RCR_Pro_Patria_2018_WEB

135th Anniversary Edition Pro Patria 2018



PRO PATRIA June 2019, Issue 100 Editor Capt Shawn Neville Layout & Design: Lisa Twomey, Creative Spark Graphic Design [email protected] For information about receiving PRO PATRIA, joining The RCR Association, or to request a change of address, please direct correspondence to: Regimental Adjutant, RHQ, The RCR Victoria Barracks PO Box 9999, Stn Main Petawawa, ON, K8H 2X3 Phone: (613) 687-5511, ext 5086 Facsimile: (613) 588-5932 PRO PATRIA 2018  3

PRO PATRIA 2018 Issue 100 Front Cover photo: Three soldiers in scarlets during UK Public Duties. Photo by Sgt Randall, RLC of the UK Rear Cover Photo: Crest Cemetery near the village of Fontaine- Notre Dame, three kilometers south-west of Cambrai on the main road from Cambrai to Bapaume. There are a number of RCR Fallen from the Battle of Cambrai buried here. Photo credit: Maj T.A. Willis 4  PRO PATRIA 2018

CONTENTS Colonel of the Regiment ..................................................................................... 7 A Word from Gen. J.H. Vance ............................................................................. 8 A Word from Regimental Colonel ..................................................................... 10 A Word from Regimental Chief Warrant Officer .................................................11 Regimental Council ........................................................................................... 12 Battle Honours ................................................................................................... 14 Regimental Mentors .......................................................................................... 15 1 RCR ................................................................................................................. 16 2 RCR ................................................................................................................. 28 3 RCR ................................................................................................................. 44 4 RCR ................................................................................................................. 60 ERE .................................................................................................................... 70 The RCR Association ......................................................................................... 83 The RCR Museum .............................................................................................111 Cadets ............................................................................................................. 126 PRO PATRIA 2018  5

Fallen Comrades ..............................................................................................131 Regimental Afghanistan Memorial ...................................................................134 The Regimental Roll of Honour ........................................................................135 The regimental Enrollment Ledgers .................................................................137 Stable belts of The Royal Canadian Regiment .................................................144 IODP 1.2 Badging Ceremony ...........................................................................146 Mount Uniacke Community Memorial Park Dedication ...................................148 Wegner Point Tragedy - 50 Years Remembered ..............................................149 Operation Husky 2018 .....................................................................................152 135th Anniversary Reunion ............................................................................. 160 Colonel of the Regiment Change of Appointment ..........................................164 End of First World War Commemoration Actvities ..........................................170 Operation Distinction .......................................................................................172 Centenary of Brigadier The Honourable Milton Fowler Greggs Victoria Cross ....................................................................................................179 Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment ....................................................................184 Forms ............................................................................................................... 191 The Last Word ................................................................................................. 202 6  PRO PATRIA 2018

COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT Fellow Royal Canadians, Thank you for welcoming me to your distinguished regiment and allowing me to represent you as your Colonel of The Regiment. I am privileged and honoured to accept this post. The RCR has built a reputation over the course of its existence for upholding the highest standards of military professionalism and courage. 2018 was a year which clearly marked these accomplishments as Canada remembered and commemorated The Right-Honourable David Johnston, PC, CC, CMM, COM, CD many historical military milestones, the 100th Anniversary of the End of the First World War, the 75th Anniversary of the Battle for Italy, and the 65th Anniversary of the end of the Korean War. The Regiment has provided significant sacrifice and contribution to these events and many since. The Royal Canadians of the past 65 years of service, have contributed to dozens of peacekeeping missions and combat operations in places like Somalia, Bosnia, Eritrea, Haiti, Afghanistan and more recently are aiding our allies in Iraq, Latvia and Ukraine. The success of all of these missions depended upon that standard of professionalism and courage which marks the regiment. They are also successful because of their passion to assist those in need be it at home or abroad. The regimental history is full of stories of compassion. I am humbled to join this team. I have heard often over the past few months the phrases “the Regimental Family” and “Once a Royal Canadian, Always a Royal Canadian”. I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet many Royal Canadians and their family members and witness this first hand. It truly is a “family” with strong bonds. I look forward to meeting many more of these soldiers, serving and retired, and sharing in their experiences as well as having the opportunity to participate in Association and regimental activities. I am excited to have this opportunity to share in the many accomplishments The Royal Canadian Regiment will achieve over the next three years. Thank You. Pro Patria PRO PATRIA 2018  7

Message to the regiment from the Senior Serving Royal Canadian, General J.H. Vance, CMM, MSC, CD, Chief of the Defence Staff Fellow Royal Canadians, In 2018, we celebrated the tremendous success of our Regiment during its 135 years of service. Our Regiment has a proud history of service having fought in five wars (South Africa, the First World War, the Second World War, Korea, and Afghanistan), holding the line during the Cold War, and participation in the numerous peacekeeping missions of the past 65 years. We hosted the 135th Reunion in Kingston, welcomed Gen JH Vance, CMM, MSC, CD our new Colonel of The Regiment - The Right- Honourable David Johnston, deployed all three Regular Force Battalions and individual augmentees from 4 RCR in support of missions in the Ukraine, Latvia and Iraq, continued to maintain soldier skills, provide staff to Mission- Tasked Primary Reserve units, conducted Northern Ops, conducted and supported collective and individual training, and a great many more tasks. We marked 65 years since the end of the Korean War, during which all three Regular Force battalions served in Korea. We marked 75 years since the Regiment entered into the Second World War, when on 10 July 1943 they landed at the Pachino Peninsula in Sicily as part of the Allied offensive. We commemorate this annually as PACHINO DAY. MGen (Ret’d) Ivan Fenton (Immediate Past COTR), Col (Ret’d) Sandy McQuarrie (The RCR Assn), Capt Alex Whittaker (1 RCR), and WO Jeff Price (RHQ) travelled to Italy/Sicily to participate in Operation HUSKY 75th Anniversary commemorative events. We marked 100 years since the end of the First World War. In the final days of the Great War, it was our Regiment that was placed at the very tip of the Allied spear that pursued retreating German armies towards the symbolically important Belgian city of Mons. The capture of Mons by The Royal Canadian Regiment, during the last two days of the conflict, gave our Regiment the leading role in the last act of the Great War. Of note, it was Lt William Martin King of The RCR who signed the Golden Book of Mons on 10 November 1918. Col Jason Guiney, Maj Andrew Willis, Capt Valerie O’Hara, and CWO Keith Olstad (RCWO) represented our Regiment at Centenary events in France and Belgium, including 8  PRO PATRIA 2018

Message to the regiment from the Senior Serving Royal Canadian, General J.H. Vance, CMM, MSC, CD, Chief of the Defence Staff the presentation of a Mons Box replica to the Mayor of Mons. Field Marshal His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG, PC, KT, OM, GBE, QSO, CD, celebrated 65 years as Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Canadian Regiment on 8 December 2018. Thank you all for your service to Canada and to The Royal Canadian Regiment. Everywhere The Regiment is represented, by only one of you or many, the warrior spirit and professionalism of our Regiment shines through. I will always be eternally grateful for being one of you. “Pro Patria” PRO PATRIA 2018  9

REGIMENTAL COLONEL Fellow Royal Canadians, family and friends of The Regiment, I was honoured to be appointed as the Regimental Col R.W. McBride, MSM, CD Colonel on 22 June 2018 having assumed the position from Col P.K. Scott who provided an outstanding handover and, over the course of his tenure, set the future of The Regiment up for success. I would like to personally thank him for providing me the tools required to carry on where he left off and his tireless efforts and dedication which have made a significant impact on how we execute our Regimental succession planning activities. The 2018 calendar year has been extremely busy on many fronts with the 135th Regimental Anniversary Reunion that took place in Kingston from 3-5 August, to the change of appointment of our Colonel of the Regiment from MGen (ret’d) J.I. Fenton to The Right Honourable D.L. Johnston at the Vimy Officer’s Mess (Kingston) on 5 August, and the presentation of the Mons Box Replica and Regimental Banner to the Mayor of Mons to commemorate the end of the First World War. All the while, elements of the Battalions have been actively deployed to the Ukraine, Latvia, Iraq and other smaller missions both leading and supporting operations with outstanding success. As I am currently serving at the Canadian Army HQ in Ottawa, I can certainly tell you that the positive contributions that our Regiment has made in these deployments has not gone unnoticed. As the Regimental Colonel I am proud to say that we continue to produce outstanding officers, Sr NCO’s and soldiers that work in and support all facets of the CAF. The team that I have the privilege to work with day in and day out in assisting me to conduct Regimental succession planning at the LCol rank and below, do so with great pride and motivation, and often other organizations within the CAF look to our model in how to conduct their business. We will continue to ensure that our unit leadership, at all levels, is of the highest calibre and professionalism, and as a group we are firmly committed to the core beliefs, traditions and standards of our Regiment. I very much appreciate and am humbled to have been appointed to this position where I can continue to serve all members of The Regiment and I look forward in executing my duties and working with each of you. PRO PATRIA 10  PRO PATRIA 2018

REGIMENTAL CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER Royal Canadians, families and friends of The Regiment, I must say with great pride that over the course of my duties as RCWO, I have witnessed, spoken and encountered serving and former serving members of this fine Regiment, who all have demonstrated the ideals, ethos and values expected by The RCR. All members of The Regiment have happily placed themselves at the service of their country, fully expected to serve Canada’s interests, even at the expense of their own safety and comfort. The Royal Canadian Regiment has been built on the CWO K.M. Olstad. MMM, CD ideals of proper Senior NCO culture: holding the SNCO Corps to the highest standard of military professionalism. I have witnessed the Bns, ERE SNCO and Warrant Officers doing what is right; maintaining the adherence to orders and regulations in the changing CAF ethos. Particularly in operations around the world, Royals are dedicated to the perseverance of RCR attributes such as Integrity, Honour, Courage and Self-discipline while training or protecting other countries on deployment. I challenge the Regimental SNCO Corps to continue to confront adversity and strive to always do what is right whether in garrison, conducting training or deployed. The development of our next Senior NCO comes with the new Regimental Senior Non Commissioned Officer Indoctrination Course. The foundation of this course deepens the discussion and education on the History, Traditions and SNCO attributes, which was needed and long-awaited. We are now, as we were before, the Guardians of the Profession of Arms within The RCR, committed to adhere to our values, customs and roles, all geared towards strengthening the regimental system. We will continue to prepare stanch Infantryman within the Army. The diversity in speed of thought and action at the Jr NCMs level within our Regiment continues to astound me. I have visited and conversed with our soldiers in garrison, on exercise and abroad and they continue to radiate proper values, traditions and have a strong sense of duty. My admiration grows when other organizations within the CAF try to emulate our fine Royals. I would like to convey, as RCWO I will fulfill my duties as your representative for all Non Commissioned Members of this fine Regiment and continue to propel the traditions, standards and professional skills that permit the advancement in rank or employment where ever you may serve. Pro Patria PRO PATRIA 2018  11

THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT COUNCIL THE REGIMENTAL SENATE Appointment As of December 2018 As of printing June 2019 Chair MGen O.H. Lavoie, OMM, MSC, CD LGen O.H. Lavoie, CMM, MSC, CD Regimental Secretary LCol J.N.E. Pellicano, CD LCol J.N.E. Pellicano, CD Members The Right Honourable David Lloyd Johnston, The Right Honourable David Lloyd Colonel of The Regiment PC, CC, CMM, COM, CD Johnston, PC, CC, CMM, COM, CD Former Colonels of The Regiment MGen J.I. Fenton, OMM, CD (Ret’d) MGen J.I. Fenton, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Col W.J. Aitchison, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Col W.J. Aitchison, OMM, CD (Ret’d) MGen W.M. Holmes, MSM, CD, MBE, (Ret’d) MGen W.M. Holmes, MSM, CD, MBE, (Ret’d) MGen T.F. de Faye, CMM, CD (Ret’d) MGen T.F. de Faye, CMM, CD (Ret’d) Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel 4 RCR Hon LCol B. Burnham Hon LCol B. Burnham Serving General Officers of The RCR Gen J.H. Vance, CMM, MSC, CD Gen J.H. Vance, CMM, MSC, CD MGen O.H. Lavoie, CMM, MSC, CD LGen O.H. Lavoie, CMM, MSC, CD MGen S.J.R. Whelan, OMM, MSM, CD MGen S.J.R. Whelan, OMM, MSM, CD BGen M.E.K. Campbell, CD BGen M.E.K. Campbell, CD BGen G.R. Smith, MSM, CD BGen G.R. Smith, MSM, CD BGen C.J.J. Mialkowski, MSM, CD BGen C.J.J. Mialkowski, MSM, CD BGen D.C. Aitchison, CD BGen D.C. Aitchison, CD BGen P.K. Scott, CD Chairperson REC Col J.D.V. Vass, CD Col J.D.V. Vass, CD Regimental Colonel Col R.W. McBride, MSM, CD Col R.W. McBride, MSM, CD Chairperson The RCR Association BGen J.S. Cox, OMM, CD (Ret’d) BGen J.S. Cox, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Chairperson of the Advisory Board Vacant Vacant (as appointed by the Colonel of The Regiment) Chairperson the Museum Board of Directors Mr John Mombourquette Mr John Mombourquette Chairperson The RCR Trust Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Regimental Chief Warrant Officer CWO K.M. Olstad, MMM, CD CWO K.M. Olstad, MMM, CD Immediate Past Chair of the Senate Gen J.H. Vance, CMM, MSC, CD Gen J.H. Vance, CMM, MSC, CD Immediate Past RCWO CWO S.G. Hartnell, MMM, MSM, CD CWO S.G. Hartnell, MMM, MSM, CD Any other persons appointed by the Chair of the Regimental Senate THE REGIMENTAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Appointment As of December 2018 As of printing June 2019 Col J.D.V. Vass, CD Chairperson Col J.D.V. Vass, CD Regimental Secretary LCol J.N.E. Pellicano, CD LCol J.N.E. Pellicano, CD Members Regimental Colonel Col R.W. McBride, MSM, CD Col R.W. McBride, MSM, CD CO 1 RCR LCol S.K. MacBeth, MSM, CD LCol A.G. Williams, CD CO 2 RCR LCol S.M. French, CD LCol T.A.D. Norton, CD CO 3 RCR LCol K.W. Reeves, CD LCol B.J.L. Irvine, CD CO 4 RCR LCol P.J. Reintjes, CD LCol P.J. Reintjes, CD Chairperson The RCR Trust Fund Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) 12  PRO PATRIA 2018

THE REGIMENTAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ... CONTINUED Appointment As of December 2018 As of printing June 2019 BGen J. Cox, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Chairperson of The RCR Association BGen J.S. Cox, OMM, CD (Ret’d) CWO K.M. Olstad, MMM, CD CWO J.C. Copeland, MMM, CD RCWO CWO K.M. Olstad, MMM, CD CWO M.D. Anderson, CD RSM 1 RCR CWO J.C. Copeland, MMM, CD CWO A.J. Durnford, MMM, MSM, CD CWO J. A. Burke, CD RSM 2 RCR CWO M.D. Anderson, CD Maj T.J.E Robinson, MMM, CD Capt S.B. Neville, CD RSM 3 RCR CWO A.J. Durnford, MMM, CD RSM 4 RCR CWO J. A. Burke, CD Treasurer – Regimental Major Maj T.J.E Robinson, MMM, CD Secretary – Regimental Adjutant Capt S.B. Neville, CD Any other persons appointed by the Chair of the REC NON-GOVERNING BODIES WITHIN THE REGIMENT THE RCR TRUST As of December 2018 As of printing June 2019 Appointment Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Chairman MWO R. Hills, MMM, CD (Ret’d) MWO R. Hills, MMM, CD (Ret’d) Maj W.D.O. Nolan, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Maj W.D.O. Nolan, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Vice-Chairman Maj G.C. Carbert, CD (Ret’d) Maj G.C. Carbert, CD (Ret’d) Col A. D. McQuarrie, CD (Ret’d) Col A. D. McQuarrie, CD (Ret’d) Treasurer LCol J.N.E. Pellicano, CD Maj T.J.E Robinson, MMM, CD Secretary BGen G.J.P. O’Brien, OMM, MSC, CD (Ret’d) CWO R.P.M. Talach, CD RCR Association Treasurer - ex officio As of printing June 2019 Regimental Secretary – ex officio LCol J.N.E. Pellicano, CD Mr John Mombourquette Hon LCol B. Burnham Regimental Major – ex officio Maj T.J.E Robinson, MMM, CD Member BGen G.J.P. O’Brien, OMM, MSC, CD (Ret’d) LCol J.N.E. Pellicano, CD Member CWO R.P.M. Talach, CD Maj T.J.E Robinson, MMM, CD THE RCR MUSEUM BOARD CWO K.M. Olstad, MMM, CD Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Appointment As of December 2018 Dr. Georgiana Stanciu Chairman Mr John Mombourquette BGen M.E.K. Campbell, CD Honorary LCol 4 RCR – ex officio Hon LCol B. Burnham Dr. J. Vance Ms. Ann Fleming Regimental Secretary – ex officio LCol J.N.E. Pellicano, CD Mr. P. Fox Maj C.B. Beatty, CD Regimental Major – ex officio Maj T.J.E Robinson, MMM, CD Regimental Chief Warrant Officer – ex officio CWO K.M. Olstad, MMM, CD Chairman Trust – ex officio Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Secretary, Director/Curator Dr. Georgiana Stanciu Members BGen M.E.K. Campbell, CD Dr. J. Vance COS 31 CBG – ex officio Ms. Ann Fleming Mr. P. Fox Maj C.B. Beatty, CD PRO PATRIA 2018  13

The Royal Canadian Regiment BATTLE HONOURS (The battle honours in bold are entitled to be borne on the Regimental Colour of each Battalion.) Detroit Scarpe, 1917, 1918 San Leonardo Niagara Hill 70 The Gully Defence of Canada, 1812-15 Ortona Saskatchewan Passchendaele Cassino II North-West Canada, 1885 Amiens Gustav Line Paardeberg Liri Valley South Africa, 1899-1900 Drocourt -Queant Hitler Line Ypres 1915, 1917 Hindenburg Line Gravenstafel Gothic Line St. Julien Canal du Nord Lamone Crossing Festubert, 1915 Cambrai, 1918 Mount Sorrel Pursuit to Mons Misano Ridge Somme, 1916 France & Flanders, 1915-18 Rimini Line Pozieres Landing in Sicily San Martino-San Lorenzo Flers-Courcelette Ancre Heights Valguarnera Pisciatello Arras 1917, 1918 Agira Fosso Vecchio Vimy 1917 Adrano Italy, 1943-1945 Arleux Regalbuto Apeldoorn Sicily 1943 North-West Europe, 1945 Landing at Reggio Motta Montecorvino Korea, 1951-1953 Campobasso Afghanistan Torella Colonel-in-Chief: Field Marshall HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT, OM, OIM, GBE, ID, AC, ONZ, QSO, GCL, CC, CMM, CD, PC Colonel of the Regiment: The Right Honourable David Johnston, PC, CC, CMM, COM, CD Allied with: The Rifles The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers The Jamaica Regiment NB. Afghanistan will be emblazoned on future Regimental Colours 14  PRO PATRIA 2018

REGIMENTAL MENTORS R egimental Mentors (typically Lieutenant-Colonels), Assistant Mentors (typically Majors or Captains), and Other Rank Mentors (typically Chief Warrant Officers or Master Warrant Officers) will be appointed by the Regimental Colonel (currently Colonel Rob McBride) and directed to maintain a system of personal communication with each member of the Regiment on the list provided to the Mentors annually by the Regimental Colonel. Mentorship will be based on the most logical mix of geography and organizational criteria such that all members of The Regiment and especially those on Extra-Regimental Employment (ERE) have a mentor who is accessible and who understands the particular working environment of the member. Where the workload demands it, additional Assistant Mentors may be appointed to handle specific geographic areas, units or circumstances. Unit Mentors will be the Commanding Officer and Regimental Sergeant-Major. The whole system of Regimental Mentors is presided over by the Regimental Colonel, with assistance from the Deputy Regimental Colonel (LCol Steven MacBeth) and the Regimental Chief Warrant Officer (CWO Keith Olstad). The Royal Canadian Regiment has Mentors located across the country and internationally. Visit the Regimental Website at www.thercr.ca or contact Regimental Headquarters to confirm who the Mentor in your area is currently. MENTOR REGIONS and UNITS Current as of June 2019 1. 1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment: LCol Aaron Williams; CWO John Copeland. 2. 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment: LCol Trevor Norton; CWO Darryl Anderson. 3. 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment: LCol Ben Irvine; CWO Andrew Durnford. 4. 4th Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment: LCol Pete Reintjes, CWO Jeffrey Burke 5. Petawawa-Based ERE: LCol Derek Wessan (Petawawa, Pembroke, North Bay, Sudbury, and Northern Ontario); CWO Andrew Durnford; Maj Tim Robinson (Asst Mentor). 6. Ontario: LCol Dave Fearon (Overall Senior Ontario Mentor); LCol Ryan Moore (Kingston Area); Maj Mike Plaunt (Meaford); CWO Mike Hawthorne (Kingston), CWO Russell Arsenault (Meaford), MWO Anthony Jones (Toronto and Southern Ontario) 7. NCR and Quebec: LCol Rich Tarrant; Maj Greg Miller (Asst Mentor); CWO Lewis Lavoie (NCR); and CWO Andrew Durnford (Quebec). 8. Atlantic Canada: LCol Mike Blanchette; and CWO Vladimir Zalik (Atlantic). 9. Northern and Western Canada: LCol Ross Bonnell; CWO John Copeland (Western Canada); and CWO Andrew Durnford (Northern Canada). 10. CANSOFCOM: LCol Paolo Pavese; and CWO Bruce Ball. 11. USA: LCol Mark Anthony 12. Other Internationally Posted Personnel (including the UK and Europe): LCol Steve MacBeth (Deputy Regimental Colonel); and CWO Keith Olstad (Regimental Chief Warrant Officer). PRO PATRIA 2018  15

1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment LCol A.G. Williams, CD COMMANDING OFFICER’S INTRODUCTION 1 RCR More than one hundred and thirty five years ago, this Battalion was formed by Canadians representing an CWO J.C. Copeland, MMM, CD investment in our collective security and a commitment 16  PRO PATRIA 2018 to engage in our world. Throughout 2018, the 1st Battalion carried on that commitment, deploying soldiers on Canadian Armed Forces operations globally to work alongside our closest allies. The 1st Battalion led multinational battle groups, contributed sub-units to task forces, sent individuals on missions and conducted domestic operations. We undertook robust collective training, we showcased Canadian Army capability to national stakeholders, we pushed command and control innovation, we led brigade professional development and our soldiers demonstrated frequent exceptionalism during training, competitions, and on operations. These incredible achievements are possible because the 1st Battalion has an operational culture and because we train for war at every opportunity and enable our people to excel. As a leadership team, we could not be more proud of the accomplishments of this battalion and we look forward to being among warriors throughout the coming year. The 1st Battalion shall remain the torchbearers of Canadian values and Canada’s ambition expressed at our inception. Pro Patria. 2018 was a very busy year for the 1st Battalion, marked by various training exercises and multiple deployments overseas. The Battalion’s focus was targeted towards ensuring that our professional competencies were achieved for the upcoming deployments and tasks. In the early months of the year, final checks and training exercises were conducted to demonstrate the Battalion’s operational readiness and capabilities. This included a 500km road move from Petawawa to Meaford as part of Ex LACPLESIS PURSUIT, which transitioned into a mechanized level 4.5 live-fire exercise during Ex LACPLESIS DEFENDER. By mid-year, the Battalion saw off Bravo Coy to spearhead Roto 5 of Op UNIFIER, a military training mission

in Ukraine. This task force consisted of military advisors and trainers where the Battalion conducted training programs designed to develop the capabilities of junior leaders. NCO development was structured similarly to Canadian practices through an adaptation of the Primary Leadership Qualification (PLQ), and entry-level junior officers were mentored in the military academies. A balance of mounted and dismounted infantry skills was achieved through the creation of a robust recce/sniper training program, and a steady progression of mechanized training which culminated with a company-level live-fire range. 1 RCR also deployed the Duke of Edinburgh’s Coy on Roto 10 of Op REASSURANCE to Latvia. Following their successful workup training during the road to high readiness, the soldiers of the Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group conducted live-fire training exercises alongside their NATO counterparts in Latvia. This opportunity allowed Canadian soldiers to demonstrate their ability to integrate with NATO forces from other countries and showcased our ability to be strong, secure, and engaged with our NATO allies. Concurrent to these operations, 1 RCR reintegrated soldiers returning from Op IMPACT, Task Force Middle East, and from Task Force El Gorah under Op CALUMET. The Battalion supported Op NANOOK by providing the primary land force security platoon. The platoon worked with both the RCN and RCAF to conduct sovereignty patrols and was a great representation of our versatility and interoperability capabilities while operating in an austere Arctic environment. The unit also supported Ex COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT by providing a mechanized manoeuvre element to showcase our mechanized capabilities to the friends and family of the Canadian Armed Forces. With the completion of both Op UNIFIER and Op REASSURANCE, the privilege of command of the 1st Battalion was passed from LCol MacBeth to myself. The accompanying parade was the first time since early spring that the entire unit could be together in one place, and was a perfect send-off to LCol MacBeth in recognition of his leadership and legacy. CWO Copeland and I are extremely proud of the achievements and the tremendous work 1 RCR has achieved throughout the past year. The Battalion has consistently shown itself to be the cornerstone unit of a Brigade that can be relied upon for both domestic and international operations. The exceptional capabilities of our soldiers and leadership demonstrated by all levels has enabled us to achieve mission success across multiple fronts. We look forward to the challenges ahead, knowing that the 1st Battalion team will be ready and able to execute any task that may lie ahead in 2019. Pro Patria. BRAVO COMPANY – Op UNIFIER In March 2018, Senior NCOs and officers from Bravo Company, 1 RCR, deployed to Operation UNIFIER, for Rotation 5 as part of Line of Effort 1 (LOE 1), Joint Task Force – Ukraine (JTF-U) with the Royal Canadian Dragoons. JTF-U’s mission was to train and mentor Ukrainian security forces. The majority of 1 RCR’s deployed soldiers mentored the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) infantry instructors alongside Lithuanian, Polish and American partners at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre (IPSC) in Yavoriv, Ukraine. The remainder were sent in small teams to the outstations in Odesa, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, and Kamianets-Podilskyi to teach at the Ukrainian officer and NCO academies. 1 RCR members mentored, demonstrated, and instructed the AFU on various topics PRO PATRIA 2018  17

ranging from core infantry skills to more specialized lessons on sniping, battle procedure, reconnaissance, and professional development for NCOs and officers. At the IPSC, 1 RCR personnel worked alongside the Ukrainian infantry instructors, conducting the gateway training which took their infantry battalions through live fire company training to battalion level field training. Notably, this included a live fire mechanized company water crossing range. 1 RCR members helped set the conditions for Rotation 6 to assist the AFU in continuing forward towards brigade level training. At the outstations, 1 RCR members were deeply involved in the shaping of NCO and officer leadership courses. Our soldiers lectured classes, supervised field training, and made recommendations to the training curriculum at the AFU NCO and officer academies. 1 RCR also helped Ukrainian security forces at the institutional level. Several 1 RCR NCOs, assisted by the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU), established new Qualification Standards (QS) and Training Programmes (TP) for their NCOs. At the AFU 49th Recce Training Centre, 1 RCR members Captain James Albidone, Warrant Officer Shannon Thornhill, and Sergeants Brad Johnston and William Ryan enhanced JTF- U’s assistance to AFU recce forces. These Royal Canadians assessed and advised on institutional changes to Ukrainian recce and recce training, preparing the ground for Sgt Jacob Borgford and translator Vlad subsequent Rotations to assist the AFU in developing new working with CTC Maj Sidenko during recce QS and TP. navigation exercise. The 1 RCR B-Coy officers and NCOs redeployed to Canada in October 2018. These members helped progress 18  PRO PATRIA 2018

Ukrainian security forces at the sub-unit and institutional level, teaching core infantry skills and advising on security sector reform. Pro Patria. Written by: Captain Andrew Poon 5 Platoon Commander, Bravo Company, 1 RCR CHARLES COMPANY Having stood back up in January 2018, Charles Coy received an influx of new soldiers and stood at almost 200 soldiers strong by the end of February 2018. Charles Coy began the year focusing on basic winter soldiering skills and ran multiple PCF courses and ranges throughout the year. Its primary focus, however, was on Op NANOOK 18 where Charles Coy was tasked with sending a dismounted platoon to Nunavut to demonstrate our interoperability capabilities and to showcase our ability to operate in austere environments such as the Arctic. Acting as the primary land force component for Op NANOOK 18, Charles Coy needed to prepare for winter conditions during the summer of 2018 in Petawawa. Despite this difficulty, soldiers ensured that the kit needed was serviceable and ensured that their winter survival skills were still exceptional. Concurrently, the sub-unit command teams prepared and conducted battle procedure for a sovereignty patrol whilst working and planning closely with the RCAF and RCN. Capt (Lt in pic) Andrew Poon and Sgt Donald Simpson mentoring AFU soldiers during a PWT 2 range. PRO PATRIA 2018  19

Having trained through the summer, Charles Coy deployed on Op NANOOK 18 with a security platoon and headquarters detachment. The platoon traveled from Trenton to Iqaluit onboard a RCAF CC-130 Hercules. Once in Iqaluit, and with kit unloaded, the platoon conducted a link up with the HMCS Charlottetown who was anchored offshore. Once onboard, the platoon began to acclimatize to Navy traditions and culture while conducting battle procedure for their upcoming task, ensuring that no “soup” timing was ever missed. The HMCS Charlottetown set sail from Iqaluit to Nuuk, Greenland traversing the Davis Strait where the ship faced swells of over 5 metres high causing a few cases of seasickness for troops used to having two feet on solid ground. The HMCS Charlottetown traversed the Davis Strait once again, returning back from Greenland and stopped outside Iqaluit to anchor near the security platoon’s objective, where the platoon disembarked. The platoon set up an OP with eyes on the inlet whilst conducting sect level patrols of the immediate area. Having successfully manned the OP, and achieved mission success by spotting an unknown vessel of interest, the platoon returned to the HMCS Charlottetown making their way back to Trenton via Iqaluit. Concurrently, the remainder of Charles Coy back in Petawawa was conducting basic nav training as well as some basic rappelling. Once Charles Coy was back to full strength, the Coy supported Ex COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT 18 which showcased the CAF’s capabilities of being strong, secure, and engaged to guests of the Canadian Army. Charles Coy also supported the trialing of new comms equipment, providing crews to test the new CP Topaz/Sorve trial on the TAPV, LAV 6.0, and Bison platforms. Charles Coy ended 2018 by running multiple LAV 6.0 crew commander, gunner, and driver courses as well as TAPV gunner and driver courses. In 2019, Charles Coy complete will be headed North again on Op NUNALIVUT 19. Charles Coy has spent the early months of 2019 conducting battle procedure and planning for long range patrols in extremely austere arctic conditions. Charles Coy has run multiple LOSV courses, Basic Winter Warfare, and has also spearheaded the battalion ski-school to ensure Maj Doig in Polar Bear Dip 20  PRO PATRIA 2018

Op NANOOK Security Pl poses with Cdn Rangers WO Doyle directs soldiers on disembarkation of HMCS Charlottetown Op NANOOK Security Pl establishes OP their soldiers are adequately prepared for the challenges of operating in arctic conditions. Charles Coy moves into 2019 eager and excited, anticipating and ready for any challenges that the company might face. Pro Patria. Written by: Lt Erik Altermann Platoon Commander, Charles Company, 1 RCR ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE BATTLEGROUP LATVIA (eFP BG LATVIA) Introduction. In early July 2018, after almost two full years of training, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (1 RCR), deployed as the third rotation of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup LATVIA (eFP BG LATVIA). Having challenged the norms of PRO PATRIA 2018  21

mission specific training, 1 RCR, with attached Canadian Army Reserve soldiers and 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) enablers, was ready to operate in this highly complex environment alongside our NATO partners. After excelling during validation training on Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 2017, we began a rigorous training regime focused on honing core-skills, mobility and becoming comfortable operating within the public eye. These skillsets were force multipliers as we conducted our mission throughout Latvia. The soldiers of 1 RCR represented the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and our country with pride and professionalism as we established a reputation of credible combat power in the Baltic region. Background. In light of a security environment that is more complex and demanding than at any time since the Cold War, NATO Allies decided at the July 2016 Warsaw Summit to strengthen the Alliance’s military posture to deter and, if necessary, defend against potential adversaries. The most visible element of this strengthened deterrence and defence posture was the establishment of an enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) in Central and Eastern Europe, with four multinational rotational battalion-sized battlegroups in Estonia (led by the United Kingdom), Latvia (led by Canada), Lithuania (led by Germany) and Poland (led by the United States). The presence of the eFP BG in Latvia is a clear demonstration of allied solidarity, determination and ability to defend Latvia’s population and territory against any possible aggression. The Battlegroup aims to preserve peace and prevent conflict. Multinational in nature and in support of Latvian armed forces, it demonstrates the strength of the Alliance and sends an unmistakable message: NATO stands as one. Our deployment to Latvia from July 2018 to January 2019, was organized into three sequential operational phases. Each phase was represented by the prefix TOMAHAWK, in tribute to Task Force TOMAHAWK, which was formed when 2 CMBG entered into the Road to High Readiness in Summer 2016 under the leadership of now Brigadier General Conrad Mialkowski. TOMAHAWK PRIME from July to September 2018 encompassed the BG’s Relief in Place (RiP) with our regimental comrades from 2 RCR. It included integration training and the Integrated Capstone Exercise (ICE). TOMAHAWK RISING from September to December 2018 demonstrated the BG’s enhancement across all lines of effort as a fully interoperable and integrated fighting force with the ability to project from Riga and provide a cohesive and persistent presence throughout the Joint Operations Area (JOA). TOMAHAWK SUMMIT from December 2018 to January 2019 consisted of a phased RiP and integration training of the various BG elements by Troop Contributing Nation (TCN). RCR Components of the BG. Under the leadership of LCol Steve MacBeth (CO) and CWO John Copeland (RSM), 1 RCR formed a diverse and cohesive team. While the BG was comprised of eight various NATO nations, Canada formed the leadership component and 1 RCR was the nucleus. Within Battlegroup Headquarters (BG HQ), Maj Ben Rogerson led the organization as the Chief of Staff, with MWO Paul Pay as the Operations Sergeant Major. Capt Ben Siversky was the deployed adjutant as the S1, Maj Cullen Downey headed the BG Plans Cell as the S5 and Maj Kieran Griffin operated as the BG Chief Liaison Officer and S9. The Canadian manoeuvre component was The Duke of Edinburgh’s Company (The Duke’s Coy), led by Maj Aaron Corey (OC) and MWO Pat Lemieux (CSM). Multinational Combat Support Company (MN CS Coy) was led by Maj Cullen Downey (OC) and MWO Jamie Lewis (CSM). MN CS Coy was comprised of a joint 1 RCR/ RCD Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Platoon (ISR Pl), 1 RCR’s Signals Pl, a Slovenian Reconnaissance Pl, and an 22  PRO PATRIA 2018

Albanian Explosive Ordinance Disposal Pl. Multinational Combat Service Support Coy (MN CSS Coy), was led by Maj Travis Hanes (OC), on loan from 3 RCR, and MWO Sergio Tomasi (CSM). With the task to synchronize all Sending Nation sustainment along multiple lines of effort, they were reinforced by Capt Tyler Duncan as the Coy 2IC (89A). TOMAHAWK PRIME. This phase of the operation was focused on our RiP with 2 RCR, integration training and learning how to fight as a cohesive NATO combat power. Throughout the transition period, we maintained a readiness posture, prepared to deter and if necessary defend against any possible threat. The phase culminated with the Integrated Capstone Ex (ICE) where we were validated as fully prepared to meet all NATO commitments in Latvia. Our BG was fortunate to have this initiative combined with a Latvian Whole of Government exercise, which takes place every four years, named Ex NAMEJS. This exercise allowed us to deploy throughout the Latvian countryside and work hand-in- hand with the Latvian National Guard (Zemessardze) and the other four battalions within the Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade. Against a tough Opposing Force (OPFOR) comprised of Czech and Polish Mechanized Infantry Companies, the BG fought a DELAY battle, where The Duke’s Coy proved their value as the Brigade Countermoves. The speed and lethality of the LAV 6 under the command of Maj Corey demonstrated its power and flexibility on the contemporary battlefield. The operation culminated in an Area Defence in the Camp Adazi Range Training Area, where ISR Pl and their attached snipers quickly identified the enemy avenues of approach and brought to bear Joint Fires to SHAPE the enemy into the Brigade KZ where they were FIXED by direct fires for destruction by armoured countermoves. With certification under NATO standards complete, our BG was prepared to transition to the next operational phase. TOMAHAWK RISING. LCol MacBeth’s direction to his staff was simple and consistent. He tasked his planners to develop an operational design which saw the BG project from Camp ADAZI in an episodic manner throughout the JOA. He directed that at any one time, a minimum of one sub-unit would be deployed in a dispersed manner off of the base in order to maintain a persistent presence in the public eye. Lastly, he directed that at one point during the deployment, the BG complete would deploy in a decentralized fashion throughout the The Duke’s Coy soldiers firing the 84mm. PRO PATRIA 2018  23

Baltics in order to clearly demonstrate our mobility and reach. This design became the foundation of all other initiatives as we collectively began to test the limits of host-nation support, Command and Control (C2) infrastructure LCol MacBeth issuing defensive orders during ICE 1802. and sustainment resources. Ingenuity and initiative at all levels was supported and allowed to thrive. Pioneering operational innovation, the BG Signals Platoon and CSS Coy, developed new ways to support dispersed operations on the contemporary battlefield and they worked closely with NATO partners to develop clear procedures for cross-border movements of military power. Working with American Aviation partners from the United States Mission Command Element (MCE), the BG deployed on Ex TOMAHAWK RAIDER in September 2018 and conducted amphibious operations and aerial insertions into the Baltic Sea off the Coast of Latvia while executing joint operations with Latvian Coast Guard. The BG then transitioned rapidly to TOMAHAWK SOARING, an airmobile exercise in the SOUTH-EAST region of Latvia along the Russian border, where each sub-unit conducted a full Air Mission Planning Cycle with aviation partners and then deployed to link-up with Latvian National Guard and complete a deliberate raid on a fortified enemy position. With ISR Pl (commanded by Warrant Officer Tosh Whittaker during the ex) supporting in a Pathfinder role, and the BG Forward Command Post providing C2 and coordinating Joint Fires, The Duke’s Coy demonstrated their flexibility in a dismounted role, as they conducted the only Air Assault of the exercise. As our deployment moved into the late fall of 2018, The Duke’s Coy deployed again to the EAST, maintaining a persistent presence in that region, while deliberately interacting with the ISR Pl links up on the LZ with a Slovakian Air Mobile force during Ex TOMAHAWK SOARING 24  PRO PATRIA 2018

MCpl Sanderson during Ex DONNYBROOK where he won the light weight champion title. Russian speaking population which comprised the majority of civilians in the area. These engagements were coordinated through Maj Griffin and his liaison and public affairs team. They often involved vehicle and weapons displays, and engagements at schools and other public centres. They aimed to strengthen a more common-place understanding of NATO’s commitment to Latvia and develop a bond of trust and mutual respect between eFP and the population. In this manner, all activities were showcased on various media outlets and social media, demonstrating transparency and resolve to any potential adversary. IRON TOMAHAWK, a multinational tank concentration, designed and executed by the BG in November 2018, then displayed the military power of NATO and its ability to reinforce flanks by deploying armour throughout the Baltics and integrating the various eFP BGs. These initiatives, both by maintaining public support and through military demonstrations were carefully synchronized by the BG Staff in order to ensure that NATO remained competitive within the diverse information domain of Eastern Europe. TOMAHAWK KNOCKING from 03-16 Nov 18 was the realization of LCol MacBeth’s original vision. It saw the BG complete, deploy across the Baltics under the umbrella of NATO’s largest military exercise in two years, Ex ANAKONDA. During this timeframe, The PRO PATRIA 2018  25

Duke’s Coy deployed to Estonia and conducted Urban Ops training alongside the British led eFP BG. ISR Pl deployed south with AQUILE (our Italian Rifle Company) and became a lethal enabler to the German led eFP BG LITHUANIA during their certification exercise. The BG HQ, demonstrated its ability to maintain dispersed and mobile C2 by deploying their forward, main and rear command posts throughout the whole of Latvia, enabling redundancy and maintaining connectivity to our various higher HQs. CSS Coy provided the leadership and resources to achieve these extended road-moves while providing support to nine separate company locations. Following re-deployment back to ADAZI, a slice of the BG HQ under the leadership of Capt Tyler Duncan deployed to Poland to reinforce our allies within the American MCE, participating in a Command Post Exercise to validate NATO’s Multinational Division North-east. Our final BG level exercise, took place in the winter conditions of NORTH-EAST LATVIA in early December 2018. TOMAHAWK PATROLLING saw the BG link-up with Latvian National Guard forces and hone our patrolling skills in a unique force-on-force which pitted PELAYO (our Spanish Rifle Coy) against MN CS Coy’s recce forces. Displaying their expertise in dismounted patrolling and ambushes, CS Coy won the competition which spanned over two days. The Duke’s Coy then conducted a RiP with these sub-units and used the dedicated training area to conduct section level patrolling and enhance junior leader skills in preparation for future courses such as the Primary Leadership Qualification (PLQ) upon return to Canada. TOMAHAWK SUMMIT. This phase of the operation saw our BG prepare to RiP with our replacement rotation and say goodbye to our comrades from the various sending nations who had proven their worth as warriors and friends. Upon completion of a move to 1 RCR Snipers during Ex TOMAHAWK PATROLLING 26  PRO PATRIA 2018

new HQ infrastructure, we enjoyed a much deserved break for Christmas and then began the Handover and Take Over process. All the while, we ensured that outreach activities and integration training was maintained in order to guarantee there were no gaps in our readiness posture or our commitment to Latvia. The Change of Command took place on 8 Jan and was presided over by Lieutenant-General Mike Rouleau, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC). Conclusion. Our deployment to Latvia as the eFP BG proved to be an incredibly rewarding and unique experience. Our soldiers represented The Regiment with distinction and the highest degree of professionalism that is expected of Royal Canadians. We pushed the boundaries of innovation and demonstrated our commitment to ensure the security of Latvia’s population and sovereign territory. As the Framework Nation in Latvia, we understood that every engagement and activity with the military and public was an opportunity to prove we were worthy of the exceptional leadership role NATO had entrusted to Canada. Canadians can be proud of the mission 1 RCR executed on the eastern flank of NATO. Pro Patria. Written By: Major Cullen Downey Officer Commanding Echo Company, 1 RCR Above: DCO, CO and RSM during the soldiers’ festive dinner. PRO PATRIA 2018  27

2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment LCol S.M. French, CD Commanding Officer’s Forward 2 RCR 2018 was a fulfilling year for the 2nd Battalion that began with elements of the battalion deploying on Op CWO M.D. Anderson, CD REASSURANCE as part of the multi-national Enhanced 28  PRO PATRIA 2018 Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group. Those elements not deployed, successfully undertook a number of tasks from IRU, NEO to TAPV integration, PCF and support to IT. With most of the unit returning from Op REASSURANCE by July priorities shifted to fulfilling IT support tasks and completing training leading to prepare for the fall. Planning for support to the Combat Team Commander Course and Ex COMMON GROUND consumed significant staff energies, with Maj Aaron Guzzwell and Capt Mike Sharkey having a significant role in shaping and planning the exercise in conjunction with staff from the Tactics School. Interspersed among a busy training and planning cycle the soldiers of 2 RCR distinguished themselves in many small but notable ways. The Battalion provided a platoon for the UK Guard as the Windsor Castle Guard; our Trade Pioneers lead by Cpl McCormick created an exacting replica of the Mons Box that was presented to the City of Mons by Senior Regimental representatives and Capt Valerie O’Hara, the most recent winner of the award; and members of 2 RCR competed in the 2 CMBG Iron Warrior competition taking first place overall in both the individual (MCpl Shane Stewart) and major unit categories. The fall saw the Battalion begin work up for Ex COMMON GROUND, the second largest land exercise in Canada. The weather during the exercise quickly became winter with snow and freezing temperature mixing with the as yet unfrozen ground. The conditions challenged soldiers and equipment with ice and frozen mud grounding the entire LAV fleet at one point. Lima Coy maintainers were recognized for their tireless work in overcoming these issues and enabling the success of the CTCC.

In 2018 there were many notable honours and awards presented to the Battalion. Maj Kayne Carr was presented the Comd CA and the CJOC Comd Commendations. MCpl Grant, MCpl Goss, MCpl Plunket, Cpl MacDonald, Cpl Fitzpatrick, Cpl Lalonde, Cpl Junkin and Cpl Bishop were all presented the Bde Comd Commendation. 2018 also saw a key leadership change with the appointment of CWO Darryl Anderson taking over RSM duty from CWO Rick Venus and Maj David Andrews assuming DCO duties from Maj Bob Pearson. The soldiers and officers of 2nd Battalion achieved all tasks and advanced the capability of the unit through their competence and professionalism. The Regiment can be proud as we continue to move forward into 2019. Golf Company 2018 brought Golf Company (G Coy) a series of challenges. First, the demands of the Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group (BG) deployment for Op REASSURANCE demanded G Coy be led by Lt Shepard, who rose to the challenge by programming a training schedule which met the demands of the unit while keeping the coy engaged. The training concept focused on urban operations and real world feedback. The second challenge involved receiving, integrating, and training to employ the TAPV. Post deployment saw the re-organization of the coy to participate as OPFOR on Ex COMMON GROUND 18. Freed from the constraints of supporting TMST for the deployment, G Coy seized the momentum generated from the pre-deployment window and the remaining qualified Golf Company PRO PATRIA 2018  29

Golf Company members on UK PD at Windsor Castle untasked personnel to immediately set upon planning urban operations training. Initially, conducting low level training and building up to the conduct of a raid in the training area, G Coy executed an airmobile urban assault on Groningen Village as a confirmation of the training before transitioning to PCF for the new vehicle platform. Immediately after the completion of winter training, the coy pivoted to the new vehicle and weapon system. Integrating the TAPV into a rifle coy required the completion of basic comms, driver, and RWS PCF courses ensuring a core cadre of operators were generated when the battalion returned from deployment. Transitioning back to IBTS/BTS, the coy shifted focus on training to include real world feedback to test SOPs and basic soldier skills at the individual, section, and platoon level. Cycling through as both friendly and enemy during the pairs live fire ranges reinforced some SOPs, highlighted some shortfalls, but taken as a whole valuable lessons were learned regarding the ability to shoot, move and communicate. The soldiers were then tasked to apply those lessons at the section level in a platoon context. Platoon movement to contact, and tasking of sections to mitigate the point of friction encountered under contact from an active enemy with actual sensory feedback offered tangible reinforcement of tactics and procedures to each soldier involved at each level. Once the majority of the battalion returned from Op REASSURANCE in the summer, the coy was well positioned to complete PCF and BTS in preparation for the combat team commander’s course Ex COMMON GROUND 18. Under the command of Maj Chris Cyr and CSM MWO Dan MacIntyre, the coy collaboratively worked with the Tactics School to present a well-coordinated, realistic OPFOR which presented the candidates with a demanding and dynamic problem set within a level 6 context. G Coy provided those candidates with mechanized, dismounted, guerilla, and civilian inputs to engage over the duration of the exercise, ably adapting to the nuances of weather and candidate throughput. Simultaneous to Ex COMMON GROUND 18, a platoon from 2 RCR led by G Coys Ops Capt, Capt Shepard and 3Pl 2IC WO Keough were tasked to 3 RCR to conduct United Kingdom public duties. Pre-task training occurred at CFB Petawawa to form a guard which included 20 personnel from 2 RCR. Upon arrival the guard completed four weeks of drill, and then departed to London, England. For five weeks the members of the UK Guard were 30  PRO PATRIA 2018

tasked to various locations throughout the UK. The members of 2 RCR were tasked as the Windsor Castle Guard upon arrival in England. Once complete, they were rotated to other locations such as marching in the Lord Mayor’s Show, and Remembrance Day ceremonies at Orpington War Memorial to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War. Overall, the time in England was a success for the CAF and the Regiment. Submitted by Capt J. Clarke Hotel Company Hotel Company started the year as part of Immediate Response Unit (IRU) with the entire Company on 24 hrs notice to move, as well as conducting numerous PCF courses and Basic Winter Warfare. Hotel Company had several members deploy with India Company to Latvia as part of the Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group who would not return until the summer. Since January Hotel Company has been commanded by Maj Kayne Carr (January – Present) with Company Sergeant Major (CSM) MWO Cecil Elliot (January – May), Warrant Officer Whalen as Acting CSM (June – July) and MWO Michael Scott (August – Present) respectively. Annually, soldiers of Hotel Company vote by secret ballot on the recipient of the Purcell- Cleary Award (Pte Purcell’s South Africa Medal). This award is presented to the most outstanding soldier in Hotel Company at the Paardeberg Day celebrations based on the following traits: loyalty to the unit and his comrades; a positive attitude; good professional knowledge and ability; and exemplary performance as an infantry soldier. This year Hotel Company was proud to award Cpl Simioni with the Purcell-Cleary Award. As winter finally came to an end, Hotel Company was preparing to embrace the dismounted role and plan our workup training in order to be part of 2 CMBG Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) Task Force as a Follow-on Force Company. The training began with the pre-requisite Individual Battle Task Standard (IBTS) training; C7, C9, C6, M203, Grenades and pairs level 2. Following this, Hotel Company completed a 2 week long NEO Exercise which saw the company validated in level 3 live fire training and culminated with a level 4 dry urban operation on Austere Village. With support from our friends at 403 Sqn, 4 Platoon conducted a Cordon of the village via airmobile insertion while 5 and 6 Platoon conducted a “Hard Knock”, with support from snipers, in order to clear the village. As of 01 July 2018, Hotel Company remains on high readiness in support of its NEO mandate. Once NEO work up training was completed, Hotel Company saw many of its Sr NCO corps and Jr ranks tasked out, primarily to the Infantry School to train the Canadian Armed Forces future leaders and soldiers. Hotel Company was also hard at work assembling team members and conducting training for this year’s annual IRON WARRIOR challenge. This competition held every year in Petawawa sees members complete a 32 km ruck/run, 4 km portage (with ruck sack), 8km canoe and a 6 km ruck/run to the finish. This year saw 2 RCR place first overall as a team! As summer ended the company was preparing to run another PCF cycle and plan its work up training in preparation for Ex COMMON GROUND. However as members were returning from summer leave and outside taskings, Hotel Company conducted an Adventure Training Exercise in the Mactuquac Provincial Park to include; high lines obstacle course, ruck marching PRO PATRIA 2018  31

through the trail system, canoe races and KIMS games. This led to Hotel Company building on its already strong foundation of comradery and team cohesion in preparation for the high tempo training that would follow in the fall. The main exercise for the fall was Ex COMMON GROUND which is the second largest annual land exercise on Canadian soil after Ex MAPLE Above: Hotel Company Adventure Training Exercise in the Mactaquac RESOLVE. This exercise sees future Provincial Park company commanders get validated by utilizing elements from 2 RCR, C Below: Hotel Company members on Ex COMMON GROUND Sqn, 2 RCHA, 2 CER, and 4 ESR to form a combat team and manoeuvre throughout the Gagetown Training Area in offensive, defensive and stability operations. Hotel Company often found itself at the tip of the spear moving up and down the trace day after day conducting operations in open, closed and urban terrain. This provided extremely valuable training for Hotel Company as soldiers of all ranks were challenged not only by the tactical and physical demands of each mission but also the challenges of maneuvering and maintaining the LAV 6.0 in ever changing weather conditions on unforgiving terrain. As 2019 approached Hotel Company welcomed two new officers from IODP 1.2 and is working hard to ensure they maintain their readiness at 7 days’ notice to move as part of the NEO Task Force mandate. Hotel Company is also gearing up for a month long training exercise at the National Training Center (NTC) in Fort Erwin, California. H Coy Grp will work alongside the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2ABCT) as part of their validation exercise prior to deployment. NTC is sure to provide some of the most realistic and demanding training most soldiers have ever experienced in their career regardless of rank. Whatever challenges lie ahead, Hotel Company is ready and will continue to answer the call! Submitted by: Lt A.E. Boorn, 5 Pl Comd India Company Adazi, Latvia – India Company deployed to Latvia as a part of Op REASSURANCE Roto 9 in early January 2018. Under the leadership of Maj Matt Rolls and MWO Mark Crichton, the company was extremely well led and well prepared to meet the diversity of challenges which 32  PRO PATRIA 2018

Maj Rolls, Lt Cruz, and members of León Coy listen to Sgt Geburt explain winter survival techniques they were to encounter throughout. Immediately upon arrival the tempo was demanding. WO Nicolas Simard-Valle, 8 Pl 2IC, was tasked on the day he arrived to run a weapon display range for the Governor General as well as the Chief of Defense Staff. To prepare our Mediterranean allies for the harsh northern European winter, the Battle Group (BG) began the tour with a Basic Winter Warfare course. Lt Jose Cruz, 7 Pl Comd, along with Sgt Matt Towns organized this course. The entire BG went through a three day winter familiarization which included tent routine, construction of winter defenses, winter survival, and improvised shelters. India Company throughout early February began integration with their multinational allies within the Battle Group. Working in conjunction with the Italian motorized L’Ardita Company, the Spanish mechanized León Company, as well as the Polish Scorpion armoured squadron, India Company conducted a series of SOP training. Such training included rehearsing both relief in place and passage of lines. Upon completion of integration training, the eFP BG conducted two consecutive exercises. The first, Ex CLAYMORE FORGED rehearsal, was a 5 day long exercise with a scripted Latvian enemy force. During this exercise India Coy set up the BG’s main defensive position. Digging into the frozen terrain, soldiers had to endure temperatures which reached as low as -30 degrees Celsius. Throughout the exercise India Company learned valuable lessons while operating in a multinational environment. The following week saw the 9 day conduct of Ex CLAYMORE FORGED. Once again India Company established the BG’s main defensive position. After the enemy was successfully repulsed, India Company, with an attached Polish tank troop counter-attacked the enemy. This two day counter-attack culminated in a spectacular assault on a Latvian held river bed known as Objective Wallabies. PRO PATRIA 2018  33

With the arrival of March and April the Below: WO Lambert, 9 Pl conducting a detailed relief in place with tempo relaxed and India Company was members of L’Ardita Company given the opportunity to focus on company led training. Included into this timeframe was Bottom: Sgt Michaud observes a Leon coy Pizzaro conducting a rear a company sized airmobile exercise with the passage of lines from his TOW overwatch position US Air Force. Ex CLAYMORE SOARING was conducted near the city of Daugavpils a mere 120 kilometers from the Russian border. In preparation for this exercise Maj Rolls with acting CSM WO Shane Speed led India Company through a grueling 2 week dismounted work up training. Although only a three day exercise it nevertheless provided its participants with a test to their fortitude as the swampy terrain severely restricted movement. India Company also participated in a force on force urban operations exercise in the abandoned Soviet military base of Skrunda. Ex CLAYMORE KNOCKING was a simmunition exercise that allowed platoons to be pitted against each other taking turns on both the offense and the defense. Urban tactical drills were solidified in the narrow derelict hallways. Other activities in the months of March and April were the conduct of Close Quarter Combat training, multiple small arms ranges, tank hunting team training, and a weapon penetration range. The tank hunting training, organized by WO Matt Lambert, allowed junior members such as Cpl Nicolas Grenier and Cpl Bradley Boudreau to act as section commanders and pitted the LAV 6.0 crews up against their dismounted soldiers. The competition was whether the LAV crews would be able to identify the dismounts before they were able to simulate an effective anti-armor engagement. Utilizing the undulating Latvian terrain as well as the spacious Adazi wood line, the dismounted sections were able to gain the upper hand on the LAVs every time. The weapon penetration range run by WO Simard-Vallee allowed members to observe the ballistic capabilities of 34  PRO PATRIA 2018

Lt Lamontagne, 9 Pl Comd, explains Canadian doctrine for a delay operation to a Latvian Major. our weapon systems. Small arms were fired at targets which included fruits, replicates of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as sandbags. The 25mm cannon of the LAV 6.0 fired at a variety of targets including a metal replica of a BMP 2’s armor. APFSDS-T (SABOT) rounds easily penetrated through the armor but more impressive was the effect which FAPDS-T (FRANG) rounds had upon the target. Upon impact the round splintered and created a shotgun effect throughout the backside of the armor. Concluding this two month period of company training was a massive platoon level trench clearing range. Planned primarily by WO Kevin Evong, the soldiers of India Company spent a week digging an 850 meter long trench system modelled after Russian doctrine. Once completed each platoon took turns conducting attacks upon it. Supported with a firebase, the platoons gained lodgement and proceeded to systematically clear the rest of the trench. Once complete 84mm gunners defended against a BMP counter-attack. The finale of Op REASSURANCE Roto 9 was the 10 day Ex SABER STRIKE. India Company joined over 10,000 soldiers who participated in this annual NATO exercise which is conducted within all three Baltic States as well as Poland. A force on force exercise, the eFP BG fought under the command of a Latvian Brigade against an opposing Brigade composed of British Royal Marines, American Marines as well as elements from the Norwegian Army. Operating outside of any training area, India Company initially fought a 100 km delay across the Latvian countryside. This main defensive battle was fought in the urban setting of Skrunda where a grueling 15 hour battle occurred. The remaining weeks of June and July were comprised of maintenance and preparing for the handover with The Dukes Company of 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. PRO PATRIA 2018  35

On July 15th India Company left Latvia to return to Gagetown thus concluding 6 long months of training in an operational environment. Gagetown – India Company returned to Canada from Op REASSURANCE Roto 9 in July 2018. Following a battalion Lt Lamontagne leads a contingent of India Coy re-org, Maj Andy McGregor during a Latvian parade in the city of Madona took command of the coy while MWO Crichton remained the Company Sergeant Major. Lt Sean MacDonald and Lt Nate McIver took command of 7 and 9 Pl respectively along with their 2ICs WO Bradley Greene and Sgt Jay Flemming. Lt Tim Gallant maintained command of 8 Pl, with Sgt Towns as the Pl 2IC, as work-up training for Ex COMMON GROUND began. Despite the quick turnaround and consistent high tempo of Members of 8 platoon get extracted by American Blackhawks training, India Coy demonstrated concluding a three day dismounted exercise. tremendous professionalism IOT ensure that they were prepared to support the Combat Team Commander Course (CTCC) and Ex COMMON GROUND. It was a busy fall training cycle with India Company conducting dismounted Platoon level fighting patrols, occupying Company defensive positions, and conducting a mix of offensive and defensive mechanized training. Prior to the commencement of Ex COMMON GROUND, India Company completed level 5 (combat team) validation. Despite adverse weather conditions, the coy performed exceptionally well. Immediately following the level 5 validation, India Company was tasked to execute a perfect demonstration of a Combat Team (Cbt Tm) hasty attack for the candidates of CTCC. This ensured that the candidates understood the standard that must be achieved, as many of the candidates were coming from a light infantry background with limited mechanized experience. Ex COMMON GROUND began with a mix of offensive and defensive ops, India Company operated as part of a Cbt Tm conducting hasty attacks, delays, and blocks. Each night, a new candidate would take command of the Company and issue orders for a mission to be executed on the following day. Despite the unfavourable weather conditions, India Company consistently executed their tasks to a high standard. Several days into the exercise, the Company was operating as a cohesive, well trained fighting force. As the temperature continued to decline, the LAV 6.0’s throughout the Bn began to 36  PRO PATRIA 2018

Maj Rolls gives orders to the officers of L’Ardita Coy for an ensuing Relief in Place. MCpl Plunkett relays a SITREP back to his section during experience severe mechanical issues. The a level three trench clearance range. vehicle crews, led by Transport NCO Sgt John Davenport, LAV Capt Bryan Mell, Company 2IC Capt Mark Spears, and with support from Lima Company, worked tirelessly every night to ensure that the LAVs would be ready for the next mission. With severe cold, heavy winds, and a mix of rain and snow, the weather provided many challenges; however, India Coy proved that they were capable of adapting to adverse weather conditions and could effectively operate under all conditions. Maj Andy McGregor leading the India Company Combat The Ex culminated with an urban assault on Team on the fight through an objective during Ex COMMON Groningen Village. Two Cbt Tms, consisting of India and Hotel Company, coordinated their assaults resulting in an aggressive, well planned attack. The final attack displayed the fighting capabilities of India Coy and 2 RCR as a whole, as well as the expanded abilities of India Coy following 2 months of dedicated training in the Lawfield corridor. GROUND. Photo credit to Matthew Worth. Upon returning from Ex COMMON GROUND, India Coy conducted post exercise drills and began preparing for the holiday season. India Coy welcomed a new Pl Comd, Lt Margaret Bailey, who took command of 8 Pl. Moving into the New Year, India Coy leadership is exceedingly pleased with the performance of the coy over the past year, and it is apparent that currently, India Coy is one of the most well trained Rifle Coys in Combat Team manoeuvers in the CAF. Submitted by: Capt M.W. Spears PRO PATRIA 2018  37

Lt McIver covering while sending SITREPS back to the Combat Team Commander. 38  PRO PATRIA 2018

Kilo Company In January 2018, elements of Kilo Coy, 2 RCR, deployed to Adazi, Latvia as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group (eFP BG) Latvia on Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force Rotation 9. The company, under Maj Andy McGregor and MWO Scott Daigle, became the Multinational Combat Support Company (MN Cbt Sp Coy). It included the Canadian components such as a Battle Group Headquarters (BGHQ), a sniper det, Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) Platoon, Signals Platoon and the CQMS cell. It also included international components such as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Platoon from Albania, a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) Platoon from Slovenia, and numerous staff officers in the BGHQ. This large company of approximately 200 personnel from multiple nations worked together for six months, learning from each other and taking advantage of all possible training opportunities. Throughout the deployment, MN Cbt Sp Coy participated in various outreach events and displays across the country, showcasing capabilities and conducting multiple exercises. These exercises took place throughout Latvia, in training areas and within civilian rural areas and urban centers. Regardless of the task, members of MN Cbt Sp Coy brought great credit to the eFP BG and the Canadian Armed Forces. BG HQ - The eFP BG HQ was a multinational collection of staff from eight nations. While Canada was the largest personnel contributor to the eFP BG as a whole, many critical staff roles were filled by our partnering NATO Countries. The BG’s Operations cell was led by an Italian Major with Capt John Friesan as his assistant. The two quickly established a synergistic relationship which benefitted the BG during day to day Camp Adazi Garrison life. Similar multinational working relationships were evident in both the plans and training cells. Double hatted as the S5 and Cbt Sp Coy OC, Major McGregor focused on the development of long term, real life operational plans as well as exercise tactical plans. The S9 shop was led by Major Jeff Caselton. His cell planned and conducted over 150 VIP visits, vehicle displays and outreach events all over Latvia. These promotional activities were important as they positively impacted the BG’s image to the public in our Host Nation. Further, the success of these visits and outreach events created a sense of awareness of the BG’s mission in Latvia. The relationships formed between MN Cbt Sp Coy and the staff from other Nations will not be forgotten and continued to grow under 1 RCR leadership. The 2 RCR Sniper det, led by Sgt Ivan Sanson and his 2IC MCpl C.J. Karges, was employed as part of the MN Cbt Sp Coy. Throughout the deployment the det sized element conducted interoperability training and deployed on multiple BG and Latvian led exercises across the Host Nation and neighbouring countries. The exercises all posed unique challenges and employment opportunities. This provided our Snipers with a variety of training venues such as an Air Mobile operation in the South East part of Latvia, the BG certification exercise (CERTEX), which encompassed several multinational entities, and a Latvian/ Estonian Bde level, cross border, force on force exercise which passed through 100kms of populated rural and urban areas. During these exercises, Snipers were continuously employed as the forward most element on the ground providing commanders with real PRO PATRIA 2018  39

time updates of enemy activity/disposition, key target reduction, and controlling available indirect fire assets. The ISR Pl that deployed on Op REASSURANCE was made up of one infantry recce section from 2 RCR, and one armored patrol and a MUAV patrol from the RCD. This uncharacteristic recce platoon was commanded by Capt Andrew Scott and his 2IC WO Steve Black from the RCD. Once ISR Pl arrived at Camp Adazi, the main focus quickly became operational readiness and the tumultuous task of operating as a single unit. As the BG’s CERTEX commenced, ISR Platoon bore witness to the multi-layered reconnaissance capabilities that they held. With eyes in the sky via the Raven MUAS, the medium range surveillance abilities of the Coyotes, and the intimate Close Target Reconnaissance of objectives by the dismounted infantry section, ISR Platoon became an essential asset to the BG’s awareness of the enemy’s activities. The platoon also supported an airmobile training exercise as enemy force and facilitating the insertion of all the infantry companies at the same time. The enemy force provided a realistic and dynamic posture forcing the rifle companies to patrol with determined vigor; the Spanish and Italian OCs both stated it was one of the better dismounted exercises that they had participated in. Over the course of the middle third of the deployment, ISR Platoon continued to support in some capacity every exercise and major task in the eFP to include; multiple vehicle/equipment displays around the country, an urban operations exercise, Latvian mobile delay exercise, and various multinational fitness competitions. The final major exercise for the deployment was an American led, corps level exercise called Ex SABER STRIKE. ISR Platoon screened and delayed the advance of the enemy force which was comprised of a Marine battalion augmented by a company of Royal marines and a platoon of Norwegians. The advance was conducted over 80 km of Latvian forest, farmland and towns which ended at the eFP BG main defensive area in an abandoned Soviet base near the town of Skrunda. The main defensive battle lasted 10 hours which saw ISR Platoon conducting disruption operations and delaying the enemy. Members of Kilo Company 40  PRO PATRIA 2018

Signals platoon was commanded by Capt Robert Schofield and his 2IC, WO Keith Brown. Things were busy from the outset. The Army Communications and Information Systems Specialists (ACISS) core personnel worked to establish a two CP construct (Main and Forward CP) which needed to be trialed along with additional communications capabilities not normally available in Canada. The ACISS Communications Systems Technicians (CST) began the process of building on the previous rotation’s efforts to provide digital connectivity between CPs using the Canadian Deployed Mission Network (CDMN) equipment. The ACISS Line Systems Technicians (LST) prepared for the demands of establishing landline connections between the various multinational command nodes of the eFP BG. CERTEX tested the platoon in many ways: through the bitter cold which was reminiscent of the harsh Canadian winter climate, to the first time working within a multinational environment – where direct communications with the sending nations of the BG was only possible through the use of liaison officers, and where a significant amount of emphasis was placed on minimizing the use of the electromagnetic spectrum. In addition, training was arranged in order to become proficient with communications equipment used in the Latvian Brigade. Members of Signals platoon learned how to operate the RF-5800H-MP, a high frequency radio which is capable of sending both voice and data, and also learned how to use the Latvian 4G network equipment, a deployable network which ties into the Latvian 4G cell network and is capable of sending data and provided Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) telephones. At the end of post deployment/summer leave the Bn conducted a reorganization. Maj Aaron Guzzwell took Command of K Coy with MWO Tim Connick taking over as the CSM. The company began the fall predominantly focusing on PCF and planning out the remainder of the year. MCpl Stewart of 9er TAC won the IRON WARRIOR 18 competition for the second year in a row. Recce Platoon began training on dismounted and mounted SOPs. Sniper Platoon, again under Sgt Ivan Sanson as the acting Unit Master Sniper, led Brigade snipers for the Canadian International Sniper Concentration which included a section from K Coy. Sigs Platoon participated in an international competition Ex NOBLE SKYWAVE and placed eighth overall. WO Allaby ran the Brigade Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Competition team. Soon after PCF the company was heavily involved in IBTS training for the month of October while also preparing for Ex COMMON GROUND 18. K Company’s training culminated with the participation in Ex COMMON GROUND 18. Recce and Snipers supported the BG with both mounted and dismounted operations, while Sigs Platoon provided their expertise to both the BG and the Tactics School Exercise Control CP. The exercise provided the BG with high tempo training in defensive, offensive, and stability operations. Submitted by: Capt N.E. Holdway Lima Company From sustaining a Canadian led multinational Battle Group in Latvia during Op REASSURANCE ROTO 9, to sustaining Ex COMMON GROUND 18 in Gagetown, the Soldiers of Lima Company were engaged in a variety of sustainment activities that contributed to mission success. PRO PATRIA 2018  41

Members of Lima Company The Company started the year by having the majority of its members, including most of its leadership, deploy to the city of Adazi, Latvia as part of Op REASSURANCE ROTO 9. During the deployment, members of the Coy worked alongside the BG’s LSG and supported numerous multinational exercises. The exercises supported by the Coy varied in size and nature. Some of these were at the coy level and involved personnel manoeuvring in the immediate vicinity of Camp Adazi, while others were more complex in nature and involved the Bde conducting a mobile defence against a manoeuvring opponent in one of the country’s largest cities. What’s more, these training scenarios saw BG elements fight against conventional and unconventional forces, and as a result L Coy elements were required to maintain heightened levels of security and firepower. Aside from supporting training, members of L Coy also supported camp life and outreach programs. Maintenance Platoon worked tirelessly to ensure all Canadian vehicles were in working order; L Coy cooks kept morale high by providing nutritious and delicious meals; while Transport Platoon members worked hand in hand with Latvian Mov Con staff IOT support road moves across the country. These road moves were created with the aim of showcasing NATO military power and giving the local populace an opportunity to interact with eFP BG Latvia members. L Coy members that did not deploy to Latvia acted as rear party and assisted deployed members by taking over additional duties and responsibilities throughout the Bn IOT ensure the remainder of the Unit was effectively sustained. Upon returning to Canada, the Company found itself under new leadership. The Company Commander, Major Chris McAdam, was succeeded by Major Matt Rolls; the Company Sergeant Major, Master Warrant Officer Dan Koftinoff, handed over to Master Warrant Officer Scott Daigle; and the Company 2IC, Captain Dan Jordan, was succeeded by Captain Jason Parsons. After the conclusion of the tour, Lima Company began planning for the conduct of EX COMMON GROUND 18. During the planning phase of the Ex, L Coy liaised with personnel from the Tactics School and all other participating units IOT develop a viable and effective sustainment plan. During the execution phase, L Coy coordinated the Unit’s movement in and out of the training area; conducted camp sustainment activities and daily DPs with the 42  PRO PATRIA 2018

PTA; ensured the camp was fed by providing hot meals three times a day; tirelessly provided vehicle maintenance around the clock; supplied all requested packaged POL, tire chains and critical vehicle parts; provided exercise medical evacuations through the use of AXPs; and recovered A and B fleet vehicles from the ice and slush of Gagetown. Once Ex COMMON GROUND 18 came to a conclusion, the Company headed back to garrison and spent the majority of its working hours conducting post ex, vehicle maintenance and stock taking. The next major undertaking for the Coy was spent planning and preparing to support H Coy’s rail move to the National Training Centre located in Fort Irwin, California. The move will see all of H Coy’s A fleet vehicles along with numerous attachments travel to the National Training Centre by rail. In order to accomplish this task, the Company conducted maintenance on the vehicles selected for the move in order to minimize the amount of mechanical incidents incurred while on exercise. A lot of the Company’s time was also dedicated to planning the rail move to and from Fort Irwin, as well as the road move to the rail head in Moncton, planning the provision of services such as accommodations and meals for all personnel involved, conducting equipment transfer activities, and ensuring that all flights were booked. Under the guidance and leadership of its command teams, and the hard work of its soldiers, the Company was able to effectively meet all of the challenges the deployment to Latvia and training initiatives at home brought about. By the end of the year Lima Company was prepared for some well-deserved rest and to get back after it in the New Year. Submitted by: Capt J.E. Cruz PRO PATRIA 2018  43

3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment LCol K.M. Reeves, MSM, CD COMMANDING OFFICER’S FOREWARD 3 RCR First In… Last Out… Our Regiment’s reputation is CWO A.J. Durnford, MMM, MSM, one of standard bearer, operationally focused, quiet CD professionals. We have and will continue to do everything that is asked of us and more. As the 3rd Battalion closed 2018, it called on these qualities to achieve our missions. As of December, we still had a large contingent of soldiers deployed to Iraq completing the last of our Brigade’s international commitments, forming part of over 19 months of continuous overseas deployments. We were also maintaining a Battalion HQ and Rifle Company on short notice High Readiness, we were reorganizing Combat Support Company to advance Light Forces capability, working alongside the Primary Reserve, and we were still providing significant support to the Army’s training system. From bell to bell, the members of this unit and its supporters, enablers, and families served with distinction throughout Canada and around the world. It is said unpredictability is predictable in the Army. When you flip through the pages of Pro Patria and The Connecting File from years before, this is a consistent theme. We have deployed in years past; we have brought in new capabilities in years past; and we have certainly assisted in the training of other units in the past. While our plan for the upcoming year aimed to learn from our current deployments, extensive experience, and harmonize this effort, I am not sure the RSM and I fully predicted the tempo and volume of work that would be required of the Battalion in 2019. We were asked to do all of that and more. However, we did it, and every soldier in the unit contributed to our success in his or her own way. Moreover, they did it without compromise. They maintained their high morale, stayed mission focused, and continued to build upon our Light minded culture. There is something good in this unit that’s hard to pin down and it is just awesome to be part of it. Over the next few pages, the work of your soldiers and the support of the families behind them, comes ringing 44  PRO PATRIA 2018

loud and clear. The RSM and I are incredibly proud of them and we are thankful to be part of their contribution to the Regiment’s and Army’s success. We are now moving the unit through a short period of transition and reconstitution, looking to focus the attention of our junior officers and senior NCOs on the foundation needed to keep the unit healthy and operationally competitive for years to come. One thing is for sure, whether the Regimental team needs us to be the first in to theatre, the last out, or hold the fort against the odds, you can count on this Battalion when you need us most. Pro Patria LCol Kris Reeves and CWO Jack Durnford. MIKE COMPANY By Capt Dylan Pawson 2018 was an exceptionally high- tempo, operationally focused year for the para-troopers of Mike Company. As the Div IRU and NEO VG Coy, the coy remained in a high-readiness role at all times throughout the year. The soldiers of the coy again demonstrated the resolve and resiliency expected of airborne soldiers, M Coy rappelling down Calabogie dam to conduct its urban assault. conducting numerous training events and operations to enhance its light fighting capability. The hard work resulted in a coy that demonstrated a proficiency in readiness and a willingness to accept any challenge. In July of 2018, M Coy was deployed on Op IMPACT with a mission to train the Iraqi Security Force in Canadian tactics to enhance their ability to defeat ISIS. Upon the finalization of a coy re-org, M Coy started the New Year by conducting a Winter Complex Terrain School (WCTS) at the Calabogie Ski Resort. This exercise allowed the new command teams and soldiers of the coy to shake out and begin operating with each other. Once on the ground in Calabogie, M Coy conducted a resiliency march up the slopes of the mountain with toboggan groups and established a coy defensive position. It allowed the commanders and soldiers a unique opportunity of professional development in discussing the fundamentals of the defence incorporating the siting and placement of important weapon systems integral to a rifle coy. Once the position had been sited and defensive routine commenced, M Coy participated in training to hone their skills and sustain their proficiency to operate in a winter environment. This included; cross-country and downhill skiing, rappelling and ice climbing, and operating LOSVs. The highlight of WCTS occurred at the end of the exercise when M Coy executed a lvl 4 dry attack on the Calabogie dam. The coy assaulted the dam, rappelled off the side, and conducted an urban assault through the interior. Following this exercise, the coy quickly re-deployed to Petawawa as WCTS provided a foundation for a deployment on NOREX 18. After a short rest following WCTS, M Coy quickly prepared itself to deploy as the Div IRU VG PRO PATRIA 2018  45

Coy on NOREX 18. NOREX would be a challenging operation to test the coy’s ability to operate in some of the harshest conditions that Canada has to offer. Upon arrival in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, the soldiers of the coy immediately faced temperatures of - 50 degrees Celsius, sometimes even colder. Due to flight delays, the coy had to rapidly shake out and execute its mission of securing a downed aircraft. With assistance from the 1 Pl, M Coy, after a successful patrol in Arctic Bay. Canadian Rangers, the soldiers learned how to quickly repair LOSVs, tow komatiks (large wooden sleds), and set up ten man tents when every minute spent in the elements counts. M Coy conducted an austere range to become proficient in the use of the Lee Enfield rifle, and used the opportunity to fire their own personal weapons in the cold conditions. Missions assigned to the M Coy double door mass jump onto DZ Hodgson during SCTS, April 2018 coy as part of the exercise included locating scattered debris of the downed aircraft. One such mission gave 1 platoon the task of locating aircraft debris near the community of Arctic Bay. After a short flight from Resolute Bay, 1 platoon disembarked their aircraft, unloaded their LOSVs, liaised with the local Rangers and RCMP and successfully completed their mission. Overall, NOREX provided an excellent opportunity for the soldiers of M Coy, truly testing their skills in one of the most challenging training environments. Following a brief but well deserved March break, M Coy quickly filled its calendar with RTHR training to fulfill its NEO VG requirements. Sustainment training and enhanced shooting packages maintained the coy proficiency on all weapon systems, and planning for a training exercise in Trenton had begun. While this was conducted, M Coy deployed 3 of its soldiers to participate in the Kosovo Best Soldier Competition. Under the leadership of MCpl Desbiens, Pte’s Braun and Romanko stood out amongst international soldiers that included individuals from SOF units. Pte Braun placed 3rd and Pte Romanko placed 5th overall. To enhance its spring sustainment training, M Coy travelled to Trenton to conduct a Spring Complex Terrain School (SCTS). This enabled its soldiers to work on their individual soldier skills including; rock climbing, rappelling, and enhanced carbine drills at the 25m Indoor Range. This valuable training exercise culminated in a double door mass jump at DZ Hodgson, Airborne! Immediately following SCTS in April, M Coy constructed and executed a level 3 live range. It encompassed the challenges embraced by the light fighter. Consisting of a long-range patrol that had platoons move tactically through wooded areas, with potential enemy 46  PRO PATRIA 2018

positions on route. After their dismounted infil, platoons then had to attack a complex objective located on the top of a high feature that would test any soldier’s fitness. During this busy time, another individual from M Coy deployed and stood out on the international level. Sgt Valentiate rose to a challenge in typical para-trooper fashion by volunteering to participate in AUMANGEA in New Zealand. A difficult test for any infantryman, he completed a 67km ruck march in FFO, numerous urban operations, and a survival exercise in an urban environment. Amongst all the candidates on this challenging course, Sgt Valentiate was recognized as the top candidate overall. In late April, M Coy received a Warning Order for a short notice deployment on Op IMPACT. The mission would entail training members of the Iraqi Security Force on infantry tactics to support their fight against ISIS. Quickly, the coy re-organized and began its pre- mission training in preparation for deployment. A small contingent deployed in late June to begin the initial assessment and prepare for the arrival of the main body. This small team completed an impressive amount of work in a short amount of time to prepare for a force capacity-building mission. In five weeks, the team developed a 4-week program of instruction incorporating the basics of infantry tactics. It included first aid training, weapons classes on the AK-47, explosive hazard and threat awareness, urban operations and cordon and search. When the main body Top: M Coy, Qayyarah West, Iraq, August 2018 arrived in early August, the focus began on constructing a camp capable of providing Above: Maj MacKenzie, OC M Coy and MWO Whan, real life support to a training audience of 300 CSM M Coy engaged in a quick competition with personnel. In the middle of the desert summer their counterparts during the AK-47 range. in temperatures upwards of + 50 degrees PRO PATRIA 2018  47

Celsius, M Coy erected a massive camp in 3 weeks before the arrival of the first training audience. However, the hard work had just begun, after an IST period, M Coy received the first training audience from the 3rd Ninawa Emergency Response Battalion (3rd ERB). Due to the detailed planning and thorough preparation of the advance party and main body, the 3rd ERB eagerly participated in all of the training and demonstrated an enthusiasm to learn from their Canadian counterparts. After a successful first serial, M Coy conducted two more courses training over 500 personnel from the 11th Ninawa Emergency Response Battalion and the 8th Salah Din. During the graduation of each course, a Top Canadian Instructor was recognized. These individuals showed incredible dedication going beyond their responsibility to present relevant, detailed lessons tailored to their training audience. MCpl Rosenfeld and Cpl’s Lavoie and Hillson were recognized as the Top Canadian Instructors of the first three serials of Wide Area Security Force Basic. Upon completion of the third course in early December, M Coy departed Iraq for a well-deserved HLTA to spend time with their loved ones and prepare to complete one more course in early January. In closing, 2018 proved to be an exceptionally high-tempo and rewarding year of training for M Coy. It began in the slopes of Calabogie, travelled to the frigid north of Nunavut, and then across the world to the heat of the Iraqi desert. This extraordinary year will no doubt remain one of the most exceptional for many of the members of M Coy. The experiences and knowledge gained will benefit the 3rd Battalion and the Regiment as a whole when our members transition into junior and senior leadership roles in the future. AIRBORNE! N COY By Capt Ryan Merriman This year was unrelenting for the soldiers of November Company. After a much deserved HLTA at the end of 2017, N Coy, found itself back in Ukraine on Op UNIFIER shortly after New Year’s Eve. This marked the halfway point in the deployment and raised everyone’s spirits. The Task Force was reinvigorated and extremely motivated to meet its objectives before handing over to the Royal Canadian Dragoons in March. In Yavoriv, at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre (IPSC), both training and company organization were beginning to change. For instance the incoming Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) training audience was to form a Battalion Tactical Group (BTG) and the new structure necessitated a deviation from the traditional three-platoon company in order to provide adequate mentoring. The company was therefore restructured to contain one rifle platoon and one anti-armour platoon with attachments from the artillery, armoured, engineers and combat service support groups. This newly formed “Charlie Company” would continue the day-to- day mentoring at IPSC, while the remaining members from the company would be tasked in small 2-8 man detachments and dispersed across the country to be embedded in other schools and training centers. This provided the Task Force with an excellent opportunity to expand its presence and improve training within the country as well as allowed junior leaders to make significant impacts on their Ukrainian counterparts, be they candidates, instructors or senior leaders. This change was the first step in a series of steps required to redefine how the Task Force operated overseas, and has further been expanded on and tweaked to this day. Discernable, lasting change is difficult to gauge following relatively short, six-month 48  PRO PATRIA 2018

deployments such as this, however the soldiers of N Coy returned to Canada knowing that its work went a long way towards assisting the AFU develop as an institution, and improving training to such an extent that operational casualties would most certainly be reduced in number. N Coy and the Task Force was relieved by the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD) on 17 March 2018, after which the company began looking forward to being with their families for a few weeks of post-deployment leave. However, with the tour over, change within 3 RCR was just beginning as the battalion leadership started to shift its focus back to Petawawa. The soldiers of N Coy would return from leave, and once again implement change but this time within their own unit as 3 RCR began preparations to adopt the new Light Forces Implementation Directive. Many soldiers quickly found themselves conducting training that had not been run in the infantry since the 1990s such as Pioneer, Anti-Armour (TOW) and Mortar courses. These soldiers would eventually be transferred to new Combat Support platoons later in 2018, not only demonstrating personal flexibility and professionalism but also contributing to the improvement of the Infantry Corps. Another big change in the company came at the senior leadership level, with the change of command of the OC and CSM. Major Pat Newman would pass on command to Major Ben Lacey and MWO Sean Benedict would hand over to MWO Donovan Crawford. N Coy hit the ground running after summer block leave moving straight into Future Soldier Technologies (FST) Trials. During the trial, members of N Coy worked closely with DRDC and DLR contracted scientists to design and execute trials to test variations in Modular Body Armour, a variety of Fire Control Systems (FCS) and the Integrated Soldier System Suite (ISS-S). During the Modular Body Armour trial soldiers donned armour with varying degrees of coverage and were tested based on their physical output and maneuverability in an obstacle course known as the LEAP course (originally designed by the US Marines) and during section attacks. The FCS trial on the other hand involved two live fire ranges employing 6 different FCS attached to a Modular Rail Rifle (a C7 variant). The first range tested the soldiers’ ability to acquire and engage moving targets at a range of 200+ meters and the second was an unknown distance shoot which had soldiers acquire the target, input the proper adjustments and engage in a defined time frame. The ISS-S study tested soldier’s abilities to relay information to one another in real time at the section level. The data collected and feedback from soldiers throughout FST will prove absolutely invaluable over the coming decade allowing DRDC and DLR to make decisions on future procurement for all soldiers across the CAF. N Coy in Ukraine during Op UNIFIER PRO PATRIA 2018  49

Concurrent to the FST trials, N Coy’s Sergeant Baskerville was planning and conducting an intensive training program that prepared soldiers of 2 CMBG and elements of 4 Cdn Div for the Canadian Patrol Concentration (CPC) 2018. This included a rigorous selection period to test soldiers from across the brigade and ultimately find two teams to represent 2 CMBG in Wainwright for the concentration. The training program included a mix of theoretical and practical training with a heavy focus on patrolling and reconnaissance operations. Soldiers also participated in a variety of dynamic ranges, rappelling, combat first aid, navigation and a culminating 36-hour continuous patrol. Thanks to such rigorous and carefully planned training our teams performed admirably! In the late fall N Coy was, once again, preparing to deploy internationally for an extended period of time. This time, the company was leading a group of soldiers from across The Regiment in assuming the ceremonial duties as the Queen’s Guard as part of Canada’s commitment to United Kingdom (UK) Public Duties. In doing so N Coy was to represent Canada N Coy soldiers conducting target acquisition in a high-profile setting and demonstrate The RCR’s and first hit ratio analysis with various sights during professionalism, dedication and commitment to dress the Fire Control Systems portion of FST trials and deportment on the international stage. As Queen’s Guard, soldiers were charged with guarding the sovereign and the official royal residences in the UK to include Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Tower of London. This took shape in two phases beginning in early fall with N Coy coordinating with each RCR battalion, Canadian Army, and the UK Household Division to create and prepare what would become The RCR Guard. Throughout the fall period, The RCR Guard, with assistance from UK military members from the Coldstream Guards and Irish Guards, spent long days practicing different parade sequences and preparing their personal uniforms in anticipation for their role. This culminated in early October with a full dress rehearsal in front of 2 CMBG and families. Shortly thereafter, The RCR Guard deployed to the UK to conduct final rehearsals. Before it could officially begin, however, the Guard had to pass one final inspection parade (or as it is known in the UK, “Fit for Role”), this time with the UK Household Division conducting the inspection. After many hours of practicing drill and polishing boots, The RCR Guard demonstrated they were ready to conduct Public Duties. The conduct of the Queen’s Guard saw soldiers visit a variety of locations generally off-limits to the public and experience the lengthy military history and cultural dynamic of the UK. For many of the soldiers, this was their first experience outside of Canada with the military and proved to be a once in a lifetime experience. Throughout the deployment, the soldiers of the RCR Guard demonstrated the utmost professionalism and proved to be excellent ambassadors of Canada. Major Ben Lacey was even invited to Windsor Castle for a private audience with The Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment, His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Together they discussed The Regiment, recent and ongoing operations, organizational 50  PRO PATRIA 2018