Warrant Officer James Topp says he doesn’t believe Canadians would have paid attention if he had not donned his official uniform to publicly oppose the Canadian military’s vaccine requirements.

That decision to speak out while in uniform is ultimately at the heart of the military’s case against the army reservist, who has become somewhat of a symbol of sorts for those Canadians who are opposed to vaccine mandates and perceived government overreach.

Topp was charged in February with two counts of conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline after appearing in uniform in two online videos. He criticized mandatory vaccine requirements for military personnel and other federal employees and is now facing a court martial.