Corporal Lovell, an Image Tech student at the Canadian Forces Training Development Centre (CFTDC) on CFB Borden has achieved platinum on her FORCE test and this year’s test wasn’t just another challenge, but a personal mission.
After narrowly missing the mark two years in a row (just two points shy each time) Cpl Lovell committed to changing the outcome.
“This was the first one,” she said with a smile. “The last two years, I was stuck at gold, so this was a goal I had to hit. I trained specifically for the FORCE test, running myself through it twice a week for a month beforehand. That sealed the deal.”
A Military Journey That Started Early
Cpl Lovell’s military journey began early in her high school career.
“I joined the CAF in September 2018 as a reservist while still in high school,” she said. “I was doing my basic training during Grade 12 and then had a full-time job right out of high school. That kind of stability is rare at that age.”
Her inspiration? Her father’s brief service in the reserves.
“He was in the militia in his early 20s, and I always thought that sounded like a great part-time job for a student,” she said. “And then it just kept going.”
Originally from Westport, Ontario, Cpl Lovell has always had a strong foundation in physical activity. From cross-country running, hiking and skiing, to infantry training.
“I’ve always enjoyed being active,” she said. “Being in the infantry reserves made it a priority.”
Fitness as a Lifestyle—And a Mental Health Anchor
Cpl Lovell trains daily. “If I miss the gym, I’m miserable,” she admitted. “I lift, do cardio and rock climb. I like to keep it balanced because the military demands well-rounded fitness.”
But for Cpl Lovell, fitness means more than just passing tests as it’s a way to stay grounded.
“It’s my mental health,” she said. “Being physically strong lets me do my job and live a better life. You’ve got to be able to carry the pack, the weapon and go the distance.”
That resilience was especially tested during the infamous sandbag lift.
“It’s usually the lift that gets me. I usually puke after it and I still did this time, but I got the time I needed,” she laughed. “Five out of six of us image techs were throwing up!”
A Role That Requires Endurance and Adaptability
In her new role as an Image Tech, fitness continues to be essential.
“We need to be able to meet the infantry where they’re at,” Cpl Lovell explained. “If I can’t carry the gear, I can’t go with them. And if I can’t go, I can’t get the shot. Fitness is about mission success.”
Her long-term goal is to grow in the trade and maybe even pursue paratrooper qualifications.
“I’m really new to the image world, so right now I’m focused on learning and doing well,” she said. “But if the opportunity arises, I’d love to try the Para course.”
And when it comes to her favourite part of training? “Video editing,” she said. “Talking to different units, putting the footage together… it’s creative and fun. I can’t believe I get paid to do this.”
Advice to Others: Start Today
For anyone thinking about chasing platinum, or just trying to improve their fitness, Cpl Lovell’s advice is clear and blunt: “Start training. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Just get it done.”
She recalled her own journey from a total novice to where she is today.
“I only started because a friend asked me to go to the gym. I didn’t know how to lift weights, I only ran. He showed me the basics and that was enough to get going. You don’t need a perfect plan. You just need to start.”
Cpl Lovell’s grit, humor, and relentless determination are a reminder that excellence in the CAF is earned, rep by rep, sandbag by sandbag.
And for anyone still chasing that elusive platinum, take her words to heart: “You can do it. Just get it done.”
