Captain Geoff Popovits was born in London, England on 9 November 1957 and immigrated to Canada in September 1965. He joined 26 Field Artillery Regiment, RCA in February 75, completed Basic Military Training in April and Qualification Level 3 Artillery in Canadian Forces Base Shilo in August 1975. He was promoted Bombardier in February 1976, Master Bombardier in April 1978, and Sergeant in September 1980. As well, he completed his Drivers, Qualification Level6A Detachment Commander’s, Basic & Advanced Artillery Tech, and Senior Non-commissioned Officer courses during this time.

Captain Popovits supported the Olympics in 1976, and was either an instructor or Troop Sergeant Major, Firing Troop at summer National Rank and Qualification School (NRQS) Shilo between 1977 and 1982. He did a flyover with the 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1 RCHA) in Germany where he was a 2nd in Command and Detachment Commander on callsign 15E in August 1982. In March 1983, he became the full-time Motor Transport Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) at 26 Field Artillery Regiment, RCA. During this period, 26 Fd Regt was the Operationally tasked Battery to 3rd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (3 RCHA). He was the Motor Transport NCO until March 1986 when the full time position was eliminated.

In April 1989, Captain Popovits was promoted to Warrant Officer and in September 1992, became Battery Sergeant Major of 71 Battery. Up to this point in time, Captain Popovits had held every Non-Commissioned Member position within the Battery except Signals NCO. In March 1994, he took the Tasker position with the RCA Battle School and from there, the full-time position of Training Co-ordinator also within the RCA Battle School. He was the Training Co-ordinator until August 1998, and during this time included the transition of the RCA Battle School to Western Area Training Centre, Artillery Detachment Shilo. At this time, Captain Popovits decided to finish his Business Administration Diploma, and graduated with honours in June 1999. Upon receiving his diploma, he enrolled in the Chartered General Accountant program (CGA) and he has completed level 3.

From June 1999 to September 2003, he held various positions within 26 Field Artillery Regiment, RCA including stints as Operations Officer, and Assistant Adjutant. During this period, summer taskings at Western Area Training Centre, included Exercise Coordinator, and TSM Firing Troop. In Sept 00, he again became Battery Sergeant Major of 71 Battery and was promoted to Master Warrant Officer in February 2001.

Captain Popovits was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of 26 Field Artillery Regiment, RCA in March 2002, promoted to Chief Warrant Officer in August 2004, and became the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 38 Canadian Brigade Group Artillery Tactical Group (ATG) when it was stood up in March 2005. He relinquished the position in December 2006, and was appointed Battery Commander, Headquarters and Services Battery, the position he presently holds within 26 Field Artillery Regiment, RCA. In September 2003, he accepted the position of Assistant Regimental Adjutant at Regimental Headquarters RCA, the full-time position he currently fills. He was commissioned Captain in August 2007.

Captain Popovits was awarded the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal in December 2002 and the second clasp to his Canada Decoration in February 2007. Geoff and his wife Lorie have two daughters, Samantha and Michelle, and a son-in law, Travis. His interests include tropical fish, landscaping, home renovations, and military history.