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Boots on the Ground: A SITREP from General Dynamics’ Mission Specialists

The Vanguard Podcast

Release Date: 05/22/2025

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In the latest episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones has the opportunity to chat with Reaghan Sunstrum, Mission Specialist at and Steve Cross, also a Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Missions Systems–Canada. Their conversation revolves around the Canadian Army experience, the Canadian Army in Latvia and Battle Lab. Reaghan Sunstrum is a Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, and a dedicated Canadian Army Reservist based in Calgary, AB. She has 16 years of service in the Army Reserves as a Signal Operator and currently holds the rank of Master...

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More Episodes

In the latest episode of Vanguard Radio, host J. Richard Jones has the opportunity to chat with Reaghan Sunstrum, Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada and Steve Cross, also a Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Missions Systems–Canada. Their conversation revolves around the Canadian Army experience, the Canadian Army in Latvia and Battle Lab.

Reaghan Sunstrum is a Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada, and a dedicated Canadian Army Reservist based in Calgary, AB. She has 16 years of service in the Army Reserves as a Signal Operator and currently holds the rank of Master Warrant Officer (MWO). She serves as the Company Sergeant Major (CSM) for 41 Service Battalion, 14 Company. Reaghan earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Mount Royal University, and her leadership and technical expertise continue to make her a valued asset in both her military and civilian roles.

Steve Cross is a Mission Specialist at General Dynamics Missions Systems–Canada and a retired Sergeant supporting the Canadian Armed Forces as a Signal Operator for 16 years. Active in both the Reserve and Regular force during that time, Steve has supported Exercises and deployments both domestically and abroad. With recent experience in Latvia both in uniform and with GD, Steve’s experience helps define new capabilities and carve a way forward for the army.

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada is one of Canada’s largest and most innovative defence companies, delivering and sustaining capability for Land C5ISR. They provide advanced thinking, design expertise, and implementation know-how to equip the Canadian Armed Forces with leading-edge hardware, software, and systems.

General Dynamics’ DIGITALspine mobilizes digital transformation by connecting every sensor, effector, and decision maker. It enables technological innovation at pace with mission requirements and simplifies forward capability enhancements and configurability based on evolving needs. At the edge of conflict, soldiers can securely tap into new and legacy systems while operating seamlessly with joint, interagency, and allied partners across land, air, sea, and cyber.

In this episode:

  1. Transitioning from army to industry.
  2. Experience behind C5ISR technology development
  3. Op REASSURANCE and the Canadian Army in Latvia
  4. General Dynamics’ Battle Lab
  5. And more!