RCN, Canadian Coast Guard Sign Historic Arctic Operations Agreement

HMCS Toronto and Canadian Coast Guard Ship Pierre Radisson sail past an iceberg off the coast of Baffin Island during a past visit to Canada’s North.

By Darlene Blakeley

An historic agreement on joint Arctic operations has been signed by the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the Canadian Coast Guard.

On May 22, 2018, Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, Commander RCN, and Jeffery Hutchinson, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, signed the Joint Concept of Arctic Operations (CONOPS), which establishes how the RCN and the Coast Guard will coordinate maritime operations within Canada’s Arctic Archipelago and Arctic waters, with the intent of pursuing greater interoperability.

With the Government of Canada’s commitment to increasing presence in the Arctic regions, both the RCN and the Coast Guard remain the most visible maritime presence during the summer navigation season. While the assigned missions and tasks are different and specific to each organization, there is significant synergy and increased operational effect that can be achieved through collaboration.

“Maritime operations in the Canadian Arctic are a complex and continually evolving endeavour,” said VAdm Lloyd. “While the Coast Guard and RCN fulfill different roles, their devotion to greater interoperability demonstrates the commitment of both organizations to the achievement of shared government objectives. Defining our partnership reinforces and strengthens the connection between the Coast Guard and RCN, and ensures that we benefit from each other’s experiences, assets and unique but intertwined areas of responsibility.”

Historically, the Canadian Coast Guard assigns at least six vessels annually to the Arctic for the navigation season, and the RCN assigns one to two vessels for a few weeks. With the projected arrival of its first Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) this year, the RCN’s ability to conduct extended Arctic operations and missions will increase significantly.

There are potential areas of mutual collaboration in operational scheduling, logistical support, training, interoperability and the execution of Northern operations, including search and rescue, environmental response and maritime security.

“Emergency situations in Arctic waters are a reality, and the Canadian Coast Guard stands ready to respond when they arise. Partnerships like this are integral to ensure we can continue to meet the needs of those who use Canada’s Arctic waters,” said Commissioner Hutchinson. “The Coast Guard and the RCN are seeing important investments to further strengthen our capacity in the Arctic, including the launch of a new Polar Icebreaker and new AOPVs. Further, measures under the Oceans Protection Plan are creating a more robust marine emergency response system, stronger presence and safer navigation.”

The RCN has operated in Northern waters for many years, delivering on its missions and legislated mandate for Canada. Its primary missions are to conduct surveillance, demonstrate and exercise presence and control, support other government departments, respond to emerging crises, and build upon relationships in the region.

Overall, it’s the RCN’s responsibility to schedule, train and ensure the logistical sustainment of its maritime forces for Arctic maritime operations, coordinate Northern maritime forces through the Maritime Component Command in Halifax, and execute all Northern missions as assigned by Canadian Joint Operations Command and the Government of Canada.

The Canadian Coast Guard has operated its vessels and been the maritime lead and principal presence on-water in the Arctic for over 50 years. It provides critical icebreaking and safe navigation services, support to government science projects, and remote community resupply. It is also a key contributor to maritime domain awareness in the Arctic.

“The Arctic is a complex and dynamic maritime environment, and presents challenge after challenge for the sailors who have braved those waters over centuries,” said VAdm Lloyd. “As we prepare for the arrival of Harry DeWolf, the first of the AOPVs, the RCN is sending some if its sailors to join our partners in the Coast Guard to learn more about this unique environment.”

Harry DeWolf will be in the water this year for trials, and will officially join the fleet in 2019.

The CONOPS has been developed to assist both organizations’ planners, schedulers, operators and training groups to discuss joint activities on a regular basis. This planning may not be limited to the signatories of this CONOPS, as the whole of government expresses an active interest in the sustainable development of the Arctic with the engagement, consultation and participation of Indigenous peoples and local communities and governments.

“The RCN and Coast Guard are two sides of the same coin; indivisible in looking after the safety, security and defence of our great nation,” said VAdm Lloyd. “Both of our organizations remain committed to reinforcing our relationship through the joint initiatives outlined in the CONOPS to ensure that northern development, presence and control are maintained throughout Canada’s North. Our missions are distinct, but complementary.”

Chinthex 2018

A Search and Rescue Technician is hoisted by a CH-146 Griffon helicopter from 439 Combat Support Squadron during During Chinthex 18, held near Thunder Bay, Ontario. PHOTO: Private Hugo Montpetit

From 19 Wing Comox Public Affairs

435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, a 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia, unit based at Winnipeg, Manitoba, held its annual search and rescue exercise at Thunder Bay, Ontario, from May 23 to 27, 2018.

The exercise was dubbed Chinthex 18, to incorporate the nickname “Chinthe Squadron”, which the squadron acquired when flying in support of the Burma Campaign during the Second World War. A chinthe is a mythical creature described as half-lion, half-beast, imbued with a spirit and tenacity that continues to represent the squadron’s approach to operations today.

Holding the exercise in Thunder Bay was by design, to practise a deployment similar to what would be expected during a major search, and to enable exercise scenarios in more challenging terrain than what is typically found in southern Manitoba.

Additional challenges before and during the exercise included the requirement to maintain standby status for actual search and rescue missions (there were several); aircraft involved in the exercise being tasked to support operations evacuating civilians from communities threatened by fire in northern Manitoba and Ontario; and being on standby to support flood relief operations in British Columbia.

Exercise planners structured the training scenarios to trigger responses to probable missions, incorporating experience from actual missions with a focus on multi-agency response, to capitalize on numerous partner organizations involved in the exercise.

“We’ve included as many of our search and rescue partners as possible in this exercise,” said Exercise Director Captain Morgan Strachan. “It gives us the opportunity to work with them in a training environment and learn about their capabilities and limitations. Those same partners also learn about us and what we are able to do in a variety of rescue situations. These exercises strengthen our ability to work more efficiently as a team, which is a contributing factor to success on actual missions.”

Scenarios included vessels and mariners in distress far from shore, lost and injured hunters, and responding to calls of downed or missing aircraft. The culmination of the exercise presented participants with a major air disaster (MajAid) event, with a simulated aircraft crashing about 30 kilometres west of Thunder Bay with 22 persons on board.

The MajAid event required a multi-agency response. When the aircraft was “found” in a remote location, search and rescue technicians parachuted onto the scene to provide immediate care as the rescue operation developed. Helicopters carrying additional first responders arrived at a landing zone, and the casualties were extracted once they were stabilized. Ground search and rescue teams were brought in to scour the crash scene to ensure all passengers were found and to assist first responders with casualty management.

The success of the exercise was due in large part to the flexibility of the planners making daily adjustments to account for numerous real-world rescues and taskings throughout the exercise; the tremendous support provided by the School of Aviation – Confederation College, and the Thunder Bay Airport Authority; and, most importantly, the dedication and professionalism of the participants, who all made the best of an opportunity to develop their skills and solve problems as a team.

The list of participants is lengthy. Each and every one made an important contribution to the exercise. They were: 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron; 439 Combat Support Squadron (Bagotville, Québec); 304th Rescue Squadron (Portland, Oregon); the Civil Aviation Search and Rescue Association; Naval Reserve Unit HMCS Griffon; The Lake Superior Scottish Regiment; 38 Signals Regiment; 18 Field Ambulance; 38 Service Battalion; Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Canadian Coast Guard Service; U.S. Coast Guard Service; Lakehead Search and Rescue; Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (Ontario); Ornge Air Ambulance (Thunder Bay); Thunder Bay Airport Authority; and the School of Aviation – Confederation College.

The RCN And Its Ties To The Indigenous Peoples Of Canada

HMCS Iroquois G89 / 217

By the RCN

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has a long history of ties to the Indigenous peoples of Canada. In fact, it paid homage to them by naming two separate classes of ships after them – the wartime Tribal-class and the post-war Iroquois-class destroyers – and several other vessels, including three Oberon-class submarines.

The RCN is honoured to have these names from Indigenous peoples of Canada associated with its ships over the past several decades.

Tribal-class destroyers

The Tribals were a class of destroyers built for the Royal Navy, RCN and Royal Australian Navy, and saw service in nearly all theatres of the Second World War. Only one Tribal survives to this day: Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Haida, which is now a museum ship in Hamilton, Ont. These ships proudly bore the names of several Indigenous groups from across Canada.

• HMCS Iroquois served in the RCN during the Second World War and the Korean War. Iroquois was the first ship to bear this name and the first ship of the class to serve with the RCN.
• HMCS Athabaskan (first of name) was the first of three destroyers to bear this name. It served in the Second World War. It was torpedoed in the English Channel and sunk in 1944.
• HMCS Huron served in the RCN in the Second World War and the Korean War. It was the first ship to bear this name, serving from 1943 to 1963.
• HMCS Haida served in the RCN from 1943 to 1963, serving in the Second World War and the Korean War. The only surviving ship of the Tribal-class, Haida sank more enemy surface tonnage than any other Canadian warship. It is now a museum ship in Hamilton, Ont.
• HMCS Micmac served in the RCN from 1945 to 1964. It was the first sophisticated modern warship built in Canada and the first of four Tribal-class destroyers built at the Halifax Shipyard.
• HMCS Nootka served in the RCN from 1946 to 1964. Constructed too late to take part in the Second World War, the ship saw service in the Korean War.
• HMCS Cayuga served in the RCN from 1946 until 1964 and saw action in the Korean War.
• HMCS Athabaskan (second of name) served in the RCN in the immediate post-Second World War era and was the second destroyer to bear the name. Built too late to see action in the North Atlantic, Athabaskan served in the Korean War.

Iroquois-class destroyers

The Iroquois class included four helicopter-carrying, guided missile destroyers. Like the wartime Tribal-class ships before them, these ships were named to honour the Indigenous peoples of Canada. Launched in the 1970s, they were originally fitted out for anti-submarine warfare, using two CH-124 Sea King helicopters and other weapons.

• HMCS Iroquois was the lead ship of the Iroquois-class destroyers. The second vessel to carry the name, it entered service in 1972 and was based in Halifax. The ship was taken out of service in 2014 and paid off in 2015.
• HMCS Huron served in the RCN from 1972 to 2000. It served mainly on the West Coast of Canada. After decommissioning, its hull was stripped to be used in a live-fire exercise. It was eventually sunk by gunfire from its sister ship, HMCS Algonquin. It was the second vessel to use the designation HMCS Huron.
• HMCS Athabaskan served in the RCN from 1972 until 2017. It was the third vessel to use the designation HMCS Athabaskan.
• HMCS Algonquin served in the RCN from 1973 to 2015. It was the second vessel to use the designation HMCS Algonquin.

Oberon-class submarines

HMC Submarines Ojibwa, Okanagan and Onondaga were built in England and commissioned between 1965 and 1968. These were Canada’s first truly operational submarines, also named for Indigenous peoples of Canada.

• HMCS Ojibwa, originally intended for service with the British Royal Navy, was transferred to Canadian ownership and entered RCN service in 1965. Ojibwa operated primarily with Maritime Forces Atlantic until her decommissioning in 1998. In 2010, Ojibwa was laid up in Halifax awaiting disposal, with the Elgin Military Museum planning to preserve her as a museum vessel. The submarine was towed to Port Burwell, Ont., in 2012, and was opened to the public in 2013.
• HMCS Okanagan entered service in 1968 and spent the majority of its career on the East Coast. The boat was paid off in 1998 and sold for scrap in 2011.
• HMCS Onondaga was built in the mid-1960s and operated primarily on the East Coast until its decommissioning in 2000 as the last Canadian Oberon. The Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père in Rimouski, Que., purchased the boat for preservation as a museum vessel. The submarine was moved into location in 2008 and is open to the public.

Other ships and units

The names of other RCN ships – including several River-class destroyers, Bangor-class minesweepers and Flower-class corvettes, as well as shore-based units including Naval Reserve Divisions – have also been based on Indigenous culture throughout the decades. This tradition carries on into today’s fleet, with ships such as HMCS Yellowknife and HMCS Toronto. These ships were all named after Canadian geographic locations, such as cities and rivers. The names of these locations were all derived from their local Indigenous languages.

The RCN Increases Its Presence In Africa

LCdr Paul Smith meets with LCdr Faissal Erraji of the Royal Moroccan Navy during PHOENIX EXPRESS 2018 in Souda Bay, Greece.

By Lieutenant (Navy) Linda Coleman

It was an exciting day on May 11, 2018 as members of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) shook hands with partner navies from North Africa during the closing ceremony of Exercise PHOENIX EXPRESS 2018 (PE18) in Souda Bay, Greece.

It not only marked the conclusion of the RCN’s first time participating in PE18, but also in three U.S. Africa Command EXPRESS exercises around Africa this year.

“It was a privilege to participate in PE18 with the RCN, continuing the great work and capacity building we’ve been doing around Africa this year as part of the EXPRESS series, including CUTLASS EXPRESS in East Africa and OBANGAME EXPRESS in West Africa,” said Lieutenant-Commander Paul Smith, senior RCN official for PE18.

Led by U.S. Africa Command and conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, the EXPRESS exercises are an ongoing series of maritime security engagements designed to train and assess standard procedures for maritime domain awareness and information sharing for combined/joint maritime interdiction operations.

In January, the RCN sent advisors to East Africa to participate in CUTLASS EXPRESS. Its contribution included strategic engagements in Mozambique and Tanzania to promote maritime security capacity building at the Tanzania and Mozambique Maritime Operations Centres (MOC). RCN advisors provided support and mentorship on maritime security awareness, passing on Canadian expertise in this field.

In March, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Kingston and Summerside, a detachment of personnel from the Maritime Tactical Operations Group, and an MOC mentorship team were in West Africa participating in OBANGAME EXPRESS 2018 (OE18). This exercise is focused on improving cooperation among participating West African nations and strengthening maritime interdiction operations to increase maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea – an area that is seeing increased illegal maritime activity lately, garnering international attention. It was the RCN’s first visit to Nigeria in half a century.

This was the second consecutive year that the RCN participated in OE18, and the RCN has committed another three to five years of deploying to the area to continue building relationships in the West Africa region, while promoting maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

By April, RCN observers and assessors were at MOCs in Bizerte, Tunisia, and Souda Bay, Greece, where they observed, assessed and acted as mentors in the area of maritime security awareness, and provided expertise in maritime interdiction operations for PE18.

“These global leadership opportunities help strengthen relationships and partnerships with like-minded navies, and in the case of PE18, also help overcome current challenges that threaten maritime security in the Mediterranean Sea,” added LCdr Smith.

Maritime security in the Mediterranean is vitally important because of the shipping routes that link Europe and North Africa. Illegal migrants have also been crossing the Mediterranean from Africa in record numbers since 2015, causing a maritime security issue in the region.

PE18 North African partners included Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. These countries led the planning and execution of training scenarios that included interdicting illicit activity and providing vessels, teams and leadership to enable the operations of a combined MOC and Surface Action Group. Other countries involved included Canada, Greece, Italy, Malta, Spain, United States, Libya, Netherlands and Denmark.

“It’s rewarding to be able to help a like-minded nation build their own maritime security capacity while increasing interoperability,” said Lieutenant (Navy) Andrew Brumwell about his experience in the MOC at the Bizerte Naval Base in Tunisia. “The initial challenge in short exercises like PE18 is being able to quickly gain an understanding of capabilities and requirements of the team you are there to advise and assess, and figuring out how you can best use your own skills to assist them. The rewarding side to that is when that team is able to effectively execute the mission presented, you feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in what you were able to achieve in such a short period.”

The RCN’s participation in the EXPRESS series embodies Canada’s New Defence Policy Strong, Secure, Engaged, which values the Canadian Armed Forces ability to anticipate new challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and act with exemplary capability and professionalism while supporting peace and security around the world.

“Fueling The Fire”: 435 Squadron Delivers Air-To-Air Refueling For A Quarter Century

In an undated photo, a Hercules from 435 Squadron conducts air-to-air refuelling over Fort Jefferson in the Florida Keys. PHOTO: Submitted

By Captain Mike Wolter

This is a milestone year for 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron whose members are celebrating 25 years of operational air-to-air refuelling (AAR) with the CC-130HT Hercules tanker aircraft.

435 “Chinthe” Squadron is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but reports to 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia.

As proud refuelers for a quarter of a century, 435 AAR crews have seen the world through myriad different exercises and operations, delivering a critical enabling capability for Canadian and allied fighter jets.

By the end of 1992, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) had taken delivery of five new CC-130H Hercules aircraft. At Northwest Industries Limited in Edmonton, Alberta, they were converted to the CC-130HT tanker configuration. Combining a fuselage tank capable of carrying 24,000 pounds of jet fuel, new fuel lines and drogue-style air refueling pods, CC-130HTs provided the RCAF with a flexible AAR asset for its probe-equipped fighters.

The first aircraft modified was tail number 130339 and the initial aircrew course was completed in 1993. Shortly thereafter, the squadron carried out its first operational AAR mission. On February 11, 1993, 435 Squadron assisted in the intercept of a high-jacked Lufthansa Airbus A310 off the East Coast of North America in conjunction with the United States Air Force.

During their first few years of operations, AAR crews from 435 Squadron participated in numerous operations and exercises as aircrew and technicians alike quickly became educated on their new equipment and role.

In these early years, AAR operations were conducted in Europe and northern Canada and AAR exercises took place in the Netherlands and the United States. In 1998, 435 Squadron deployed to Kuwait as part of Operation Southern Watch. There, the squadron’s tankers helped allied fighters enforce Iraqi compliance with the United Nations Security Council Resolution following the Gulf War.

In 1999, 435 Squadron participated in a 79-day NATO operation named Operation Allied Force, an air campaign conducted over the former republic of Yugoslavia. CC-130HT aircraft provided refueling to CF-188 Hornet fighters flying air strike missions from Aviano, Italy.

Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the squadron has been continuously engaged in Operation Noble Eagle, providing AAR support in the defence of North American airspace, often from forward operating locations in Canada’s far North.

Crews also deployed to Sicily, Italy, in 2011 as part of Operation Mobile, helping fighter jets tasked to enforce the no-fly zone over Libya.

435’s AAR crews and technicians continue to support yearly exercises with Canadian Hornets and fighter jets from allied countries around the world. In recent years, the squadron has played a small but critical role at such exercises as Maple Flag in Cold Lake, Alberta; Red Flag in Alaska and Nevada; Cougar South in California; and Alouette Mobile in Louisiana. More globally, the squadron has supported Exercise Pitch Black in Australia and Arctic Challenge in Finland as the sole RCAF envoy.

As Canada’s only tactical aerial refuelling aircraft, the CC-130HT provides the RCAF with a flexible and global AAR capacity that has been extensively used since its operational introduction in 1993.

With the CC-130HT AAR capability slated for retirement in 2020, this anniversary year provides an opportunity to reflect on a proud history earned during more than 25 years “fueling the fire”.

There is no doubt that 435 Squadron’s professional and flexible AAR crews will continue to accomplish their missions accomplished, striving to uphold the squadron’s motto of Certi Provehendi—“Determined on Delivery”—until the last successful AAR “poke” is complete.

Gagetown Units Are A Different Kind Of Busy

Soldiers from 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support), Royal Canadian Artillery participate in Exercise TURBULENT WINDS in the training area of 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in New Brunswick, on October 27, 2017. Photo: Corporal Peter Ford, Combat Training Centre ©2018 DND/MDN Canada.

By Steven Fouchard, Army Public Affairs

Oromocto, New Brunswick — Captain Matt Bernhardt has a good mental snapshot to illustrate the pace of life within his unit, 4 Artillery Regiment (General Support) Royal Canadian Artillery [4 Regt (GS)]: “Between July and December of last year, I was not home for more than about two weeks at a time. My last water bill was $15.”

4 Regt (GS) is one of two units based at 5th Canadian Division Support Base (5 CDSB) Gagetown in New Brunswick that provide unique capabilities which are in high demand right across the Canadian Army (CA).

Most CA units spend only a year at a time in a state of high readiness – which is to say, ready to deploy domestically or internationally at short notice – before entering a period of rest and then a new cycle of high-readiness training.

However, due to their one-of-a-kind capabilities and personnel shortages that are an issue CA-wide, 4 Regt (GS) and their compatriots in 4 Engineer Support Regiment (4 ESR) are so in demand that they find themselves at a high tempo all year round.

“Each one of our batteries goes through the cycle once a year,” Capt Bernhardt explained. “One of our batteries is at each stage of that high readiness cycle at any given time.”

Currently, he noted, 4 Regt (GS) members are providing personnel to the CA’s enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup in Latvia. And, while most of the troops there now will be relieved this summer, 4 Regt (GS) members will remain.

The unit provides joint fire-coordination to operations, meaning it serves as an informational hub ensuring that friendly forces are not stepping on one another’s toes and that resources are allocated effectively.

“As everything’s coming in we’re coordinating it,” Capt Bernhardt explained, “taking all the information in and conducting the minute-to-minute, hour-by-hour operations. If these guys are running out of ammo, we’ll push ammo that way. Something happened over here, we’ll reallocate resources. The enemy’s coming at you this way, we’re going to allocate resources to this flank so we can reinforce you.”

4 Regt (GS) is also the CA’s only unit with a Medium Range Radar (MRR) capability. Just introduced late in 2017, MRR is a powerful tool that can detect sources of indirect enemy fire – rocket propelled grenades, mortars, rockets and other munitions fired without a direct sightline to the target – and monitor airborne activity over a battlespace.

The unit is also the only one in the CA trained on and equipped with the Blackjack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), an unarmed drone used for reconnaissance and surveillance.

“One thing I’ve learned over the years is, everyone wants UAV footage and they will do a lot to get it so those guys will be exceptionally busy,” CaptBernhardt said.

Captain Duncan Cornish, 4 ESR’s Deputy Commanding Officer, explained that its duties go beyond those of combat engineer regiments.

“We are the Army’s theatre-opening experts,” he said. “We are the builders of camps. Combat engineer regiments do not do that. It is a unique task.”

4 ESR also brings counter-improvised explosive device capabilities that ensure a safe environment before camp construction even begins. At the time of writing, 4 ESR is also under an immediate response unit (IRU) designation.

“Right now some of us are on eight hours’ notice to move,” Capt Cornish said. “Some are on 12 hours’ notice, and everybody else in the unit is on 24 hours’ notice to move. And that goes on for months.”

“That affects our tempo,” he added. “And it affects leave plans and how far we can let people go. And whenever somebody goes away, we need to make sure vital positions in the IRU are covered off. It’s not good or bad, it’s just the reality of life here. Everybody is busy right now. We are busy in a different kind of way.”

Both units were recently consolidated with three other ‘enablers’ – units providing vital supportive roles including intelligence, surveillance and engineering – within the CA’s Close Combat Support Brigade (CCSB) – a change both officers agree is for the better.

“For us I think it’ll be good,” said Capt Cornish. “It won’t affect how we run things but putting 4 ESR in a brigade with other enablers should allow us to achieve some training efficiencies and become better by learning what these other enablers are doing.”

“We’ve been filling a large number of individual augmentation tasks and assignments,” said Capt Bernhardt. “So now we're hoping to be viewed as a whole brigade of unique capabilities. That way, if other units want us to do those specific jobs they need us to do, it will help us be able to do them better.”

Teamwork: Regular And Reserve Force Artillery Units Train Together

On March 18 and 19, 2017, members of 38 Canadian Brigade Group Artillery Tactical Group (a Canadian Army (CA) Reserve Force unit) and 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (a CA Regular Force unit) conducted collective training during Exercise FROZEN GUNNER at Canadian Forces Base Shilo in Manitoba, conducting coordinated Battery and Regimental fire missions and plans with the C3 105mm and M777 155mm Howitzers. Photo: Master Bombardier Lynn Danielson, 116th Independent Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery. ©2017 DND/MDN Canada.

By Master Bombardier Lynn Danielson, 116th Independent Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery

Master Bombardier Lynn Danielson of 116th Independent Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery in, Kenora, Ontario provided her first-person account to the Shilo Stag newspaper in November

Shilo, Manitoba — I have been on several gun exercises throughout my career, but this was the first time I was going to see the “big guns” in action.

I was part of Exercise FROZEN GUNNER held at CFB Shilo on March 17 and 18, 2017 where 38 Canadian Brigade Group Artillery Tactical Group (38 ATG) and 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1 RCHA) conducted collective training to co-ordinate live battery and regimental fires.

38 ATG used the C3 105mm Howitzer, while 1 RCHA fired the M777 155mm Howitzer.

Master Bombardier Zach McDermot-Fouts worked as a Reservist on the C3 Howitzer with 38 ATG before joining 1 RCHA, where he works with the M777.

“I guess when it comes down to it, it’s mostly about manpower and manoeuverability,” offered MBdr McDermot-Fouts. “The C3 is a lighter gun and can be manned and manoeuvered quickly by only three to four people if it really came down to it.”

He added, “Rounds alone for the M777 weigh 100 pounds [50 kilograms] apiece and you need at least seven people to be mobile.”

From the C3 gun line, 38 ATG Sergeant Michael Sweatman noted, “Because there are other units watching and depending on the speed and accuracy of our rounds, joint training such as this emulates the sense of urgency in a real-time situation and builds mutual respect for the job we all do as Gunners.”

My head spins when I think of the amount of work which has to be done at the Observation Posts (OP) and the Command Posts (CP).

The OP needs to provide accurate and detailed target information to the CP, where a flurry of activity and constant communication within that small “box” is translated into data the guns can use to get firing “on time and on target.” 

“This type of joint training allows for a more technical shoot – a more advanced shoot – as well as the opportunity to engage in different missions that we would not have the option to engage in with just the 105s,” said Lieutenant Joyelle Norris, the 38 ATG Forward Observation Officer on the exercise.

“We are very fortunate to be participating in this training with 1 RCHA,” said Major Paul Haughey, acting CO of 38 ATG.

“It has outstanding training value in that it enables Gunners to achieve a higher Battle Task Standard through joint training with an artillery regiment utilizing indirect live fire through both 105mm and 155mm Howitzers to support the manoeuver of the infantry and armoured units to achieve a mission set forth by the Commander.”

Gagetown Forest Management Team Reduces Fire Risks

Firefighters from 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in New Brunswick are assisted by a civilian helicopter during the annual spring grass burn in April 2016. The aim of the program is to diminish the likelihood of grass fires occurring later in the season when conditions are drier and the fire hazard is much higher. Photo: Doug Wilson, Operations Services Branch Gagetown. ©2018 DND/MDN Canada.

By Steven Fouchard, Army Public Affairs

Note: to view additional photos, click the photo under Image Gallery.

Oromocto, New Brunswick — Residents of Oromocto, New Brunswick were understandably alarmed when, in the fall of 2017, three separate fires burned over 1,200 hectares of the  Range and Training Area (RTA) at nearby 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown (5 CDSB).

Area residents were at the mercy of winds which, when not in their favour, carried enough smoke from the base to make one local believe her own home might be on fire.

In fact, the fire burning closest to town never got closer than three kilometres from the edge of the base, and the nearest home is further still from that point.

Jeffrey Smith and Jonathan Waye, respectively 5 CDSB’s Forestry Superintendent and Forest Operations Inspector, recalled the unusual factors that contributed to the 2017 fires.

“Last fall was a big product of the weather,” said Mr. Waye. “If we hadn’t had two days of 50 kilometre an hour winds, we wouldn’t have had the incidents we had. It wouldn’t have spread nearly as much.”

“It was an abnormally dry fall,” Mr. Smith added. “But still, the planning, the management, went well. Everything went textbook, really.”

Focusing on fire prevention year-round

That success, and the relative infrequency, of significant fires in the RTA are a testament to the very proactive way they and their team of 13 approach their work. They do not simply respond to fires but rather work year-round on prevention measures driven by a wildland fire management plan that is reviewed and updated annually.

The process includes controlled burns each spring to reduce material that could fuel future fires on the training area, most of which is scrub land along with a mix of grassland and forested areas.

“We’re doing hazard reduction burning in the spring – controlled under robust weather parameters and other constraints that we have – in order to mitigate risk of the military starting a fire that has potential to leave the base or become out of control,” said Mr. Smith.

Spring burns managed with all available resources

The process of hazard reduction burning is run in essentially the same way as an actual fire incident, he added, and similarly involves many other elements both on the base and off. 5 CDSB’s Joint Meteorological Centre provides vital weather observations. Civilian contractors provide observations from the air in helicopters when required. Range Control provides range safety support, and Operations Services provides logistical support.

Careful attention paid during live-fire training

A team of personnel qualified on specialized heavy equipment can also deal with instances of fires in the RTA.

This all helps determine what parts of the training area need to be the focus in a given spring, in addition to the Static Range Impact Area, which is where artillery shells and other munitions are fired and which may not have exploded as expected, making it a perennial priority for cleanup.

“There are also other areas that are targeted for the spring burn because of the frequency of fire starts from military training,” said Mr. Smith.

Base mixed-use events include recreation

The RTA encompasses some 110,000 hectares in total – making it the largest military facility in Eastern Canada – but only about a third of it actually takes live fire in training exercises. The rest remains suitable for a wide range of recreational uses, such as hunting and fishing, which base officials facilitate.

“There's a trapping club on the base,” Mr. Smith added, “an ATV club, and every summer there's a rocket club that uses the RTA.”

Fire prevention has come a long way

Personnel at 5 CDSB are mindful of the impact operations can have on local residents and remain prepared to communicate about those when necessary. They also maintain a close relationship with provincial government partners to keep them apprised in the event of fire.

Mr. Smith, a native of the Oromocto area, was a junior high school student in the spring of 1986 when a fire spread off base from the RTA and destroyed a home and a substantial amount of public property. He said fire prevention on the base has come a long way since.

“It burned to the St. John River in a day,” he recalled, “and there were evacuations. There have been a lot of advances in our programs – a lot of steps forward from there. There were some other big fires in ’93 and ’94, which we eclipsed or matched last year. Those types of things help to remind people that fire management is important.”

Infantry Captain’s Roots Run Through His Regiment And Back To India

Captain Sarbjit Singh (Rene) Juneja, CD, Infantry Officer, is presented with the Special Service Medal (with NATO bar) by the Colonel of the Regiment, Major General (Retired) J.I. Fenton for deployment on Operation UNIFIER on February 26 in Starychi, Ukraine. Photo: Corporal Neil Clarkson, Joint Task Force - Ukraine. ©2018 DND/MDN Canada.

By Sub-Lieutenant Andrew J. McLaughlin, 31 Canadian Brigade Group Public Affairs

Hamilton, Ontario — Captain Sarbjit Singh (Rene) Juneja’s South Asian heritage means a lot to him. It has also provided him with context and a sense of pride in his role with the Canadian Army Reserve (ARes).

“My father emigrated from India in 1978 and my mother emigrated from Guyana in 1974,” said Capt Juneja, who has served with The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) in Hamilton for over two decades.

“Being part of a strong and storied regiment for the past 21 years is something I hold with high regard, and I strive to maintain that honour by being the best officer I can be,” he said.

An ambassador of his heritage to interested colleagues

His South Asian roots are an important – and related – part of his identity as a soldier in the ARes. “I grew up learning about the history, the challenges and the great accomplishments of people of Indian descent, which in many ways were similar to those of my Regiment, all of which I am proud.”

Capt Juneja sees a clear link between the roots of his cultural identity and what makes the Canadian Army so strong through its diversity.

 “Having an understanding and appreciation of my heritage has allowed me to share this with my colleagues in the Army. More often than I realized, people are interested in learning about other cultures and religions,” he said. “That has allowed me to build better relationships and often it has allowed me to clear up misconceptions people have.”

Help with tuition led to 21 years of service and counting

Capt Juneja spoke nostalgically about his reasons for joining the ARes.

“As a kid I always thought it would be cool to be a soldier,” the Hamilton resident said. “However, I never gave it much thought until I was exploring options to help pay for post-secondary education.”

The Army helped him pay for an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, and provided employment while earning a Master of Business Administration from McMaster University, in addition to a Certified Professional Accountant designation.

“The Army assisted with a bursary in my first year of university,” he recalled. “However, the main benefit from being a Reservist is learning how to effectively manage your time and maintain balance, which is key to being successful both in your civilian and army life.”

Civilian job in finance in contrast to Infantry Officer duties

Married and the father of three children, Capt Juneja works for St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton as a Senior Financial Analyst. His family and his civilian employer recently supported some personal and professional development overseas.

“I just returned from Operation UNIFIER a few weeks ago,” he said with pride in the Canadian Armed Forces’ mission to help Ukraine remain sovereign, secure and stable. He developed infantry training for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, returning March 19, 2018 following a six months’ deployment.

“During my time there, the Ukrainian officers and soldiers alike were very complimentary of our soldiers and the training they received from us,” he said. “I believe it was our approach and professionalism; building the trust that is key to being able to build a relationship with the Ukrainian soldiers and therefore being able to make a positive impact.”

The cultural diversity Capt Juneja had experienced in Canada helped in this regard. “There were many challenges: cultural and language barriers, to name only a few; but knowing that we as Canadians were moving the Ukrainians further toward a more stable future – just like my parents sought by coming to Canada – made it all worth it.”

Proud to lead soldiers representing Canadian diversity at its best

Capt Juneja doesn’t see himself pulling up the roots of his Army career any time soon. “I enjoy everything about being an infantry officer, a Reservist, and an Argyll – from the challenges of training exercises, to the opportunities to serve your country domestically and abroad, to the comradery and just being around so many different personalities.”

The ARes is a place where all backgrounds – race, religion, ethnicity and any other identifier – are accepted and embraced, said Capt Juneja.

“Being in the Army Reserve has allowed me to realize a side of me that perhaps I am not sure I would have been able to if I had not joined,” he said. “It has allowed me to challenge myself to go further both physically and mentally. It has given me the chance to be a leader within a group of Canadians that represent every facet of society.”

Capt Juneja has made lasting friendships across the vast spectrum of Canadian diversity. “The friendships I have formed with serving members and former members of The Argylls has definitely made a lasting impact on my life. We are a close-knit group and we take care of each other.”

All in the family – two brothers also joined The Argylls

Capt Juneja’s family has now grown deep roots within The Argylls, in addition to that strong South Asian heritage.

“Both of my younger brothers were with The Argylls. My brother Hari and I joined at the same time and he served for 13 years and was a Master Corporal. My youngest brother, Shaan, joined later as he is many years younger than I am.”

Officer Commanding position today, eye on horizon tomorrow

In May, he is taking over as Officer Commanding The Argylls’ rifle company.

When asked where he hopes to be in ten years, Capt Juneja reaffirms his connection to his Regiment, and the culture he is proud of.

“In ten years, I hope to still be serving with my Regiment; and hopefully one day I will be considered to serve as Commanding Officer of The Argylls. That would be the greatest of honours; for myself – and for my family.”

Employers Take Part In Army Exercise Alongside Their Reservist Employees

Sergeant Taylor Warren of The Fort Garry Horse, a Canadian Army Reserve armoured regiment based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, gives orders to his troop during Exercise ARMOURED BISON 2018 on April 28, 2018. Photo: Corporal Natasha Tersigni, 38 Canadian Brigade Group Public Affairs. ©2018 DND/MDN Canada.

By Natasha Tersigni, 38 Canadian Brigade Group Public Affairs

Winnipeg, Manitoba — When Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Superintendent Julie Baines came upon Sergeant Taylor Warren in his G-Wagon during Exercise ARMOURED BISON (Ex AB), she wasn’t quite sure she recognized him.

Although Sgt Warren, a member of the Fort Garry Horse armoured reconnaissance unit in Winnipeg, has worked for Ms. Baines for the last six years as a CBSA Border Officer at the Canadian-United States border crossing in Sprague, Manitoba, this was the first time she had seen him in full military fighting gear, complete with camouflage paint on his face.

As she walked closer to where Sgt Warren was giving orders to his troops, talking calmly and giving detailed instructions on their next task, Ms. Baines saw a new and impressive side of  her employee, that of the citizen soldier. A citizen or part-time soldier is member of the Canadian Army Reserve who trains for military duty to be ready to defend Canada in times of emergency, either at home or overseas, in support of the Army’s Regular Force.

Ms. Baines joined 12 other employers from Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Colombia for the Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC) ExecuTrek held on April 28 at Canadian Forces Detachment Dundurn during Ex AB.

The objective of CFLC’s ExecuTrek program is to give civilian employers, supervisors and human resources professionals a first-hand look of the quality of military training and the benefits that employers can gain from employing Reservists.

The exercise brought together 180 soldiers from across 3rd Canadian Division, a majority of whom are Army Reservists, to support armoured reconnaissance units training for tactical battle scenarios.

While Ms. Baines knew that Sgt Warren was an Army Reservist who would require time off in order to attend military courses and training, she didn’t fully understand what that entailed until that day.

“This has been a real eye opener to help me understand what the Army Reserve is all about. It has given me a greater appreciation for what Taylor chooses to do in his spare time, which is pretty impressive,” said Ms. Baines, who added she enjoyed experiencing firsthand what Sgt Warren was actually doing when he was taking ‘vacation days’ for Army activities.

For the ExecuTrek participants, which included representatives from Manitoba Hydro, Saskatchewan Government Insurance and Saskatchewan Medical Association, the day started with getting fitted for their field equipment and then they were loaded into a Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) and taken to the training area.

Once there, after a quick welcome briefing by the exercise’s Officer in Command, Major Gillian Dulle, the group toured the camp’s headquarters and then walked down to the staging area where armoured units were preparing for their upcoming exercise scenarios.

After meeting the soldiers and getting a brief description of the equipment, including the brand new Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPVs), the ExecuTrek participants marvelled at a demonstration of a Miniature Unmanned Aircraft System (MUAS) used for surveillance and saw the mounted .50 calibre machine gun fire.

For lunch, the group was treated to military rations and then observed two TAPVs on a reconnaissance mission. After that, they were introduced to 3rd Canadian Division Deputy Commander Brigadier-General Nic Stanton. The group finished off the day by observing G-Wagons firing on the range.

As for Ms. Baines, she left the exercise with a better understanding of what Sgt Warren does when he is out with his unit.

“I never really understood what it is he does with the Army and this was a great opportunity to learn. It was really interesting to see what he does and the equipment he uses,” said Ms. Baines.

Sgt Warren appreciated having his supervisor out with the military and glad he invited her to the ExecuTrek.

“Julie is currently the administrative superintendent and she handles a lot of the scheduling. She has done a lot of work ensuring I am capable of getting the time off that I need,” said Sgt Warren, who added his most recent leave from CBSA was to attend his troop leader course in 2017.

“Getting six weeks of vacation banked is hard and getting it all approved at the same time is even harder. Julie has done a lot to ensure that I can go on courses. The military is obscure and foreign to civilian employers so this allows my supervisor to have a better idea of why I need the time off when I need it.”

Canada, U.S. Mark 60 Years Of Joint NORAD Command

Royal Canadian Air Force Lieutenant-General Pierre St-Amand (left), NORAD Deputy Commander, and U.S. Air Force General Lori Robinson, NORAD Commander and Commander of U.S. Northern Command, and salute during the playing of the Last Post and a missing-man formation flyover carried out by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds on Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, on May 11, 2018. The ceremony was part of the placement and dedication of a cairn to honor the Canadian service men and women who have died while serving with NORAD. The placement of the cairn was conducted in conjunction with the celebration of NORAD’s 60th anniversary. PHOTO: U.S. DoD, Technical Sergeant Joe Laws

From U.S. Northern Command

A demonstration team of Canadian Armed Forces CT-114 Tutors—known internationally as the Snowbirds—performed stunning aerobatic manoeuvres to cap a series of tributes to those who keep the peace as Canada and the United States celebrated a 60-year military partnership defending North America.

The 60th anniversary of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) at the command’s headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was marked on May 11 and 12, 2018, by tributes from the two nations’ highest military and civilian leaders. The celebration included displays of precision aviation, and a glimpse into NORAD’s Cold War beginnings behind the 23.4-tonne blast doors of the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station.

“One of the reasons our arrangement here in Colorado Springs works,” said Canadian Armed Forces Chief of the Defence Staff General Jonathan Vance, “is the genuine and profound connection between our two countries, and the people of them.”

The command has evolved from its Cold War infancy to face new threats that include intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and terrorism, General Vance said during a ceremony at Peterson Air Force Base. “Yes, we share a continent. Yes, we share values, and those we must defend. But there is a deeper bond as has been mentioned before between Canada and the United States, and it’s one that makes us more than friends. We’re family.”

The anniversary events heralded a unique binational command that was officially formed on May 12, 1958. NORAD is charged with aerospace warning and aerospace control over North America. It detects and warns against attacks by aircraft, missiles or space vehicles, and has carried out a maritime warning mission since 2006.

Snowbirds from the Canadian Forces 431 Air Demonstration Squadron conducted a fly-past in the missing-man formation in CT-114 Tutor jets and a CF-18 Hornet following a ceremony May 11 to honor Canadians who died while serving NORAD. The Snowbirds performed again the following day, along with a fly-past displaying U.S. and Canadian airpower that included F-22 Raptor, CF-188 Hornet, F-15C Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

With no task more sacred than defending each other’s homelands, military and civilian leaders emphasized the critical nature of the command’s continued success at a black-tie ball in the Broadmoor hotel. “A lot of things change in 60 years,” said General Lori J. Robinson, commander of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command. “From the constant fear of nuclear war to the ICBM to the attacks of 9/11, NORAD has stood through all of these tests, adapted to the challenges and maintained its capability.”

“This unique binational military command is an enduring symbol of the important partnership between Canada and the United States – one that is essential to us both,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement.

Before the ceremonies kicked off, members of the media were given a rare peek into NORAD’s beginnings at Cheyenne Mountain, a site made famous by movies including “WarGames” and “Independence Day”. Today, 15 buildings still sit atop giant springs designed to help the command center withstand a nuclear blast. The center now serves as an alternate command site for NORAD, which is located at nearby Peterson Air Force Base, and continues to host other military units.

“The valued partnership we share will help our militaries to counter emerging threats and pass on a legacy of peace and prosperity to future generations,” U.S. President Donald J. Trump added in a statement.

From the black-tie ball to the spectacular aerial displays, every event underscored a partnership based on trust.

Understanding Identities: A Talk With Brigadier-General Jocelyn Paul

Warrant Officer Moogly Tetrault-Hamel, Indigenous Advisor to the Chaplain General stands with Brigadier-General Jocelyn Paul at the National Indigenous Veterans Monument in Ottawa, Ontario on Remembrance Day, November 11, 2017. Photo: ©2017 DND/MDN Canada.

By Major Nicole Meszaros, Army Public Affairs

Ottawa, Ontario — Being an Indigenous member of the Canadian Army has brought many advantages to one of Canada’s most senior officers.

Brigadier-General Jocelyn Paul, who is the most senior First Nations member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), is currently serving in Ottawa at Canadian Forces Intelligence Command as the Chief of Staff. This decorated Veteran attributes much of his success as a leader to his Indigenous upbringing as a member of Huron-Wendat First Nation in Quebec.

Indeed a success, it was announced in March 2018 that he will be appointed Commander 4th Canadian Division (Ontario) as of June 22.

“Proud of my heritage, attracted by the traditional way of life, and growing up on a reserve allowed me to spend a lot of time in the bush,” said BGen Paul.   He explained that this enabled him to be comfortable during infantry training with Royal 22e Régiment, where he and his fellow infanteers spent many days and nights living and surviving in Canada’s great outdoors.

Knowing how to survive out-of-doors was not the only skill he acquired that would lead to his enduring success in the military.

“Living in the community of Wendake as a youth meant I spent lot of time speaking with our Elders, learning about our identity and the way other cultures view their respective identities. I learned that there are multiple layers of identity for all people, but in our community, the Aboriginal identity was always first,” said BGen Paul.

“We all have multiple layers of identity. Being Canadians is our common denominator. Many of us see ourselves as Canadians, others may feel like they have a dual identity such as Canadians of Scottish descent. The important point is that human beings have multiple layers that are deeply rooted in our personality and education. It is an extremely personal thing,” said BGen Paul.

“We need to understand the layers of all people with whom we become involved. Moreover, to know where we are going, we must look to the past. To know who we are, we must understand the layers of our identity.”

His wife and family members have a variety of backgrounds from Quebec. His mother was French-Canadian and under the old Indian Act, she became a status Indian by marrying his father. The Paul family of Wendake are members of the Huron-Wendat First Nation, but their ancestor was a Maliseet Tribal member. Finally, BGen Paul’s spouse is an Innu (Montagnais) from the Betsiamites First Nation.

BGen Paul explained that, with this mixed upbringing and diversity in his own family, he was “armed to be a chameleon,” which gave him significant advantages as an officer.

This awareness helped him when he deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 in the role of 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment Battle Group Commander. 

“In conflict, there are always issues rooted in finance and politics but there are always cultural layers at play, deep-rooted layers that have to be considered,” said BGen Paul.

Before deploying to Kandahar, he spoke to his soldiers about the Afghan cultural fabric, the Pashtun identity and the political intricacies so that they were savvy about the Pashtun culture, enabling them to be aware of “what we were going into.” Pashtun people represent the largest ethnic group of the people of Afghanistan.

Wisely, he told them not to see things only in terms of black and white, that they would make mistakes if they did so. The vast majority of the Pashtuns living in Kandahar wanted peace and education for their children, very much the same thing that Canadians want for their own families. So when there was a demonstrated need to apply force, his soldiers were sensitized to apply it in a graduated manner.

He stressed, “If we didn’t understand the complexity of Afghanistan and Kandahar, the numerous factors at play, including identity, force would be misapplied, so it all came down to education.”

“My fixation on this understanding of identity all goes back to my youth. I was always intrigued by our heritage, our community, and understanding culture,” he said. “Some Elders still have this knowledge but we need to get youth speaking to them. In this regard, the Canadian Armed Forces can do a lot.”

Many Indigenous youth live in cities and only visit Indigenous communities. “Even if you live in a native community, you can get disconnected from your own heritage if you do not have the opportunity to learn about your roots,” he noted.

CAF Indigenous summer programs like Bold Eagle, BGen Paul explained, connect youth to their roots with the added benefit of giving them a military skill set at the same time.

For Indigenous people, there is a military layer to their identity that may have been forgotten, noted BGen Paul.

“Indian Agents in Lower Canada wrote fascinating reports detailing such things as how many fighting-age males could be called upon to fight when need be. Aboriginals were essential to the defence of Canada during such historic events as the War of 1812,” said BGen Paul. “We defended the colonies, we were like a standing militia.”

By applying his deep understanding of people and their cultures to his military career, BGen Paul has found it has helped him become a successful officer and commander. He believes his knowledge and experience about having layers of identity is a large part of what has made his military career so successful.

First-Generation Canadian Proud To Represent The Red And White

As a first-generation Canadian citizen, Sergeant John Ta, pictured left, knows that he enjoys freedom and privileges that not everyone around the world does. In the 1970s, Sgt Ta’s mother and sister escaped communist Vietnam with hundreds and thousands of refugees in search of a better life. Photo: provided by Sergeant John Ta.

By Natasha Tersigni, 38 Canadian Brigade Group Public Affairs

Thunder Bay, Ontario — For Thunder Bay Army Reservist Sergeant John Ta, wearing the maple leaf on his left arm is a reminder of the freedom and privileges that he enjoys daily in Canada.

Being a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and a signal troop sergeant with the 38 Signal Regiment in Thunder Bay would not have happened without the harrowing journey of his mother, Suot Tran, who was able to escape the communist regime of Vietnam.

In the late 1970’s, Ms. Tran was among the hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese that fled the harsh living conditions and deteriorating human-rights situation that personified the country following the Vietnam War and the Fall of Saigon. In order to break free of this life, many Vietnamese refugees took to the high seas in makeshift boats.

“My mother and sister were part of the Vietnamese refugees that the media referred to as ‘boat people’. They escaped the country in these rafts,” explained Sgt Ta.

The boat people were able to make their way to countries in Southeast Asia, including British Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. From refugee camps in these countries, most of the Vietnamese nationals were resettled in other countries, with the majority immigrating to the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Ms. Tran and her daughter were welcomed by Canada and settled in Thunder Bay, Ontario where Sgt Ta was born and raised.

In high school, Sgt Ta decided he wanted to join the local Army Reserve unit after seeing the high school co-op program. Despite her own experiences with the military regime in Vietnam, Ms. Tran was encouraging of this endeavor.

“She was very supportive of me joining,” said Sgt Ta.

“I wanted to try something different. I was more of a technically savvy person and those are the sort of subjects and areas where I spent most of my time throughout high school. I found a good fit with the signals trade.”

Over his nine-year career Sgt Ta, who is currently in his last semester of computer science at Lakehead University, has taken part in countless courses, taskings and exercises.

One tasking that stands out most for him was in 2011 when he was deployed for two months on Operation LUSTRE – the Canadian Forces flood-mitigation operation in support of the Province of Manitoba.

Helping Canadians and giving back to his country is what Sgt Ta enjoys most about the opportunity to be an Army Reservist.

“I am really happy to be in Canada and a Canadian citizen. I am really proud to serve in the military supporting Canadian ethics and values.”

Regimental Sergeant-Major Enjoys Rare Mother’s Day At ‘Home’ With 40,000 Strangers

Chief Warrant Officer Tracy-Ann Fisher is honoured at Blue Jays Stadium for Mother's Day. Photo Credit: Blue Jays Facebook Page.

By Sub-Lieutenant Andrew J. McLaughlin, 31 Canadian Brigade Group Public Affairs

Hamilton, Ontario — Her steadfast commitment to the Army Reserve has often complicated traditional family events, and this is one of the first Mother’s Days that Chief Warrant Officer Tracy-Ann Fisher has been able to enjoy with her family.

“For the past few Mother’s Days, I’ve been away on exercises,” she lamented.

After a long line of appointments and promotions, she became one of the first female Regimental Sergeants Major in the Canadian Army, promoted to her current rank of Chief Warrant Officer in 2016 and taking over the position of Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of 31 Signal Regiment, which has two Squadrons; one in Hamilton and one in London.

This year, however, CWO Fisher enjoyed a rare opportunity to spend Mother’s Day with her family – and over 40,000 Blue Jays fans. This holiday was clearly a little different than past ones spent in the field with her other family – those young Army Reserve soldiers. This time, the trailblazing RSM was able to savour the moment, although on a very different kind of field.

CWO Fisher’s husband is also a military spouse and parent. Warrant Officer Graeme Fisher of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s), helps raise their two children while maintaining military and civilian careers as well. Their daughter Heather is 14 years old and her son Sean is 11. They live in Caledonia, Ontario, and frequent local sports arenas.

On Mother’s Day 2018, they were all together, as CWO Fisher was honoured by the Toronto Blue Jays’ Sunday Salute. Her family was excited for the opportunity to show their mother’s dedication. After all, they have learned from their parents’ commitment.

“My children are very independent and very capable,” she explained. “They have seen leadership and independence from both of their parental roles. Our children see our dedication and commitment; and understand the importance of teamwork and what it means to make such commitments.”

CWO Fisher joined the Army Reserve in Toronto as a Communicator in 1991, while most of the soldiers she leads were not even born yet, and thoughts of motherhood were fleeting.

“I joined the Army Reserve at seventeen as a summer job. I thought it would be exciting. I had no prior experience but my Grandfather was a Dispatch Rider overseas in the Second World War, and many other relatives fought there as well.”

Even she couldn’t have imagined the way things have turned out. She’s risen from the lowest Non-Commissioned rank of Private to one of the very highest, and during over a quarter-decade of service, she has earned a university education, become a mother, and served as an exceptional leader to countless young soldiers.

Even though CWO Fisher repeatedly broke barriers in her military career, she couldn’t have done it alone, she says. Being a mother and a military leader hasn’t always been easy. “I appreciate my children for their patience and understanding of the time I spend away from them. They understand my commitment and the love for the job that I do.”

She thinks this strong commitment has helped them, as well. “I believe my military experience has made them the kind, compassionate, resilient and understanding children that they are and I can only hope that they grow up to utilize those strengths for themselves.”

Strength clearly runs in the family. Fisher served in the Royal Canadian Artillery Corps, before returning to the Signals Regiment in Toronto, where her leadership qualities earned her a positions not held by many women in those days.

She served as Detachment Commander, Troop Sergeant, Troop Warrant Officer and eventually the Squadron Sergeant Major. She was deployed on Operation RECUPERATION after severe and historic ice storms gripped Eastern Ontario in 1998, served on Operation ABACUS in preparation for “Y2K,” and instructed young troops on a pioneering signals project at the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics (CFSCE) in Kingston.

She has received many awards and commendations and served countless weekends and long stretches on exercises across Canada. For instance, she has travelled north on NOREX in the Arctic, and served on Operation LENTUS in May 2017 -- again supporting Canadians domestically, this time during flood relief efforts.

She earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, in addition to a Certificate of Adult Education from Mohawk College of Applied Arts in Hamilton. She works for the City of Hamilton as a Training and Development Coordinator for the Healthy and Safe Communities Department.

New Commander For RCAF

Command of the RCAF changed hands on May 4, 2018, in Ottawa. From left are incoming commander, Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, the chief of the defence staff, General Jonathan Vance, who presided over the ceremony, and the outgoing commander, Lieutenant-General Mike Hood. PHOTO: Corporal Alana Morin, FA03-2018-0040-002

By RCAF

Command of the Royal Canadian Air Force changed hands at a ceremony held May 4, 2018, in Ottawa.

The new commander of the RCAF, Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, assumed command from Lieutenant-General Mike Hood at a ceremony held at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa and presided over by General Jonathan Vance, chief of the defence staff.

“I am deeply honoured to accept command of the Royal Canadian Air Force from Lieutenant-General Hood, who has led the RCAF and served his country with passion, commitment and vision,” said Lieutenant-General Meinzinger. “I am privileged and proud to lead the members of this distinguished national institution. I assume this command with the knowledge, however, that we have much work left to do and that, as we move forward, ‘People, Policy, Program and Posture’ will be our anchor points.”

Lieutenant-General Meinzinger enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1985. In 2006, he assumed command of 403 Helicopter Operational Training Squadron. In 2011, he deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, to command Canada's Joint Task Force-Afghanistan Air Wing, overseeing the final phase of Air Wing support to combat operations. In July 2013, he took command of Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario. Upon promotion to major-general in May 2015, he was appointed deputy commander of the RCAF. In March 2017, he was appointed as director of staff, Strategic Joint Staff. He was promoted to his current rank on April 20, 2018.

“I want to thank Lieutenant-General Hood for his outstanding leadership throughout a truly distinguished career,” remarked General Vance. “Earning command takes years of hard work and dedication, and that same work ethic has been apparent during his tenure. Lieutenant-General Hood’s efforts have positioned the Royal Canadian Air Force to meet the operational challenges we will face for years to come. As he passes command to Lieutenant-General Meinzinger, I am confident that same level of excellence will continue. I am equally confident that Lieutenant-General Meinzinger will command the RCAF with skill and dedication in the years to come.”

The RCAF provides the Canadian Armed Forces with relevant, responsive and effective air power capabilities to meet the defence challenges of today and into the future. The Commander of the RCAF ensures that trained personnel, along with the necessary equipment and support, are available and ready to carry out air operations in Canada, in North America and around the world when called upon by the Government of Canada. The RCAF provides support to organizations such as the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, Canadian Joint Operations Command, NORAD, NATO and the United Nations.

The RCAF comprises 13 wings as well as other entities, located across Canada. The wings conduct Air Force operations and training under the direction of the commanders of 1 and 2 Canadian Air Divisions (as well as the Canadian NORAD Region). In addition to 1 and 2 Canadian Air Divisions, the RCAF Aerospace Warfare Centre has recently been confirmed as the third pillar of the RCAF’s organization, driving change and enabling innovation and transformation.

The RCAF includes approximately 12,000 Regular Force personnel and 2,100 Air Reserve personnel (Primary Reserve and officers of the Cadet Instructor Cadre). Approximately 1,500 civilian public servants are employed within the RCAF organization.

Military Musician Embraces Her Soldier Skills During Operation NUNALIVUT

During her deployment on Operation NUNALIVUT 2018, Corporal Samantha Rohringer enjoyed waking up to spectacular sunrises, such as this one taken near Canadian Armed Forces Arctic Training Centre in Resolute, Nunavut. Photo: provided by Corporal Samantha Rohringer, Royal Winnipeg Rifles.

By Corporal Natasha Tersigni, 38 Canadian Brigade Group Public Affairs

Winnipeg, Manitoba – Regardless of the military trade they choose, everyone who joins the Canadian Army (CA) is a soldier first.

Trading her trombone for a snowmobile, Corporal Samantha Rohringer, a musician with the Regimental Band of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, learned this lesson firsthand when she was deployed to the Arctic in March for Operation NUNALIVUT 2018.

When Cpl Rohringer joined the Winnipeg Army Reserve band in March 2012, she found the challenge, adventure and employment that she was looking for as a university music student.

After completing her basic training in Winnipeg and musician qualifications at Canadian Forces Base Borden, CplRohringer participated in different opportunities that her unit was able to offer her, including performing with the Band of the Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa, participating in the 2016 Fortissimo performance on Parliament Hill, travelling to London, England to perform with the Honourable Artillery Company Band, and starting the 2295 Royal Winnipeg Rifles Cadet Corps Band.

With a solid foundation in her musician trade, Cpl Rohringer started exploring initiatives and activities with which she could get involved in other aspects of the Reserve, including working as a clerk in her unit’s orderly room, participating in infantry exercises and preparing for the Primary Leadership Qualification course.

“Universality of service as a soldier means I must be willing to serve however I am ordered to serve. I joined the military as a musician but consider myself a soldier first,” explained Cpl Rohringer. “It is common to never be tasked with anything more than our primary duties as reservists, which is what makes it such an attractive part-time job for many members. However, I have been ready and thinking about a wider scope of experiences since day one.”

Additional opportunities arose for Cpl Rohringer in the fall of 2017 when she went on the Winter Warfare Basic course and was asked if she would like to take part in work-up training for Operation NUNALIVUT 2018. This annual sovereignty operation has been conducted in Canada’s North since 2007 and provides the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) the opportunity to assert Canada’s sovereignty over its northernmost regions. It also demonstrates the CAF’s ability to operate in the harsh winter environment in remote areas of the High Arctic and enhances its ability to respond to any situation in the Canadian North.

After several exercises and courses that she took in preparation, Cpl Rohringer was deployed with 350 CAFmembers to Resolute Bay and Intrepid Bay in March 2018 for Op NUNALIVUT.

While deployed as a member of 38 Canadian Brigade’s (38 CBG) Arctic Response Company Group (ARCG), Cpl Rohringer worked alongside fellow ARCGsoldiers and members of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI). For the two-week deployment in the Arctic, Cpl Rohringer and the rest of 3 Platoon took part in patrols and a familiarity shoot with the Lee Enfield rifle and the Remington 870 shotgun. They also built a basic airstrip, learned winter survival lessons from the Canadian Rangers and went on an ice-fishing excursion.

“Op NUNALIVUT was surreal. The environment north of 60 isn't something I could have ever imagined without experiencing it,” said Cpl Rohringer, who added this was the first operation she has participated in.

“I learned a lot about staying warm, building snow shelters, Inuk lifestyles, and working with snowmobiles and other technology in Arctic conditions. I enjoyed working with the Rangers, building a team with my section and driving snow machines in the new terrain that Cornwallis Island had to offer most of all.”

As for a musician working in a combat arms role, Cpl Rohringer explained that with the right training, she was able to fit into the platoon and work alongside fellow soldiers in support of a successful operation.

“I have been in the CAF for six years, and though most of my training has not been field-related like other trades, I have had sufficient experiences to prepare myself,” said Cpl Rohringer.

“Many of my coworkers from other units in 38 CBG that made up the ARCG had no idea that I was a musician, and nearly all of the 2PPCLI members assumed I was infantry until they were informed of my trade. Any soldier can be either proficient or lacking in their position; their experience and knowledge matter more than their assigned unit or trade.”

Reservists Wanted To ‘Fill In The Gaps’ At Gagetown

Canadian Army soldiers participate in Exercise COMMON GROUND II 2016 at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown on November 16, 2016. Units based at Gagetown are always prepared to move on short notice and that high tempo means the support of Army Reservists is invaluable. Photo: Corporal Peter Ford, Tactics School, 5th Canadian Division Support Group Gagetown ©2018 DND/MDN Canada.

By Steven Fouchard, Army Public Affairs

Oromocto, New Brunswick — Canadian Army (CA) Reserve Force members may only serve part-time, but officers from one of the Army’s busiest centres say their help is both very much needed and highly valued.

5th Canadian Division Support Base (5 CDSB) Gagetown, located in Oromocto, New Brunswick, is home to both 4 Engineer Support Regiment (4 ESR) and 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support), RCA (4 Regt (GS)).

While other CA units enter a state of high readiness every three years, following two years of individual and collective training to prepare, these two are tasked with roles that are unique in the CA as a whole. As a result, there is high demand on members to support exercises and operations across the country and around the globe, so they must stay constantly at the ready.

They and other CA ‘enabler’ units – which perform in-demand supportive functions such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance – were recently consolidated at 5th Canadian Division, where they will all report to the newly-formed Canadian Combat Support Brigade (CCSB).

Captain Joseph Bennett, 4 ESR’s Operations Officer, says this requirement for a constant state of readiness presents considerable challenges that Reservists help overcome.

“We provide the bulk of the leadership, the planning, and the soldiers to react to any type of event in Atlantic Canada,” he explained. “We frequently have people who are supporting tasks or going on courses all across the country, so when we’re ordered to deploy, it can be a challenge to ensure we have the resources we need. This is where Reservists can come into play - to fill those gaps.”

In 2017 alone, Capt Bennett added, 4 ESR assisted provincial officials after ice storms struck northeast New Brunswick, were on standby to respond to any serious incidents in the region on Canada Day, and stood ready to respond to flooding in Quebec.

“There were engineers supporting that from Quebec,” he said. “However it seemed the scope might grow so we had a troop of Reservists come to be with us. We never ended up deploying to Quebec but we had about 25 to 30 Reservists here for about a week doing our training, helping us get our kit ready, and being ready to react and provide more assistance if it was needed.”

Captain Leah Sullivan is Operations Officer for 5 CDSB’s Technical Services Branch, which is charged with providing logistical support to the base’s units and training schools. Supporting high readiness units means Tech Services feel many of the same pressures.

Also, those demands have grown further still in the last year as 5 CDSB has taken on the additional responsibility of supplying both Regular and Reserve Force activities right across Atlantic Canada and not just on the base itself.

“The job is getting bigger but we aren’t getting more positions in order to deal with it,” said Capt Sullivan. “Right now we’re analyzing how much can we do with what we’ve got and what we need to do in order to meet the demand.”

From the Tech Services perspective, she added, Reservists provide valuable, direct support on the base during the summer.

“The summertime period is really the heaviest period for training through the schools and so we usually ask for Reserve augmentation during that time to fill in some gaps.”

Beyond that, Capt Sullivan said she anticipates the Army’s ongoing Strengthening the Army Reserve (StAR) effort, which is expanding the number of mission tasks available to Reservists, will have a positive effect.

This includes training in long-distance trucking. Though the impact of this will be less direct, Capt Sullivan noted, it will help ease the burden.

“Any time someone needs tractor trailer support right now, they either need to contract it or come to us,” she explained. “Whereas if they have that capability for themselves, that alleviates tasks that we would otherwise action. That’s the Reserve Force helping themselves.”

Strong, Secure, Engaged, Canada’s Defence Policy includes measures to ensure the Reserve Forces are able to deliver full-time capabilities through part-time service. Those measures include adding 1,500 new personnel and more closely integrating the Regular and Reserve Forces by expanding the mission tasks carried out by Reservists.

Canadian Rangers Use Ihuma To Help Train Arctic Operations Advisors

Members of 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, deployed with the Arctic Response Company Group, prepare their qamutiiks before departing for a patrol in Resolute, Nunavut during Operation NUNALIVUT on March 8, 2018. Photo: Petty Officer Second Class Belinda Groves, Task Force Imagery Technician. ©2018 DND/MDN Canada.

By Lynn Capuano, Army Public Affairs

Resolute Bay, Nunavut — Military operations and exercises in any environment have an inherent element of danger, but when the most northern areas of Canada are the staging grounds, the risks are compounded by polar weather and a vast and bleak terrain.

Fortunately for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Canadian Rangers are part of the team that trains Arctic Operations Advisors in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and Resolute Bay, Nunavut each season. The 2018 course concluded in late March.

The Canadian Rangers belong to the Army Reserve (ARes), and they live and work in remote and Northern regions of the country. They provide lightly-equipped, self-sufficient mobile forces to support national security and public safety operations within Canada.

As emphasized in the Strengthening the Army Reserve (StAR) directive, the Arctic Operations Advisor (AOA) course trains Reserve and Regular force members together as much as possible to ensure they can be combined into one team when the need arises. The graduates who are ARes members will serve in their Divisions’ Arctic Response Company Groups, which are ARes-only organizations, while the Regular Force members will use their knowledge within their units.

True partners with the CAF in the North, the Canadian Rangers carry out over 110 exercises and operations a year, including local sovereignty and training patrols, support to Canadian Armed Forces operations and exercises, and support to federal and territorial partners or other stakeholders.

Captain Wayne LeBlanc works closely with the Canadian Rangers to deliver a broad range of Northern knowledge and skills. He has been the course commander of the AOA course for the past three and a half years.

“We have one Ranger supporting in the Low Arctic Phase but we employ the bulk of the Rangers’ knowledge in the High Arctic,” noted Capt LeBlanc.

The 45-day AOA course, which sees candidates split their time between Yellowknife and Resolute Bay, provides Canadian Army personnel with the tools they need to advise their commanders on how to more safely conduct military operations and exercises in Canada’s North, an environment that can be deadly if not understood and treated with respect.

“I think this year's candidates in particular have been one of the best crops we've had.

They have been very enthusiastic,” said Capt LeBlanc. “One of the things we preach from day one is that you have to be enthusiastic about this. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's a part of the world that very few people ever get to see.”

Originally from Nova Scotia, Capt LeBlanc has been a Regular Force Army member for 10 years. Now posted to the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre, which is part of the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre in Trenton, Ontario, he alternates between Resolute Bay in the winter and Trenton during the warmer months, when he runs the Mountain Operations Platoon. “I spend my summers teaching mountain knowledge,” he said.

As for Arctic knowledge, he discussed some of the biggest challenges for those new to the North, solutions that he learned, in part, from the Rangers.

“Well, the obvious one is the cold. Not very many people get to experience that type of cold. It can go down to minus 75 degrees. I often find that it's the first thing that takes the candidates back a step,” he said. “It is the overarching challenge, just being able to function in the extreme cold. You have to learn to exist in it.”

Bundling up is not always the answer to keeping toasty, according to Capt LeBlanc.

“We teach them how to dress for the cold, depending on what they will be doing. Avoiding sweating is one of the key things that we teach.”

“So if you are going to be working, for example, cutting snow blocks to build an igloo, you will take off layers – we call it kitting down – because you don't want that sweat building up in your parka because it will get wet and then it will freeze and you will be that much colder.”

“So you leave your parka open on your snow machine so that moisture can evaporate and freeze,” he said. “And then you just bash it off your parka before you put it back on.”

If Rangers think the weather is bad, heed their Ihuma

“As for the High Arctic Rangers, I can't really sing their praises enough,” he said. “They bring a lot of cultural wisdom and good decision-making processes that we're looking for.”

Ihuma is an Inuktitut word that has many meanings, but the most basic definition is reason, wisdom and knowledge, according to training materials used for the AOA course.

A person with Ihuma is considered to have adult competence, and has what is needed not only for personal survival, but to have the ability to lead others in the harsh North. Known as isuma in some dialects, the concepts are important to Inuit across the Canadian Arctic.

Someone who has ihuma is calm, cheerful and patient, particularly in the face of difficulty and frustration, has a realistic and flexible approach to the environment and a strong respect for others’ independence.

Capt Leblanc described how, during the final phase of the course, participants must take advantage of the Rangers’ knowledge.

“Participants plan their own final exercise on this course, which involves a sovereignty patrol. They are assigned a community and then they’re given Rangers from that community to help them plan what they're going to do during their sovereignty patrol in that community.”

“A lot of that preparation is learning traditional Ranger skills: how to live on the land, how to fish and so on. Their advice is outstanding and their knowledge is such that we listen to them.”

“This year has been one of the worst for weather that I’ve seen on this course,” he said. “There were a lot of high winds and white-outs in Resolute Bay.”

Flexibility is a Ranger lesson to be taken to heart. “As much as humanly possible, when a Ranger looks out the window and says, ‘oh I wouldn't go out today,’ then we don't go out that day.”

Heeding the Rangers’ advice hard for goal-driven soldiers

He noted that this advice sometimes goes against the grain of the typical goal-oriented soldier. “We like our timelines and we like meeting our objectives.”

“So what we teach is that when we are acting as advisors, before we go to our commander and give advice, we should first go to the Rangers and ask them what they would do. You know the saying, ‘you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink?’ Well, it's like that, but I think we're getting better at it,” he said.

“After all, you can't tell candidates who are there to advise people to make good decisions and then make poor decisions just to get the course finished. And so we always have to err on the side of caution.”

“The weather has the final say.”

Course evolution addresses psychological aspects

The course evolves each time it is given. “We think the program's going in the right direction,” Capt LeBlanc said. “Lessons are being learned – and that is exactly why we are up here.”

For the past two years, a new aspect of the training, called the Sub-Arctic Survival phase, has been delivered.

Candidates spend three or four days out on the land without food or rifles. They may only use snares to catch small game and a ferro (short for ferrocerium) rod and metal striker to start fires. It emits a high-temperature spark when struck with a metal striker and is effective under cold, wet or windy conditions that would defeat matches or lighters.

“We have a priority of survival, and that is shelter, water, fire and food. Food is very low on the priority scale because of the ‘Rule of Threes,’ which is in the order of what’s going to kill you fastest,” he explained.

“So three minutes without air, 30 minutes exposed to the elements, depending on the conditions; three days without water; and three weeks without food.”

An aspect of ihuma that becomes important is keeping a positive attitude in the face of difficulty.

“Being out there without food contributes to what we are trying to teach,” said Capt LeBlanc. “We’re trying to create a psychological mindset. Things are going to start going bad if you don't maintain a certain level of positivity and keep your mind working.”

“You have to keep the human mind busy in a situation like that. The moment you stop being busy and trying to improve your situation, the depression and the self-doubt and the self-pity comes into play and those will impact your ability to survive, and so we want to put them in that state in as realistic a situation as possible while still maintaining safety.”

Joined At 40, Supply Technician Likes Mix Of Stability And Excitement

Sergeant Cheryl Crispin (then a Private) practices with her service rifle as part of her Basic Military Qualification course in Esquimalt, British Columbia in 2004. All soldiers are required to complete BMQ, regardless of their trade. Photo: provided by Sergeant Cheryl Crispin, National Defence Quality Assurance Region (Vancouver).

By Michelle Savage, Army Public Affairs

Ottawa, Ontario — Got all your gear, fuel and rations? Thank your Supply Technician.

This Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) trade is diverse, allowing its technicians to experience a variety of different jobs throughout their career.

No two Supply Technicians will have the same experience, according to Sergeant Cheryl Crispin. In 2002, she joined the Canadian Army Regular Force at the age of 40, looking for a career that would provide both stability and excitement.

“I was working in healthcare where it took time to work your way up to a full-time position. My husband was in the military and when we got posted, I would have to start all over again. I was just looking for something that had job security. I also wanted something that was a little bit more exciting, adventurous and would get me out of the office environment.”

This variety is what sold Sgt Crispin on the trade. “I think the main attraction was that there are many different aspects to supply:  procurement, warehousing and stocktaking to name a few. You are always faced with a new challenge, which keeps the job interesting.”

Supply Technicians ensure that CAF operations have all of the required supplies and services available. Their role is essential for operations to run smoothly. Everything from clothing to fuel, they deal with a wide variety of materials. This allows for an exciting career that continually provides Supply Techs with the opportunity to learn more.

While Sgt Crispin is an Army member, her trade allows her to work with the Army, Navy or Air Force, depending on the needs of the CAF, increasing the possibility of new horizons.

Although born and raised in Petawawa, Ontario, Sgt Crispin did not grow up in a military family. However, she married a Military Police officer and had knowledge of the organization.

“My husband was in the military for 14 years before he joined the RCMP, so I knew what the military was about,” Sgt Crispin said. “He was able to answer a lot of questions I had when I was thinking about joining. I also researched trades on the website so I became more familiar with what the supply trade was all about.”

Those who wish to become Supply Techs must complete Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) training before moving on to occupation training at Canadian Forces Base Borden.

Sgt Crispin anticipated that her age would add a degree of difficulty to her BMQ training. To help combat this, she began training as soon as she made the decision to join, preparing herself for the physical challenge ahead.

Being the eldest in her group, other soldiers would view her as a mother-type. “That could be hard,” she says. “I was just as stressed as anyone else.”

After her training was complete, Sgt Crispin was posted to Comox, British Columbia, where she worked in a warehouse for airplane spare parts before moving to customer service and procurement.

Her following posting was also in procurement. “I was a Supply Manager in Ottawa from 2006 to 2012 at the national level and then I was a local procurement clerk at Canadian Forces Station Leitrim.” In her previous posting in Toronto – and her current posting in Vancouver with National Defence Quality Assurance Region (Vancouver) – she provides logistical support for civilian contractors in a shared office space, not on a base.

Sgt Crispin completed two deployments to Afghanistan. During her first tour in 2007, she was a Supply Tech for Vehicle Technicians in Kabul. In 2011, she worked in the contracting cell in Kandahar.

“We had various contracts opened and as the tour came to an end, we were closing out those contracts. As the base was winding down, we would still action customer’s requests. To do their job to bring the tour to a close, they may have needed certain equipment, such as a crane. So we would go out and raise short-term contracts or one-time jobs.”

She notes that deployments can differ from ordinary day-to-day activities. “When deployed, you are usually working at a much higher pace with longer working hours with very little time off. And of course when you’re overseas, you are ‘soldier first’. Your trade comes in second. You may be involved in convoys and other taskings that are not supply tech-related.”

Sgt Crispin had the opportunity to participate in several taskings in Canada. These assignments gave her the opportunity to see different parts of the country and engage with new communities.

She provided security to the CAF team to which she was attached during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

She also participated in two three-week operations in Canada’s North, first in Alert, Nunavut in 2004 with Operation BOXTOP, which is a twice-annual CAFmission to bring supplies to that remote location. The second one was Operation NANOOK in Iqaluit in 2008, where she ensured that those on operation had what they needed.

“In Iqaluit, we even put on a Fun Day to get some interaction with the community. That’s something the military is good at—getting the community involved, showing them what we do. It makes for a fun time.”

Sgt Crispin’s eagerness to volunteer for deployments and exercises did not go unnoticed. In 2012, she received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal after being nominated by her civilian supervisors. The award honoured contributions and achievements of Canadians.

According to Sgt Crispin, who is in her 16th year as a Supply Tech, an ideal candidate for this trade is someone with strong organizational skills. “It makes your job much easier on a day-to-day basis. It’s also necessary to be able to work independently. You need initiative. And just a positive attitude.”

Medium Range Radar A Portable, Powerful Addition Canadian Army Toolbox

The Medium Range Radar (MRR) system, recently acquired by the Canadian Army, undergoes testing at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in the fall of 2017. Photo: Canadian Army Assistant Deputy Minister (Materiel). ©2017 DND/MDN Canada.

By Steven Fouchard, Army Public Affairs

Ottawa, Ontario — Recent military operations in places like Iraq and Afghanistan have shown that smaller – even improvised – weapons are both difficult to detect and deadly.

The Canadian Army (CA) is adopting a high-tech solution to those low-tech problems: Medium Range Radar (MRR).

MRR is a transportable but powerful system built by Israeli manufacturer Elta and purchased from Rheinmetall Canada, which is the prime contractor. It can quickly detect and locate sources of indirect fire, which include rocket propelled grenades, mortars, rockets and other munitions fired without a direct sightline to the target. Recent lessons learned in Latvia reminded NATO that there is still a significant threat from artillery, mortars and rockets whether from Russia or rogue forces.

MRR may not be as simple in its construction as those weapons systems it is built to counter, but it can still be set up and torn down in just 20 minutes.

“You always want to set up and tear down as quickly as possible so that if there’s a threat we can move out of that location and move on to another one,” said Major Raymond Dupuis, part of the MRR project team. “That’s why we’ll use these in pairs so that as one’s transmitting, the other’s ready to move.”

And the human operators can control the MRR system remotely, from up to 100 metres away.

“Obviously radar is always a high-value target to the enemy,” Maj Dupuis explained.

“Therefore you want standoff distance between the radar and where your personnel are operating. There is an operator work station and a command post, whether that’s a vehicle or a static location.”

The system also tracks airborne threats and creates a tactical display which can be shared with other Canadian units and Allied forces. Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) radar is also part of the package. IFF, which was developed during the Second World War to prevent friendly fire incidents, detects radio signals from aircraft to distinguish between hostile and friendly ones.

“We’re going to have the ability to give early warning to our troops of air threats,” Maj Dupuis added. “We don’t have the ability to fire on aircraft right now but we do have a project and will eventually purchase an air defence weapon.”

A total of 10 MRR systems are being purchased. Most will be housed in New Brunswick with 4th Artillery Regiment (General Support), Royal Canadian Artillery where a successful round of field tests was held earlier this year. Initial cadre training has started and the unit is excited and ready to field this new capability which will not only be a key asset for the Canadian Armed Forces but a sought after asset for Coalition Operations.

The MRR project is an offshoot of a larger one: Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR). First announced in 2003, ISTAR is an ongoing effort to deliver sensors and intelligence tools that can be used to gather information on the battlefield.

The MRR project is in support of Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy’s commitment to protect our soldiers from various threats on the battlefield.