The Torch Highlights
Unitas et Fidelitas
The Royal Kingston United Services Institute (RKUSI) is an independent organization located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. It is one of approximately twelve United Services Institutes in Canada patterned on the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies located at Whitehall in London. The object of RKUSI is the study of military science and fostering understanding of Canadian defence policy.
RKUSI was founded in 1925. Members are former or actively serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, CSIS, veterans of allied forces, and interested civilians who support the objectives of the Institute.
President's Report
August Message
Building Momentum as We Modernize and Grow
The Torch
Illuminating Security and Defence Issues
Stay informed with The Torch, RKUSI’s curated selection of timely articles and insights on defence, security, and strategic affairs—sourced from across Canada and beyond.
Be Part of Canada’s Defence Conversation
Whether you’re a Veteran, an active service member, a student, or simply an engaged citizen, RKUSI offers a place to connect, learn, and contribute. Add your voice to a community committed to informed dialogue on national security and global affairs.
Meet Our Newest Members
A warm RKUSI welcome to Jean Trudel. LCol (Ret’d) Jean Trudel served 41 years in the Infantry before retiring in 2021. Notable appointments includes Chief of Staff Joint Task Force -Afghanistan (2007), Assistant Army Advisor Defence Liaison Staff in London (2012), Chief of Staff and Acting Commandant Canadian Army Command and Staff College in Kingston (2015) and Deputy Commandant Baltic Defence College in Estonia (2017). Upon retirement, LCol (Ret’d) Trudel remained involved as an Independent Contractor serving the Canadian Army Simulation Centre and the Canadian Army Land Warfare Centre a communication specialist with the Deputy Minister of Public Affairs.
Major Seb Ménard is a Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Officer with the Princess of Wales’ Own Regiment, currently serving with the Canadian Joint Response Force Headquarters in Kingston, where he is responsible for capability development, readiness, and exercise planning for crisis response operations.
Jean Trudel
Major Seb Menard
Join us for our next event!
KCIS Conference 2026 November 18-20 (CIDP, RN-WPS,KCIS)
KCIS Conference 2026 – Register Now! – Nov. 18-20. 2026 thekcis.org/conference/kcis-2026
Dr. Christian Leuprecht Presentation – “Predatory Hegemony in the age of Geopolitical Rivalry: What role for Middle Powers?”
“Predatory Hegemony in the age of Geopolitical Rivalry: What role for Middle Powers?” Biography: Christian Leuprecht (Ph.D, Queen’s) is Class of 1965 Professor in Leadership, Department of Political Science, Royal […]