio.

I hope he will be successful; but I have my doubts.

Hey may struggle having to represent supporting arms like sustainment and logistics. We aren't usually his... forte lets say.

 

[dapaterson]

Hey may struggle having to represent supporting arms like sustainment and logistics. We aren't usually his... forte lets say.

VCDS is a future looking, collaboration position.

NWOs are fight today and give orders.

Steve Kelsey was an accidental VCDS and has seen the CAF get unprecedented funding and increased authorities... In no small part because of his experience in force development and collaboration.

 

[Lumber]

Hey may struggle having to represent supporting arms like sustainment and logistics. We aren't usually his... forte lets say.

"There's two trades in the navy! Captain, and Captain's support!"

 

[Underway]

How come?

@dapaterson has covered off very professionally the concerns that I have.

 

[Czech_pivo]

He is a polarizing figure, I can accept that. I also know he is a doer. And we desperately need that.

His mantra is aligned nicely with your 'tag'

 

[DBNSG]

I have some very serious reservations with him as Vice. We'll have to see as things go forward if some of that gets tempered being exposed to the whole enchilada.

I wonder how he will get along with the new Deputy minister. They literally come from two different Worlds

 

[MacNav63]

I wonder how he will get along with the new Deputy minister. They literally come from two different Worlds

Isn't that generally true of any DND DM?

 

[Mick]

Slightly off-topic, but is DND/CAF no longer publicly releasing the annual list of GOFO promotions / appointments?

I don't recall seeing one for 2026.

 

[dapaterson]

Slightly off-topic, but is DND/CAF no longer publicly releasing the annual list of GOFO promotions / appointments?

I don't recall seeing one for 2026.

The first CANFORGEN announcement was just released yesterday, I suspect a press release is working its way through the labyrinth of Public Affairs approvals.