The new CO believes a strong family is key in order for a soldier's career to truly reach its full potential. Offering himself as an example, he cites his family as the source for his own achievement. His father and mother, Tony and Jackie Flint traveled all the way to Edmonton during the Change of Command Parade for which Mark says he is most grateful.
Raised in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Lt.-Col. Flint graduated from the Liverpool Regional High School in 1984. He thanks his Mum and Dad for their love and support when he was growing up and for providing the enabling conditions for himself and his sister, Claire, to be well-grounded for long-term success.
Lt.-Col. Flint went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Acadia University and the Technical University of Nova Scotia. He has also achieved a Master's degree in Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada.
Among Lt.-Col. Flint's previous command responsibilities are leadership of 1 Troop, 1 CER, the Airborne Engineer Platoon in the Canadian Airborne Regiment and 52 ieme Escadron de Campagne (52 Field Engineer Squadron) in 5ieme Regiment du Genie de Combat. He also played a leadership role within the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI) Battle Group as part of the Medak Pocket Operation. Again, he assumed a similar role with the 3rd Battalion of the Royal 22 Regiment (Van Doos) during Op PALLADIUM.
Other key appointments were as Senior Instructor Tactics at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, Engineer Officer Career Manager, Deputy Commanding Officer of 2 CER, the Army Plans Officer and most recently as the Chief Engineer (JEngineer) for Canadian Expeditionary Force Command Headquarters in Ottawa.
Lt.-Col. Flint has completed the Ammunition Technical Officer Course in Shrivenham, U.K., the Combat Team Commander's Course, the Land Force Command and Staff Course and the Canadian Forces Joint Command and Staff Program.
When he is not engaged in Army life, Lt.-Col. Flint says he unwinds by building furniture. An avid carpenter, he finds solace and relaxation by making big pieces of wood smaller in the pursuit of improving his woodworking skills.
Lt.-Col Flint would like to thank all his friends and family in Nova Scotia for their goodwill and support over the years and has a few words of encouragements to young Nova Scotians: "Nothing is beyond your reach if you really set your mind to it and work hard."
Lt.-Col. Flint took command as the new CO of 1 CER in a colourful parade at the Edmonton garrison on June 23, 2009. 1 CER is one of seven units among the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, which has its Headquarters in Edmonton, Alta.
Liverpool son new Commanding Officer
Liverpool son new Commanding Officer
Flint owes success to family
By Lieutenant Wright Eruebi Public Affairs Officer, 1 CMBG HQ THE ADVANCE When army Lieutenant-Colonel (Lt.-Col.) M.W. Flint, CD first met her, he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his days with Anne MacDonald of Cape Breton. Anne has since adopted Flint as her last name and 20 years on, the new Commanding Officer (CO) of 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1 CER) credits his wonderful wife as a true partner, a friend, and mother of their two children, John-William and Emily.
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