​General Woiden’s interest in the military started as a cadet right here in Vernon in 1972, when he joined 1705 British Columbia Dragoons (BCD) Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. It was here where the cadet program inspired him to be the leader he is today. He attended summer training at what is now known as the Vernon Cadet Training Centre in 1973, completing the six-week Cadet Leader Course. He spent the next 2 summers at the Winnipeg Rifle Coach Course where he was successful in making the 1976 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Bisley Rifle team to England. He returned to Vernon in the summer of 1977 as an instructor on the Rifle Coach Course before graduating the cadet program in September. Brigadier-General Woiden credits the Cadet program for providing him the opportunities to develop leadership, time management and communications skills. These skills have been instrumental in allowing him to succeed in his military career, post-secondary education and in his civilian career in the aviation industry. After his time in Cadets, Brigadier-General Woiden joined the Canadian Armed Forces Army Reserve as an Armoured Reconnaissance Crewman with the BCDs in 1975. He was posted to the Royal Canadian Dragoons in Germany for a flyover task in 1978 and in 1981 was commissioned as an officer. In 1984, he moved to Calgary, Alberta and transferred to The King's Own Calgary Regiment serving as a Troop Leader and Battle Captain. After completing an Advanced Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering Technology and a Diploma (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology he moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1988 for civilian employment and transferred to The Fort Garry Horse. During thirteen years of Regimental service, he served in numerous command positions from Battle Captain to Commanding Officer in 1997. In June 2004, Brigadier-General Woiden was promoted to Colonel and appointed Commander of 38 CBG, relinquishing command March 2007. He completed the Advanced Military Studies Program at Canadian Forces College, Toronto in 2007. On 12 January 2008, Brigadier-General Woiden was promoted to his current rank and appointed Deputy Commander Land Force Western Area (LFWA) and Joint Task Force West (JTFW). In March 2011, he deployed as the Assistant Commanding General – Afghanistan National Army Development for NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan for ten months. He was responsible for Coalition efforts in developing the Afghan Ministry of Defence and the General Staff. Upon his return to Canada he was appointed Director General Land Reserve and Chief of Staff Army Reserve. On 6 October 2015, he was appointed Commander of the National Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Support Group. While serving as a part-time reservist, Brigadier-General Woiden was employed at Bristol Aerospace Ltd in Winnipeg, Manitoba from 1988 to 2012. He held various engineering, flight test, program management and business development positions. When he left Bristol, he was the Manager of the Composites Manufacturing Centre. He also has a Certificate in Management from the University of Manitoba. In October of 2015 he became The Commander National Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Support Group.