THE MAN WHO IS PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES
Mr. Tshibungu, who was once homeless, has now accomplished things beyond his imagination and he is grateful for the position he is in as a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Military Police (MP) Branch at Base Gagetown. He enrolled in the CAF under the Direct-Entry program in 2017, successfully completing his Military Police QL 3 and his QL5 at the Canadian Forces Military Police Academy (CFMPA).
In addition to his professional qualifications, Cpl Tshibungu has received the CWO Shield for Top Candidate and the Army Military Police Group Award as a coin of recognition for his leadership and initiatives and recently the Lieutenant Governor’s Dialogue NB award for his dedication in effecting change through voicing a direly needed social cohesion in our communities. Mr. Tshibungu’s career has taken him all over Canada, including Bagotville, QC, for a G7- summit, where he played a key role in the security detail of world leaders, and to Wainright, AB, as part of Ex MAPLE RESOLVE, where he participated as a member of the MP Patrol Unit. Mr. Tshibungu holds a Bachelor of Arts, focused in psychology, sociology and French, at the University of New Brunswick. His studies in psychology sparked his interest in human behaviors which led him to his Master of Divinity at the Acadia Divinity College. He is majoring in leadership, ethics, and spiritual studies and prays that one day he will acquire a PhD in Ministry to use as a platform to advocate for a cohesive, inclusive society.
As if he is not busy enough, Mr. Tshibungu held the 31 MP Coy Diversity and Inclusion Ambassador Primary Representative position and the 3 MP Regiment Det Gagetown Hateful Conduct Victim Services Representative position. He currently holds Base Gagetown’s Defense Visible Minority Advisory Group (DVMAG) Military Co-Chair position and the Comd 5th Canadian Division Inclusion Action Committee member position. As a long-time member of the DVMAG, Mr. Tshibungu has become a bit of a celebrity. His focus and drive has been based on educating and fostering solutions in the realm of social issues within and outside the CAF, holding regular personal and professional development sessions on base where he gets to practice his oration. His aspirations have been influenced and formed by many world leaders, including Mme Angela Davis, Mr. Nelson Mandela, Philosopher Karl Marx, and Dr. (Rev) Myles Munroe. Mr. Tshibungu is highly involved in his community; he spends his free time cutting hair, playing, teaching, and coaching basketball to Fredericton’s under-privileged youth.
He is half of a service couple, married to Mme (Cpl) Kristen Chatterton. Both are busy working full-time and raising their two beautiful children, Kai (3 years) and Kalina (12 years). As a Father, he is shocked with how much his kids know and how much learning he has ahead of him. Enjoy the excerpt…
Can we meet you?
Yes – of course! I am Cliff Tshibungu, also known as Corporal (Cpl) Tshibungu in the Canadian Armed Forces. I am a man of humble beginnings, and I was born in Kinshasa, Congo before moving to Canada at a young age.
How long have you been in Canada?
I have been in Canada for approximately, 20 years.
What inspired you to join the Army?
There are numerous factors. However, majority of my inspiration originated from Childhood Memories: My childhood memories of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); I remember seeing UN peacekeepers doing humanitarian work throughout the city of Kinshasa and most of them were Canadian soldiers. So, being exposed to how they operated and approached hardships and war at a young age reserved a “soft-spot” in my heart – which ultimately inspired me to serve in the Forces to improve the state of humanity. I always value the concepts of teamwork, discipline, strong work-ethic, and motivation. Depending on who you ask, I believe in many ways, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have a way of providing those concepts to its members. I’ve always envisioned myself improving our communities, co-existing in a space where all people are treated with dignity and respect. So, exercising my potential with the support of the Government of Canada has made this possible. I knew that policing was one of many avenues available to me to effect change in our communities, especially, the opportunity to empower those who come from similar backgrounds as I do, but also to be reflective of the diversity that exists within the communities that I serve in and all young people I encounter; and live experiences have served as a vehicle to keep my inspiration authentic and concise.
Can you tell us the difference between Canadian Army and other military bodies?
I can’t compare the CAF to other military bodies, because I never served in other militaries. Furthermore, the way the question currently reads requires further research on my part about other military bodies. Rather, I will provide some knowledge of what I know of the CAF:
*Professional expectations: This is a value that is necessary for the CAF to function effectively. Therefore, it is expected that its members have high standards of personal conduct and performance to ensure our profession remains a competent and credible instrument to serve the public interest under the direction of the elected government and according to law. All CAF members are expected to act as professionals whether they are on duty or off-duty.
*Uniqueness: The CAF is truly a unique profession of arms. The concepts of unlimited liability and the military’s authority over the use of lethal force to achieve government objectives set the military profession apart from other professions; and *Diversity: The CAF has an aspiration to achieve diversity and inclusivity and thus mirror Canadian society.
If you were not in the Army, what profession do you think you would have been in?
It interests me a great deal to see all people treated fairly under the law of Canada. Being a lawyer has always been an interest of mine. Having the potential and opportunity to practice law within Canada’s legal system with the rights and freedom protected in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom is something I see myself doing if I was not in my current profession. Chaplaincy or Ministry is another profession I see myself doing if I was not a Military Police member. I see ministry as a blend of two worlds that are close to my heart. To be able to provide spiritual, emotional, and relational guidance to our society is an opportunity to bring together two vocational callings that matter deeply to me.
What is your greatest strength?
*Resilience- Live experiences have provided me the opportunity to become the compassionate, driven, and open-minded person I am today.
*Work-ethic: As a husband, father, soldier, and police officer, I always pride myself in making the time to” get work done”. Whatever the “work” is; whether it is talking with my wife about our groceries list; talking to my children about the value and importance of honesty, discipline, faith, courage and hope; trying to motivate other soldiers to become better versions of themselves in various aspects of their lives; and/or being a police officer that serve all people in a manner that efficiently resolves matters or issues at hand escalation-free; and Decision making: Of course the strengths listed above are not easy to practice. However, it is choosing to follow them every day, regardless of previous results (abysmal or positive) makes them my strengths.
How do you handle stress and pressure?
I rely deeply on my faith and reviewing my favorite Bible quotes to help me get through stressful situations. As a person of faith, when pressure presents itself, I try my best to refer to Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” So, after revising this quote, I proceed to do the following: Adjust my attitude, mentality and mindset: I sometimes have the impulse to see pressure as a threat. Though I may not be physically in danger, sometimes when I am faced with stressful situations, I develop a fearful viewpoint. I have learned that this can be counterproductive and can create additional pressure. Rather, I try practicing reversing pressure to opportunity. By doing so, it removes anxieties and creates space for productivity. Embracing the moment: I try my best to see things as they are. From then, I try to avoid having negative thoughts about the situations. Overall, what I try to practice daily is dealing with the pressure one step at a time. Positive Reinforcement: Dr. Myles Monroe once said “Never solve a temporary problem with permanent decision (vice versa)” – Sometimes, I find stepping away from difficult situations helps deal with overwhelming emotions. Another avenue when feeling pressured is creating the opportunity to reach out to my mentors and elders and seek their advice.
What was your first few months in the service like?
It was shocking, confusing and worrisome. And, that said, I wouldn’t change anything because, it has made me the person I am today.
What is your biggest regret in the CAF, and why?
My biggest regret in the CAF is losing sight of who I was as a person and unfortunately allowed myself to become isolated from my community. However, in the midst of all that, I met some outstanding people who were able to support, guide, lift and protect me. Which is something I hope to do for other visible minorities in the CAF; and I also regret being fearful to speak out earlier in my career against social issues marginalized groups (visible minorities) face. Overall, as the Defence Visible Minority Advisory Group Military (DVMAG) Co-Chair and a member of the Comd 5th Canadian Division Inclusion Action Committee at CFB Gagetown – this isa subject matter I strive to educate others on and forge ahead with changes, even if they are quite minimal.
How did you tell your family that you were joining the military?
It was a 2 for 1 or no deal situation! Hahahahahah…On a serious note – luckily, my wife and I share similar values and we decided to join the CAF together.
How did you imagine military life before you joined?
I always imagined it being difficult and physically demanding, because, the majority of my imagination and perception came from movies and other people’s opinion of what the military life was like. I also imagined it was going to be demoralizing. However, I was wrong and shocked by how much it was similar to having a “normal” job. The military has its challenges like any other Government organizations. I believe education and patience are tools that can remedy these challenges.
How did your perceptions change after serving?
I assumed the military service would always be going on missions and spending the majority of my career in battle fields. In reality, it is professional, normal and realistic. The CAF has made room for me to allow myself to stay true to my culture and values.
What are some of the things you remember about adapting to military life?
The acronyms and military terminologies – I have yet to make peace with these. They are so hard to remember; The writing formats and references to include as supporting documents when submitting a formal request in a form of a memorandum (Memo). The emphasis on dress and comportment are very thorough; and Recognizing that it was no longer about “me” rather, the person and the “team” next to me. That has been very humbling.
Where would you like to be in your career in five years from now?
I hope to be in a leadership position where I can influence change in the military culture.
What are your lifelong dreams?
Doctorate Degree: it is a dream of mine to acquire a PhD in ministry and use my platform and resources to continue the work of advocacy for a cohesive, inclusive society Nationally and Internationally. Early Childhood Program Institution: as a father of two, I dream that one day I can own and operate a day care facility where I can inspire young kids and youths in my community to fulfill their potential and; Barbershop: it is also a dream of mine to own a space where people can have a decent haircut with delicious African beverages serve to them. Most importantly a space educating and fostering solutions in the realm of social issues. I already have a name for it “The Spot”
When you leave the Army what would be your best memory?
There are so many. So, it is hard for me to pick one, I will list a few. If I depart from the CAF today, my best memories in the CAF would be: My initial enrolment ceremony in the CAF in 2017; Successfully completing my Military Police entry level course and acquiring my police badge at the Canadian Forces Military Police Academy in 2018; Playing a key role in the security detail of world leaders at G7 in 2018; Successfully completing my Military Police Coaching Officer course at the Canadian Forces Military Police Academy in 2021; Receiving the Chief Warrant Officer Shield in 2021 for Top Candidate at the Canadian Military Police Academy; Receiving the Army Military Police Group Award in 2021 as a coin of recognition for my leadership and initiatives; Serving as DVMAG Military Co-Chair for almost 4 years and being part of many internal-amplifications in the context of Employment Equity in the CAF; and Receiving the Lieutenant Governor Dialogue NB Award in 2022.
Will you be happy to see your children join the military?
Yes, of course. However, it will be my duty to prepare them for the military culture should they choose to follow my career path or their mother’s.
What would you want them to know about your military service?
I always put my best foot-forward every time I wear my uniform; I always, pride myself in speaking and advocating for what is right rather than what has become normal in the CAF and society as a whole. My earlier years were challenging and traumatic at times. But overall, it was an educational process and through them I have been privileged to meet outstanding people in our Government; and I always made room for God in my military career.
What are some things you would miss if you leave the service?
Sports: I will miss competing at the highest level with the Men’s Basketball team. People: I will miss the people; Opportunities: The CAF has provided me with many professional opportunities and I am grateful to have experienced them; and Bond: I will miss the Bond. For the most part, I believe there is often a team-spirit and bond that exists with those who are serving or have served in the CAF that cannot be explained.
What are your plans/dreams for the community?
I would like to see our community be more involved and introduced to Government spaces and opportunities we as Blacks often face barriers navigating. I plan to assist in the best way I can to make this interest for our community come true.
How do you balance work and family?
Boundaries: I try to set and communicate to my peers the importance of clear boundaries between my personal and professional schedule. This includes creating a system that allows me to remain work-free when I am “off-duty” as much as possible; and Practicing Self-Appreciation: My favorite Bible verse addressing balance in life is found in Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” so, letting go of the perfectionist mentality when required to, improves my work and family life balance.
Any advice for the black community, especially those that would desire to join the military?
My advice to the Black Community is I will encourage them to join. However, I would also like to inform them that there are challenges ahead that may be a concern to them. So, it is worth doing some research prior to joining. Speaking with other Black members currently serving in the CAF to receive some information may help; and I would encourage them to be physically fit because physical fitness is part of the military culture.
What do you like to do for fun?
Playing and coaching basketball, cutting hair, serving my community, spending time with my kids and drawing.
Who are your heroes?
Dr. Angela Davis, Dr. Nelson Mandela (Deceased), Dr. (Rev) Myles Munroe (Deceased) and Prime Minister, Patrice Emery Lumumba (Deceased).
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