Maj Glen Zilkalns was born in Quebec City, and raised and educated in Dryden. He graduated from DHS in 1987, and the Royal Military College in 1991.
Upon commissioning in the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Maj Zilkalns deployed to Croatia in 1994 and Bosnia in 1997. He has deployed to Afghanistan three times, in 2002, 2005, and 2009.
Major Glen Zilkalns on the armoured vehicle (a C6 MG) with members of 9er TAC in Zabul Province during Op CHEROKEE SKY, Afghanistan, 2002
Maj Zilkalns has commanded at the Platoon, Company, and Battalion levels. His key staff positions have been in Operations at the Battalion level, and Plans at the Brigade and Divisional levels with the US Army.
Maj Zilkalns spent most of his career in the 3rd Battalion, PPCLI. He also served with the 101st Airborne Division (US), the 173rd Airborne Brigade (US), the 3rd Infantry Division (US), and the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade (US).
His Canadian decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Commander-in-Chief's Unit Commendation, and two Chief of the Land Staff Commendations. His American decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Army Commendation Medal. He is a Canadian and US paratrooper, and an Afghan Air Assault Pathfinder.
Maj Zilkalns retired from the Canadian forces in 2012, after twenty-five years of service.