Master Warrant Officer E.J. Pickell, CD

Squadron Sergeant Major C Squadron

Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Edward Pickell enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in March 2002, originating from Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. After completing Basic Training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School (CFLRS) in May 2002, he was posted to CFB Wainwright, where he completed his QL3 Armoured Crewman Course in September 2002.

MWO Pickell began his Regimental career in Headquarters Squadron’s Tank Troop, as all three Sabre Squadrons were committed to overseas operations. In spring 2003, he joined B Squadron as a Leopard C2 driver on tank 24C. He deployed on his first domestic operation, Op LENTUS, in response to the Okanagan forest fires. Over the next six years, he served in B Squadron in multiple roles including driver, gunner, and loader. In 2005, he deployed to CFS Alert for six months as a General Duties (GD) soldier.

In October 2006, he deployed to Afghanistan with B Squadron on Op ARCHER and returned for a second deployment in 2008. In 2009, he moved to HQ Squadron as the OC’s driver while completing his Primary Leadership Qualification (PLQ), 25mm gunner course, and the Armoured Reconnaissance Commander’s Course (ARCC), Later that year, as a newly promoted Master Corporal, he transitioned to Recce Squadron, serving as both Crew Commander and later a Patrol Commander. He also deployed on domestic operations in support of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

In 2011, he was selected to serve as the Commanding Officer’s LAV gunner, and in 2012, he was posted to the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps School (RCACS). There, he instructed on Phase 3 and 4 Armoured Officer courses. While at the school he spent time on the Army Instructor Gunnery Team in the Tank cell, where he was assisted in the development of Leopard 2 gunnery courseware and the turret manual.

In 2015, MWO Pickell was selected for employment within Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM), where he completed several deployments. He returned to the Regiment in 2019 as a Recce Troop Warrant Officer and deployed on Op REASSURANCE Roto 20-01. Following his return, he assumed the role of Recce Squadron Operations Warrant Officer and later transitioned to Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant (SQMS) as Recce Squadron re-formed into D Squadron.

In 2021, he deployed as Acting Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM) of D Squadron during Op LENTUS, supporting flood relief efforts in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley. In 2022, MWO Pickell was posted to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre (CMTC), where he supported Canadian Army validation training in multiple roles including Operations Warrant Officer, Armoured Observer Controller-Trainer (OCT), OPFOR Company Sergeant Major, CMTC Flight Safety Officer, and Admin Company Sergeant Major.

In 2025, he returned to the Regiment as the C Squadron Sergeant Major in preparation for an upcoming deployment on Op REASSURANCE.

MWO Pickell has been married to his supportive and understanding wife, Sara, for 17 years. Together, they have two children, Danika and Christian, along with Sara that are his biggest cheerleaders.