Major Sam Behm's path to the CC-130J Hercules wasn’t straightforward. 

As we mark International Women's Day and Women in Aviation Worldwide Week, Sam shares how she joined the Canadian Armed Forces under ROTP as a MARS Officer (now Naval Warfare Officer), and determinedly pursued a transfer to the Royal Canadian Air Force when the opportunity to become a pilot reopened. 

We walk through her flight training on the Grob in Portage la Prairie, the Harvard in Moose Jaw, and the King Air, as well as her time with the Multi-Engine Utility Flight before beginning her career on the Hercules with 436 Transport Squadron.

With 2,400 hours across 52 countries and five continents, Sam reflects on building operational experience, earning aircraft command, and what it means to grow into leadership in military aviation.

A story of persistence, adaptability, and carving your own path in uniform.