After 16 years of dedication and continuous self-improvement in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), Lieutenant(N) Danielle Chagnon has reached a significant milestone in achieving platinum on the FORCES test for the first time, reflecting not only her personal commitment to fitness, but also her role as an inspiration within the CFB Borden community.
A Journey of Transformation
Lt(N) Chagnon’s journey to platinum was anything but straightforward.
“I wasn’t always the picture of fitness,” Lt(N) Chagnon said. “In high school, I was just on the volleyball team and, to be honest, I was the definition of ‘skinny fat’. When I first arrived at the Royal Military College, I struggled with the physical tests. I couldn’t even run a 5K or do a proper push-up test.”
Determined to change, Lt(N) Chagnon dedicated herself to transforming her body. Supplementary PT sessions, consistent hot yoga and later CrossFit workouts would gradually improve her performance.
“I started with the CF Express test and, once it switched over to the FORCES test in 2016, I began passing bronze, silver, and gold levels intermittently,” she explained.
Her relentless training and persistence eventually led her to earn the coveted platinum status.
A Moment of Validation
Achieving platinum was a pivotal moment for Lt(N) Chagnon as she seized the opportunity to turn the annual FORCES test into a pathway for self-improvement.
“When I reached platinum, I was almost too tired to really care—I was sweaty and disgusting, but I felt good,” she said. “It validated all the hard work and the long hours in the gym. It wasn’t just about the physical score; it was about proving to myself and my colleagues that I could achieve what I set out to do.”
Leading by Example
In her current role with the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group (CFRG) as a diversity advisor on CFB Borden, Lt(N) Chagnon emphasized the importance of fitness and physical readiness. Not only for operational effectiveness, but also as a key component of leadership.
“We spend a lot of time behind desks, but maintaining fitness is critical for mental sharpness and overall readiness. I try to set an example by working out every day and encouraging my peers to make healthy choices… even if it’s just suggesting skipping that extra donut or swapping a sugary coffee for something healthier.”
Strengths, Weaknesses, and a Message to Others
Lt(N) identifies her strengths as strong cardio, adaptability in sports and consistency in her training regimen. She also recognizes her need for further improvement, particularly in mobility and calisthenics.
“I’m always working on doing things like handstand push-ups and improving my overall mobility,” she said. “I may come off as a bit pushy sometimes, but I just want people to see that small, consistent steps can make a huge difference.”
Lt(N) Chagnon’s platinum achievement is an invitation for others in the CAF to push their limits. As she continues her journey toward excellence, Lt (N) Chagnon hopes her achievements will motivate her peers to prioritize fitness as a key component of military readiness and leadership.
With her platinum achievement on the FORCES test, Lt. Danielle proves that with perseverance and dedication, every challenge can be overcome—setting the bar high for the rest of us in the CAF.
While she acknowledges that her journey is ongoing, Lt(N) Chagnon remains focused on her future goals and proving that with perseverance and dedication, every challenge can be overcome.
“My goal is not to slow down, but to continue challenging myself and, hopefully, inspire others along the way,” she said.
