RCR_Pro_Patria_2017_Bk_WEB Final

Pro Patria 2017 Regimental Journal of The Royal Canadian Regiment



PRO PATRIA August 2018, Issue 99 Editor Capt Shawn Neville Technical Assistant: Cpl Adam Hodder 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 2017 Issue 99 Fellow Royal Canadians, RHQ saw a significant turnover of personnel this past year. Welcome to the new Regt Maj, RWO, Full Dress Stores NCO and Warehouse staff. As a nation we took time in 2017 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada. As many of you know 2017 was also important as it marked the 100th anniversary of several of our regiment’s World War I battle honours including four from the Arras Offensive (9 April to 15 May 1917) which are emblazoned on our regimental colours: VIMY, 1917; HILL 70; YPRES, 1917; and PASSCHENDAELE. Of the 61 battle honours that our Regiment has been awarded or perpetuates, perhaps no other stirs as much discussion as that of Vimy. Our front cover photo this year is the Canadian flag which celebrated its’ 52nd birthday as our country turned 150. Our back cover photo is of the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy which was unveiled in 1936. Pro Patria 2017 would not have been possible without the production of articles by members of our Regimental family. Please permit me to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to you all. Also, this marks 11 years for Lisa Twomey (Creative Spark) as our graphic designer for the regimental journal. Pro Patria! Shawn Neville Captain Regimental Adjutant 4 PRO PATRIA 2017

CONTENTS Colonel of the Regiment .................................................................................... 7 A Word from Gen. J.H. Vance ............................................................................ 9 Regimental Council .......................................................................................... 11 Battle Honours .................................................................................................. 13 Regimental Mentors ......................................................................................... 14 1 RCR ................................................................................................................ 15 2 RCR ................................................................................................................ 32 3 RCR ................................................................................................................ 48 4 RCR ................................................................................................................ 62 ERE ................................................................................................................... 73 The RCR Association ........................................................................................ 86 The RCR Museum ............................................................................................107 Cadets ............................................................................................................ 114 PRO PATRIA 2017 5

Departed Comrades ........................................................................................117 Individual Submission ......................................................................................120 Individual Submission ......................................................................................121 Individual Submission ......................................................................................124 Individual Submission ......................................................................................127 Individual Submission ......................................................................................129 Individual Submission ......................................................................................131 Individual Submission ......................................................................................133 Individual Submission ......................................................................................134 Missed Articles - Pro Patria 2016 .................................................................... 171 Forms .............................................................................................................. 182 The Last Word ................................................................................................ 193 6 PRO PATRIA 2017

COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT Greetings to all Royal Canadians, and families and friends of The Regiment. Again in 2017 our journal Pro Patria records and honours another year of loyal and dedicated service by Royal Canadians to our country and the world. The Regiment is represented by members serving in headquarters across our nation, in Allied formations in the United States and Europe, and on missions in the Middle East and Africa. The year also saw us move to the top of the army’s operational cycle, with Third Battalion deploying to Ukraine, and Second and First Battalions preparing for deployments to Latvia. MGen (ret’d) J.I. Fenton, OMM, CD In preparation for these missions, our Regular Force battalions have undergone increasingly complex and demanding field training. At the same time, a slow but steady stream of new soldiers and officers have joined our ranks. While effective strength of battalions is still less than ideal, reinforcements are on the way. Meanwhile, Fourth Battalion has good strength, and is adapting to the new Army Reserve policy, which opens up new opportunities for mission tasks for part-time soldiers. For those with a strong interest in history, 2017 marked a sobering and important anniversary, that being the centenary of a pivotal year in World War I: 1917 was marked especially by such Canadian victories as Vimy Ridge, Hill 70 and Passchendaele. The year 1917 would see the Allies finally learn to apply earlier lessons and develop coordinated devastating offensive strategies on several fronts. Then, in 2018, we will mark the end of that terrible conflict: the Regimental cost of World War I was 704 killed, and 2,101 wounded. Our veterans of World War I are gone, as are most of our World War II veterans. Even the ranks of our Korea exemplars are thinning. In 2017 we lost, among many others, Cpl Jim Gunn. When the Korean War broke out, young Jim “borrowed” his older brother’s ID, and joined the army underage. The “most interesting” night of his tour was the Battle of Hill 187, where he was commanding Third Battalion’s sniper section. In this, the fiercest battle fought by any Canadian battalion in the entire war, Jim’s position was overrun. He was captured and spent the last few months of the war as “a guest of the Chinese”. Jim was a fine gentleman, who was a longstanding member of the Korea Veterans’ Association, and the Ottawa Branch of The RCR Association. He was a true Royal Canadian. Our Association continues to serve all Royal Canadians, and is undergoing an energetic examination of its processes, structure and functions, under the leadership of Chair Jim PRO PATRIA 2017 7

MacInnis. I encourage serving members to become involved in the Association, so that they can better benefit from its unique capacities and offerings, such as bursaries and emergency assistance funds, as well as warm and supportive comradeship in Branches across Canada. Please read in this edition about one fine example of how our Association helps serving and retired members alike: the Royal Camino march, spearheaded by Dave Brydon and Rusty Bassarab of the Kingston Branch. Serving Royal Canadians continue to be inspired by those who have gone before them. Our history, traditions and the impressive accomplishments by our forebears all continue to inspire and motivate today’s soldiers. Both 2017 and 2018 are peak years in terms of the number of Royals on operations, in Eastern Europe and in conflict zones around the world. Strong, inspired leadership at all levels will be key to operational success. To emphasize and enhance the valuable lessons contained in regimental tradition and experience, we have instituted a new course for our senior NCOs, who are the key leaders in our battalions. The Regimental Sergeants’ Indoctrination Course is modelled loosely on the longstanding Regimental Officer’s Indoctrination Course, covering topics such as regimental history, traditions and leadership. Today’s leaders, inspired by examples of the past, will take our Regiment proudly into the future, in continued service of our beloved Canada. Pro Patria! 8 PRO PATRIA 2017

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, It has been another busy year for the Canadian Armed Forces and our Regiment. With our continued commitment to international and domestic operations, the Canadian Armed Forces and the Regiment remain focused upon achieving operational success, as well as institutional evolution as we pursue the initiatives within the Government of Canada’s Defence Policy. We have continued to add to our long and proud tradition of service to this great country with both individual Gen JH Vance, CMM, MSC, CD and unit deployments in support of domestic and international missions including Op UNIFIER in the Ukraine, Op REASSURANCE in Latvia, Op IMPACT, and Op LENTUS in response to flooding in Quebec. Several other missions abroad included the efforts of many Royal Canadians whom demonstrated their leadership and ability to carry the traditions of The Regiment forward under all circumstances. As I pen this, 1st Battalion has been declared operationally ready for deployment, 2nd Battalion is deployed to Latvia, and 3rd Battalion has just returned from its deployment to the Ukraine. With the Canadian Armed Forces’ recent increased commitment to peace support operations in Africa, it is clear that the demand for Canadian participation in missions abroad remains high. The importance of the tasks that many of our ERE members are undertaking for the benefit of our forces is immeasurable. Their efforts are assisting greatly with the reintroduction of specialist platoons, strengthening the Army Reserve, and contributing to the restructuring of Light Forces thereby setting the conditions for future success and demonstrating the professionalism for which we are known. Over the course of my duties, I have been fortunate to have consistently encountered serving and former serving members of the Regiment, as well as members of The RCR Association. In each instance, they have reached out and willingly shared their fond memories of service with our fine Regiment. While many remain engaged in business, charities and activities that continue to support the Regiment long after their retirements, we as a Regimental family continue to be fortunate for the incredible public support that both our Regiment and the Canadian Armed Forces receive. This owes in no small part to the professionalism displayed in carrying out your tasks, community engagement and volunteering, and by fulfilling your duties in a manner that brings great credit to Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces and The Royal Canadian Regiment. As a testament to the significance of our Regiment within our communities, it is encouraging to note that the Regimental museum remains among the top military museums in Canada. PRO PATRIA 2017 9

The efforts of the Museum staff and volunteers are incredible. Their devotion to the museum and the Regiment has told our history first hand to thousands of visitors by those who lived through it. The RCR Museum recently completed several substantial projects including a renewed Roll of Honour, the re-invigorated First World War exhibit, and the Topography of Grief Mapping project. These initiatives ensure that we commemorate past sacrifices and that we are mindful of the cost not just to soldiers, but to their families and the communities where we live and whom we serve. While the future will continue to be busy for the Canadian Armed Forces, I am extremely confident that we as a Regiment will meet all tasks with the utmost professionalism and competence, exhibiting the qualities for which our Regiment is known for. To all members of our Regimental family, I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation. I wish you all good luck and continued success in everything you do. Pro Patria Jonathan H. Vance General Chief of the Defence Staff 10 PRO PATRIA 2017

THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT COUNCIL THE REGIMENTAL SENATE Appointment As of December 2017 As of printing September 2018 Chair MGen O.H. Lavoie, OMM, MSC, CD MGen O.H. Lavoie, OMM, MSC, CD Regimental Secretary LCol S.D.C. Trenholm, CD LCol J.N.E. Pellicano, CD Members Colonel of The Regiment MGen J.I. Fenton, OMM, CD (Ret’d) The Right Honourable David Lloyd Johnston, PC, CC, CMM, COM, CD Former Colonels of The Regiment Col W.J. Aitchison, OMM, CD (Ret’d) MGen J.I. Fenton, OMM, CD (Ret’d) MGen W.M. Holmes, MBE, MSM, CD (Ret’d) Col W.J. Aitchison, OMM, CD (Ret’d) MGen T.F. de Faye, CMM, CD (Ret’d) MGen W.M. Holmes, MBE, MSM, CD (Ret’d) MGen T.F. de Faye, CMM, CD (Ret’d) Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel 4 RCR Col W.J. Pettipas, CD (Ret’d) 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, OMM, MSC, CD MGen O.H. Lavoie, OMM, MSC, CD BGen M.E.K. Campbell, CD MGen S.J.R. Whelan, OMM, MSM, CD BGen S.J.R. Whelan, OMM, MSM, 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 Chairperson REC Col J.D.V. Vass, CD Col J.D.V. Vass, CD Regimental Colonel Col P.K. Scott, CD Col R.W. McBride, MSM, CD Chairperson The RCR Association Maj J. MacInnis, CD (Ret’d) BGen J.S. Cox, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Chairperson of the Advisory Board (as appointed by the Colonel of The Regiment) Vacant Vacant 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 S.G. Hartnell, MMM, MSM, 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 M.L. Baisley, MMM, MSC, CD (Ret’d) 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 2017 As of printing September 2018 Chairperson Col J.D.V. Vass, CD Col J.D.V. Vass, CD Regimental Secretary LCol S.D.C. Trenholm, CD LCol J.N.E. Pellicano, CD Members Regimental Colonel Col P.K. Scott, CD Col R.W. McBride, MSM, CD CO 1 RCR LCol S.K. MacBeth, MSM, CD LCol S.K. MacBeth, MSM, CD CO 2 RCR LCol S.M. French, CD LCol S.M. French, CD CO 3 RCR LCol K.W. Reeves, CD LCol K.W. Reeves, CD CO 4 RCR LCol M.W. Anderson, CD LCol P.J. Reintjes, CD Chairperson The RCR Trust Fund Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) PRO PATRIA 2017 11

THE REGIMENTAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ... CONTINUED Appointment As of December 2017 As of printing September 2018 Chairperson of The RCR Association Maj J. MacInnis, MMM, CD (Ret’d) BGen J. Cox, OMM, CD (Ret’d) RCWO CWO S.G. Hartnell, MMM, MSM, CD CWO K.M. Olstad, MMM, CD RSM 1 RCR CWO J.C. Copeland, MMM, CD CWO J.C. Copeland, MMM, CD RSM 2 RCR CWO K.R. Venus, CD CWO M.D. Anderson, CD RSM 3 RCR CWO A.J. Durnford, CD CWO A.J. Durnford, CD RSM 4 RCR MWO J. A. Burke, CD CWO J. A. Burke, CD Treasurer – Regimental Major Maj T.J.E Robinson, MMM, CD Maj T.J.E Robinson, MMM, CD Secretary – Regimental Adjutant Capt S.B. Neville, CD Capt S.B. Neville, CD Any other persons appointed by the Chair of the REC NON-GOVERNING BODIES WITHIN THE REGIMENT THE RCR TRUST Appointment As of December 2017 As of printing September 2018 Chairman Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Vice-Chairman CWO D.W. Preeper, MMM, CD (Ret’d) MWO R. Hills, MMM, CD (Ret’d) Treasurer Maj W.D.O. Nolan, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Maj W.D.O. Nolan, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Secretary Maj G.C. Carbert, CD (Ret’d) Maj G.C. Carbert, CD (Ret’d) Chairman Association – ex officio Maj J. MacInnis, CD (Ret’d) BGen J.S. Cox, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Regimental Secretary – ex officio LCol S.D.C. Trenholm, CD LCol J.N.E. Pellicano, CD Regimental Major – ex officio Maj T.J.E Robinson, MMM, CD Maj T.J.E Robinson, MMM, CD Member BGen G.J.P. O’Brien, OMM, MSC, CD (Ret’d) BGen G.J.P. O’Brien, OMM, MSC, CD (Ret’d) Member CWO R.P.M. Talach, CD CWO R.P.M. Talach, CD THE RCR MUSEUM BOARD Appointment As of December 2017 As of printing September 2018 Chairman Mr John Mombourquette Mr John Mombourquette Honorary LCol 4 RCR – ex officio Col W.J. Pettipas, CD (Ret’d) Hon LCol B. Burnham Regimental Secretary – ex officio LCol S.D.C. Trenholm, CD LCol J.N.E. Pellicano, CD Regimental Major – ex officio Maj T.J.E Robinson, MMM, CD Maj T.J.E Robinson, MMM, CD Regimental Chief Warrant Officer – ex officio CWO S.G. Hartnell, MMM, MSM, CD CWO K.M. Olstad, MMM, CD Chairman Trust – ex officio Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Secretary, Director/Curator Dr. Georgiana Stanciu Dr. Georgiana Stanciu Members BGen M.E.K. Campbell, CD BGen M.E.K. Campbell, CD Dr. J. Vance Dr. J. Vance Ms. Ann Fleming Ms. Ann Fleming Mr. P. Fox Mr. P. Fox COS 31 CBG – ex officio LCol D.G. Fearon, MSM, CD Maj C.B. Beatty, CD 12 PRO PATRIA 2017

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 Passchendaele Ortona Saskatchewan Amiens Cassino II North-West Canada, 1885 Drocourt -Queant Gustav Line Paardeberg Hindenburg Line Liri Valley South Africa, 1899-1900 Canal du Nord Hitler Line Ypres 1915, 1917 Cambrai, 1918 Gothic Line Gravenstafel Pursuit to Mons Lamone Crossing St. Julien France & Flanders, 1915-18 Misano Ridge Festubert, 1915 Landing in Sicily Rimini Line Mount Sorrel Valguarnera San Martino-San Lorenzo Somme, 1916 Agira Pisciatello Pozieres Adrano Fosso Vecchio Flers-Courcelette Regalbuto Italy, 1943-1945 Ancre Heights Sicily 1943 Apeldoorn Arras 1917, 1918 Landing at Reggio North-West Europe, 1945 Vimy 1917 Motta Montecorvino Korea, 1951-1953 Arleux 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: MGen J.I. Fenton, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Allied with: The Rifles The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers The Jamaica Regiment NB. Afghanistan will be emblazoned on future Regimental Colours PRO PATRIA 2017 13

REGIMENTAL MENTORS egimental Mentors (typically Lieutenant-Colonels), Assistant Mentors (typically Majors or RCaptains), and Other Rank Mentors (typically Chief Warrant Officers or Master Warrant Officers) will be appointed by the Regimental Colonel (currently Colonel Peter Scott) 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 James Price) and the Regimental Chief Warrant Officer (CWO Stu Hartnell) 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 September 2018 1. 1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment: LCol Steve MacBeth; CWO John Copeland. 2. 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment: LCol Sean French; CWO Darryl Anderson. 3. 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment: LCol Kris Reeves; CWO Andrew Durnford. 4. 4th Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment: LCol Pete Reintjes, CWO Jeffrey Burke. 5. Petawawa-Based ERE: LCol Aaron Williams (Petawawa, Pembroke, North Bay, Sudbury, and Northern Ontario); CWO Andrew Durnford; Maj Tim Robinson (Asst Mentor). 6. Ontario: Ontario: LCol John Summerfield (Toronto Area and Overall Senior Ontario Mentor); LCol Ryan Moore (Kingston Area); Maj Mike Plaunt (Meaford); and MWO Sean Benedict (Meaford). 7. NCR and Quebec: LCol Ben Irvine; Maj Greg Miller (Asst Mentor); CWO Lewis Lavoie (NCR); and CWO Andrew Durnford (Quebec). 8. Atlantic Canada: LCol Eleanor Taylor; and CWO Vladimir Zalik (Atlantic). 9. Northern and Western Canada: LCol Damon Dyer; 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 Trevor Norton (Deputy Regimental Colonel); and CWO Keith Olstad (Regimental Chief Warrant Officer) 14 PRO PATRIA 2017

1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment COMMANDING OFFICER’S INTRODUCTION 2016-2017 marked my first year in Command of the 1st Battalion; throughout the year the soldiers and officers met the challenge of the road to high readiness head on and excelled in every given task. Initiative, strong soldier skills and a spirit of innovation drove the Battalion through 210 days in the field and a successful Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE evolution in Wainwright, Alberta. Our soldiers lived in the field for 90 days, surviving the worst that the weather and the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre LCol S MacBeth, MSC CD (CMTC) OPFOR could offer. Along the way, they built and executed an intensive level 5 range that spread over 35 kms and multiple objectives. It integrated Combined Arms, Joint Fires and allowed Cbt Teams the freedom to manoeuvre and strike from various vantage points. I was exceptionally proud of the team and our ability to execute over 40 cbt teams by day and night and the see the increasing confidence of the team while working in their primary role as infanteers on the advance. The end of Wainwright marked not only the initiation of deployments but a changing of the Regimental Sergeant Major. The Battalion said good-bye to CWO Lavoie in grand style 1 RCR and welcomed back CWO Copeland into the fold. We are blessed to have the depth of leadership and experience in our NCO Corp and have benefitted from the loyal counsel of these great Royals. As the Battalion shifted its focus from training to deployments, we took the time to reset and dedicate efforts on competition. I was proud to see 1 RCR win the National Combatives championship, led by Cpl Sanderson, overwhelming mixed unit squads from 1 and 5 CMBG. Simultaneously, under the leadership of Sgt Simpson, the Battalion handily won the annual Ironman competition setting a tone of commitment to excellence with his determined training regimen and team based approach. The fall was closed off with a 1 RCR generated CWO J.C. Copeland, MMM, CD rifle team, led by Sgt Leblanc and Sgt Reid that competed and were victorious at Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms PRO PATRIA 2017 15

Concentration (CAFSAC). The team took home the soldiers cup, the overall championship and had a Queen’s Medal winner in the C-7 shoot. Competitions have a place in our Army and the level of dedication that junior leaders put into training our soldiers and demonstrating with these three examples that 1 RCR is prepared to march, and are experts in the martial skills of unarmed combat and marksmanship. We have deployed a number of Officers and Senior NCO’s to the Middle Eastern Theatre and they have been active in US Divisional HQs in the fight against ISIS and retaking Iraqi territory. The majority of our deployments this year will come at the end of the deployment cycle and we will see a small Company Group under the Command of Major Mark Smith, deploy to the Ukraine in March to support the RCD led Op UNIFIER task force. Following that the remainder of the Battalion will be split between generating LAV 6.0 and TAPV capability in Petawawa or preparing for the Op REASSURANCE enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup task in Latvia. This will see approximately 300 soldiers from the Battalion deployed: The Duke’s Company under Major Aaron Corey, Combat Support under Captain Cullen Downey and Admin Company under Major Travis Hanes. These capabilities will integrate under the BG HQ provided by 1 RCR and will be supported by 800 NATO soldiers, contributed by 8 nations. It should prove to be a great experience and provide the opportunity for our soldiers to support the CDS “detect and deter” line of effort and hone their skills in an exciting and dynamic environment. My Leadership team is constantly amazed at the abilities and capacity of the Battalion and the Regiment. We anticipate another great year upcoming and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead on deployment, the change of command and scanning the horizon to the next road to high readiness. Pro Patria THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S COMPANY The Duke of Edinburgh’s Company enjoyed a busy year of training with many lessons learned throughout. The year began with the battalion headquarters and much of the key company leadership involved in Exercise UNIFIED RESOLVE II, a level 6 Computer-Assisted Exercise (CAX) held in Kingston, ON. The headquarters group put forward an impressive showing in the scenario that would subsequently set them up for success at Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17. The beginning of 2017 also saw The Duke’s Coy put renewed emphasis on LAV Crew training, with successive serials of the LAV 6.0 Gunner and LAV 6.0 Crew Commander courses running. Pte White from The Duke’s Coy was among the top 3 LAV 6.0 Gunner Candidates from across the battalion, demonstrating a strong understanding of the LAV 6.0 turret systems. Command of The Duke’s Coy officially changed hands on 01 March 2017 when Major Joe Tobin handed the reins to Major Aaron Corey. The change of leadership in the company prepared The Duke’s for its second iteration of Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17 at the CMTC in Wainwright, AB in as many years, a task for which it would prove to be very well prepared. The Duke’s Coy deployed to Wainwright in late March of 2017 to begin the task of building a Level 5 Live Fire range with one of the most ambitious validation traces to be conducted in many years. This range, Exercise RUGGED BEAR, the 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade 16 PRO PATRIA 2017

Group (CMBG) Level 5 (Combat Team) Live-Fire validation exercise, saw an incredible amount of ammunition expended and tough training conducted through three challenging and distinct objectives. The Duke’s Coy acted as the proving force, both dry and live, by day and by night, and set a very high standard for the other manoeuvre sub-units to follow in their own subsequent validation iterations. Following Exercise RUGGED BEAR, The Duke’s Coy conducted Exercise TOMAHAWK FURY, a challenging level six defensive exercise, which provided for a good shakeout prior to the culminating exercise. Before launching into Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17 however, the soldiers and officers of The Duke’s Coy enjoyed a quick and well deserved R&R in Edmonton. Back from R&R, The Duke’s Coy conducted full-spectrum operations over a week-long exercise spanning most of the Wainwright training area. The soldiers of The Duke’s Coy were challenged with offensive, defensive, enabling and stability tasks, which included a rapid response to a simulated downed helicopter, ultimately demonstrating the flexibility, competence and well-rounded skill-set of its personnel. For their outstanding performance, WO Jason Brown received the Comd 2 CMBG’s coin in recognition of his contributions to the Brigade’s success and Cpl Ryan Hazelden was recognized for his outstanding work as the OC’s signaller and awarded the Comd 4 Cdn Div’s coin. The final week of Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE saw the Duke’s Coy teamed with an American M1 Abrams tank squadron as well as a coy of Bradley IFVs acting in the capacity of OPFOR. As OPFOR, The Duke’s Coy provided challenging and dynamic training for the soldiers of 2 RCR and the RCD. Stewardship of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Company officially changed hands on 26 June 2017, when MWO Sergio Tomasi handed over to MWO Pat Lemieux. This change of leadership in the company set the conditions for the second half of the years training. Following Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17, The Duke’s Coy returned to Petawawa to participate 19 TAC reminds us it’s not all serious business (From left to right: MCpl Chase, Cpl Suttcliffe, and Cpl Knight) PRO PATRIA 2017 17

in some ceremonial tasks before departing on summer block leave. The return from leave saw the Duke’s participate in a dynamic shooting package on the small arms ranges as part of the Bravo Coy led Exercise ROYAL GUNFIGHTER. Summer 2017 also saw the company complete a two-week patrolling school called Exercise SNEAKY ROYAL in which patrolling tactics up to platoon-level were refreshed and confirmed practically with platoon ambushes. The end of Exercise SNEAKY ROYAL coincided with the final exercise of the 1 RCR Basic Recce Patrolman course, and The Duke’s Coy capitalized on an excellent training opportunity acting as the follow-on force for the course. After completing a challenging night infil, a company raid was launched on the Ortona Urban Ops Village. Overall the summer 2017 training schedule allowed The Duke’s Company to get back to the fundamentals of patrolling and ensure that Battalion SOPs for patrolling were clearly understood and confirmed throughout the company. Late August saw Op DONNYBROOK, the battalion initiative to re-invigorate unarmed combat in the ranks, which culminated in a combatives tournament. Among the many entertaining and hard-fought bouts was one that pitted OC Duke’s versus OC Bravo, with The Duke’s Company emerging victorious. Sgt Sean Lamb from The Duke’s Coy was instrumental in coaching the many fighters from The Duke’s Coy that competed in the tournament. The Duke’s will look to continue to reinforce the importance of unarmed combat moving forward. The fall training schedule for The Duke’s Coy involved supporting Battalion PCF courses such as the LAV 6.0 Driver and LAV 6.0 Crew Commander Conversion as well The Duke’s Coy reacts to a downed Helo during Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 17 Above Right: Maj Corey and MWO Tomasi command The Duke’s Coy during Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 17 18 PRO PATRIA 2017

Pte Best grappling with Cpl Sanderson during the Op DONNYBROOK competition as providing support to Exercise COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT from section leadership to general duties personnel. The Duke’s Coy also contributed a strong contingent to the 1 RCR IRONMAN team, with Maj Aaron Corey, MCpl Max Esau and Cpl Nicholas Lafleur contributing to the 1 RCR team victory. Late October then saw the emphasis placed on Level 2 and Level 3 training. Duke’s Coy completed level 2 live fire by day and night and deployed for a week of Level 3 dry training in the lead up to Level 3 Live Fire in November as part of Exercise ROYAL RAMPAGE. The Duke’s Coy also organized and executed the Kowang-San competition on 20 Oct 17, which would see the soldiers of The Duke’s Coy put forward an impressive showing, demonstrating their resolve and physical toughness in a challenging course. In November, the company completed Exercise CP TOPAZ, which saw the company conduct two weeks of tactical vignettes that would trial and challenge the new emerging system, CAPABILITY PACK TOPAZ. Exercise CP TOPAZ saw the company conduct the full spectrum of operations by day and by night, pushing the limits of the new system to provide a realistic assessment of its strengths and limitations and confirm its operability within a conventional environment. After a challenging and rewarding year The Duke’s Coy enjoyed a well-deserved Christmas leave to rest and recuperate before returning to work and the New Year’s tasks at hand, support Op UNIFIER and Op REASSURANCE. Pro Patria. BRAVO COMPANY 2017 began with Bravo Company well underway on the Road to High Readiness. The company’s vehicle fleet began shipment to Wainwright while a final PCF cycle and gun camp were conducted to achieve required qualifications for Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17. On 05 March, a battalion re-org was conducted to achieve two fully manned companies, and Bravo welcomed soldiers from Charles Coy who became 5 Platoon, establishing the company at full manning. On 20 March, the first Bravo soldiers deployed to CFB Wainwright where the company was responsible for the build and execution of Exercise RUGGED BEAR, the Level 5 Combat Team live fire ranges for Task Force Tomahawk. A truly complex range with three objectives saddled along Khaki Trail in the Permanent Danger Area, the trace was made up of five overlapping manouevre areas, with dozens of support weapons templates, accommodating everything from 5.56mm to 120mm rounds, along with both 81mm and 155mm artillery support. The complex terrain and hour by hour shifting weather made the ranges challenging PRO PATRIA 2017 19

for both staff and PTA, however Bravo Coy successfully executed both its own combat team attacks, and oversaw seven range iterations for the rest of 2 CMBG. Following Ex RUGGED BEAR, the brigade conducted a defensive shakeout, Exercise TOMAHAWK FURY, which began Bravo Coy’s long association with the village of ‘Ashigli,’ which was occupied and defended for the first of three times. Following the successful conduct of Exercise TOMAHAWK FURY, the company enjoyed a well-deserved break which saw soldiers departing for a brief R&R in Edmonton before commencing Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17. During Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 17, Bravo Coy had the unique opportunity to participate as BLUEFOR in both phases of the exercise. During week 1, Bravo Coy fought as part of the 1 RCR Battlegroup, bravely defending Ashigli for the second time, and absorbing a significant armored thrust from the 2 RCR OPFOR without breaking. Notably, the battle was conducted in two parts, with Bravo’s LAV Captain, Capt James Albidone, leading a complex and highly effective screening battle with the zulu LAVs, supported by the expertise of the platoon LAV sergeants. Following a successful fight, Bravo returned from the field to conduct a rapid refit, and also conducted a change of command. After a successful and well respected command, both Maj Jeff Lloyd and MWO Anthony Jones said goodbye to the company, handing over to Maj Marc Kieley and MWO Steve Hopkins. Now under the Royal Canadian Dragoon Battlegroup, Bravo fought against the 1 RCR OPFOR – a combination of The Duke’s Coy reinforced by US Army Abrams tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles. Bravo soon found itself back in the trenches of Ashigli, as Duke’s Coy Combat Team fully penetrated the 2 CMBG lines, linked up with a British Army air-assault force, and enveloped the company from the rear. Despite overwhelming odds, and a demoralizing outbreak of moldy ration cornbread, Bravo Coy held the city, and was rewarded with a refreshing 12 hour break as the surviving 10% of the company waited for ‘reinforcements’ to return from Zombie Land. Returning to the offense, Bravo Coy seized two villages before culminating Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 17 with an admittedly out of scenario midnight raid on the 1 RCR OPFOR HQ. Over late May and early June, the coy returned from Wainwright and saw a number of changes as the Battalion conducted a re-organization and members were posted during APS. After saying goodbye to RSM Lavoie, the company finally departed on a hard earned summer leave throughout July. In August, Bravo conducted Exercise ROYAL GUNFIGHTER, focusing on close in shooting drills working up to the PWT4 and introducing soldiers to the Sig P226 pistol as well as a variety of optical sights for the C7 and C8. Following Exercise ROYAL GUNFIGHTER, Bravo Coy conducted the first 25mm LAV overhead fire ‘crack thump’ range ever conducted by the Army, paving the way to incorporate LAV flanking and overhead fire in future live fire training. In early September several members of Bravo competed in the Petawawa IRONMAN, with Bravo’s new LAV Captain, Josh MacAulay, serving as team captain with Sgt Donny Simpson (23L) designing the team’s training plan. 1 RCR’s team put in an incredible performance, easily seizing first place. Of note CSM Hopkins completed the IRONMAN for his first time, achieving a respectable finish despite attempting to drown himself twice during the canoe portion. Up next was Exercise COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT. In recognition of the excellent performance of Bravo Company during Exercise COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT 2016, the company was tasked 20 PRO PATRIA 2017

with the entire infantry component of the event. Over two weeks in September, Bravo conducted six iterations of the exercise, demonstrating both dismounted and mechanized skills to guests of the Canadian Army. First patrolling in to seize the village of Ortona, then linking up with LAVs to destroy an enemy section dug in on the Mattawa Plain, Bravo soldiers enjoyed the opportunity to display their infantry skills to visitors from the local community, joint services, and VIPs. In recognition of the hard work demonstrated by the Coy throughout September, Bravo conducted Exercise MEAGRE REWARD on 27 September. Starting in Area 6, the coy rappelled into canoes to spend the day on the Barron River. Never missing an opportunity to enhance the adventure of any training event, Capt MacAulay led Bravo past the designated portage and straight down a set of class III rapids. Overcoming the initial surprise, the soldiers of Bravo Coy proved their watermanship skills, helping each other work their way through the rapids. Despite the loss of several canoes, and thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment, everyone later agreed that it had been ‘fun’ after all, and a diorama of the event can now be found in the company office. Throughout October, Bravo conducted ranges working up from the PWT 3 to section live to prepare for Exercise STORMING BEAR. During this ex, Bravo was tasked to design, build, and execute platoon live fire ranges in Area 6 for the battalion. Despite heavy fog, the platoons rapidly destroyed their objectives by day and night. To recognize Halloween, the company conducted a section level march and shoot competition, where soldiers were tested on their military skills – navigating across the training area and conducting skill stands, ending in a pumpkin carving competition and shotgun range. The teams were offered bonus points to carve pumpkins in effigy of Sgt Chris Krieger (21L), with the caveat that he would personally judge any pumpkins claiming to represent him, during which he demanded detailed explanations from the soldiers as to how and why they felt their pumpkins resembled him. Bravo Coy canoeing during Ex MEAGRE REWARD PRO PATRIA 2017 21

Bravo Coy during their Halloween March and Shoot Competition In November, Bravo received the honour of forming the Army contingent for the National Remembrance Day Service in Ottawa. 50 Bravo soldiers stood on parade at the National Cenotaph, while the remainder of the company and battalion participated in the audience. It was a unique and memorable experience for the company, as many of the soldiers had never attended the national ceremony before. As 2017 came to a close, Bravo Coy was tasked to provide the infantry component of Op UNIFIER Roto 5, deploying to Ukraine in March 2018, once again under the Royal Canadian Dragoons. This saw the company leadership, officers, and NCOs stand up with the Task Force in late November to commence pre-deployment training. While splitting the company is bittersweet, thanks to the hard work of CSM Hopkins, every qualified gunner and driver from the company has been tasked to a position for Op REASSURANCE Roto 10, remaining soldiers moved to stand-up Charles Coy and commence a dedicated PCF cycle as well as get first hands on the incoming TAPV fleet. As 2018 approaches, all members of Bravo Coy can look back at a year of hard training – filled with challenges that were overcome and significant accomplishments that were achieved – but also of fond memories of finding the fun to be had in every task. CHARLES COMPANY Prior to winter block leave, Charles Coy was involved in multiple training events and PCF courses from the previous year. After achieving a focus on collective battalion level training, Charles Coy began 2017 by highlighting individual warrior skills with a view to increase the company’s warrior ethos. In support for 1st Battalion’s preparation for deployment and training exercises, Charles Company was stood down in March 2017. The existing platoons from Charles Coy supplemented both Bravo and The Dukes Coys. This emphasis on individual soldier skills began with a winter warfare exercise where soldiers honed their winter survival skills. Troops focused on how to properly dress in the winter, ski and snowshoe training, establishing improvised winter shelters, as well as how to catch and prepare food. To emphasize the importance of the warrior ethos and to meet the CO’s intent of executing a progressive Close Quarter Combat program, Charles Coy participated 22 PRO PATRIA 2017

in Op DONNYBROOK. This Op sought to improve competency in the Bn’s CQC skillset by establishing Coy level combative training which culminated in a Bn CQC tournament. Following this, Charles Coy participated in live-fire ranges to improve and sustain the troops’ skills on multiple weapon systems. IBTS ranges were conducted for the 84mm, M72, and C-19. Charles Company also supported PCF courses such as the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) course, WDM/AGLS course, and assisted 2 RCHA with the LAV III Driver course. Participating in these ranges and courses prepared soldiers for their upcoming tasks and the Battalion pre-deployment efforts. Charles Coy stood back up in January 2018. The Coy received an influx of troops in early December and spent the weeks leading up to the winter leave organizing and preparing in anticipation of the official stand up. Charles Coy moves into 2018 eager to continue training and excited to support our missions overseas and abroad. ECHO COMPANY The 2017 calendar year was a busy one for 1 RCR’s Combat Support Company. Led by Captain Cullen Downey and Master Warrant Officer Paul Pay, Echo Coy shouldered more than their share of the tasks throughout the year. Each of the platoons conducted the full Road to High Readiness (RTHR) as well as various PCF, support to DLR trials and force generation for deployed operations. Reconnaissance Platoon Recce platoon, commanded by Captain James Albidone and Warrant Officer Matt Russell, commenced the year preparing and deploying to Wainwright for Exercise RUGGED BEAR, Exercise TOMAHAWK FURY, and Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17. Their first task in early March, prior to March break, was to prepare the intake of new platoon commanders for Exercise RUGGED BEAR by completing a level 3 live convoy range. The range offered a chance for new platoon commanders to familiarize themselves with their platoons prior to conducting live combat team attacks. Once March Break had finished, Recce Platoon deployed to Wainwright with the remainder of the Bn and conducted a variety of recce specific tasks including link-ups with the combat teams, screening objectives and providing information and security during the force-on-force portions of Exercise TOMAHAWK FURY and Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17. Course photo for Basic PRO PATRIA 2017 23 Recce Patrolmen 1701

Members of Recce Immediately upon return from Platoon conduct an Wainwright, Recce Pl finalized airmobile insertion in all planning and coordination in support of BTAC order to run an over loaded Basic Reconnaissance Patrolman course. The 35 day course was conducted with a total of 49 candidates arriving from five different units across the Brigade including 1 RCR, 2 RCR, RCD, 2 RCHA and 2 CER. The course included the usual high tempo mix of training in the areas of navigation, battle procedure, observation posts, close-target reconnaissance, rappelling, and assault boats. The course culminated at the end of August after a grueling seven weeks. The final FTX, Exercise REALITY CHECK also incorporated brigade assets to include an armoured troop from the Dragoons, as well as teams from 2 RCHA providing STA and MUAS to compliment Recce’s skills. All assets were built into the final exercise planning process and utilized in the development of the final objective. The assets were layered to ensure continuous coverage, so the objective could be defined and handed over to The Duke’s Company Follow-on Force. This provided greater exposure to the handover process for both the course candidates as well as the course staff. Additionally, this gave the armoured and infantry recce commanders a chance to address some of the lessons learned from Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17 and continue to develop this capability. Lastly, during the conduct of the course, the course staff started supporting the initial trials of the Patrol Collection Kit (PCK) and Wave Relay radio with Director Land Requirements (DLR) and 1 RCR Signals Platoon. Immediately upon completion of the course, Recce Platoon participated in Exercise COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT and showcased some of its capabilities and employment concepts. Once completed, Recce Platoon transitioned into support of the Basic Tactical Aviation Course (BTAC) 1702 run by 438 and 450 Sqns. The course which aims to develop a pilot’s understanding and familiarization with ground forces, was run over a 2 week period. Air mission coordination meetings were a focal point, which saw pilots and section commanders developing key control measures and planning considerations in order to execute missions effectively. This led the platoon into fall IBTS training which culminated with Recce Pl participating in the Level 3 live range and conducting a dismounted raid. To close out the year, Recce Platoon continued the trials with DLR on the PCK and Wave Relay Radio to further test the capabilities of the system. Not only did Recce Platoon demonstrate their skillset through the year but Cpl C.J. Longaphie was the winner of the 2 CMBG Award for Proficiency. The award is handed out for ‘Displaying the highest standard of Leadership, Dedication, Competence and Physical Fitness within the Brigade.’ Sniper Platoon Much like Recce Platoon, and 1 RCR, Snipers had a very busy year. Sniper Platoon, commanded by Sergeant Sean Reid, commenced their year with their deployment to Wainwright in which they participated in training that ranged from them operating as individual detachments within the Battalion to one of many layered assets at Brigade level. Upon returning from Wainwright, Snipers were pulled in a myriad of directions. They 24 PRO PATRIA 2017

were tasked as team captain and coach for the 2017 CAFSAC team. The team tryouts and training started in July immediately upon return from summer leave until the competition in September. The team was comprised entirely of first time shooters from both 1 RCR and the RCDs. They went on to be very successful during the competition with a couple of highlights being winning the Letson trophy and Queens’s medal. Concurrently, the remainder of sniper platoon prepared for the Canadian International Sniper Concentration along with 3 RCR snipers. They worked together for 3 weeks to refresh and hone the skills required to be competitive for the event, which receives international attention from many snipers teams. The team took home a lot of lessons learned as well as sharing TTPs and esprit de corps with other nations. While conducting these two major Members of the 2017 CAFSAC team celebrate Pte Sobczak’s win of a Queen’s competitions, Sniper Platoon, with 3 Medal RCR, prepared candidates for the basic sniper course. The basic sniper course began in August and finished in late October with success rate of 83% for 1 RCR’s candidates. Remaining members of the platoon, specifically 66B, showcased their capabilities during Exercise COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT, the Basic Tactical Aviation Course and assisted with the PCK and Wave Relay trials. Sniper Platoon excelled at every task they received and still completed training as a platoon in the late fall. Signals Platoon While manoeuvre elements were preparing for the deployment to Wainwright with a wide variety of training exercises, Signals Platoon was working hard behind the scenes. Under the direction of Captain Ganapathy Viswanathan and Warrant Officer Jeff Illingworth, Signals Platoon, much like the manoevre platoons, had a very busy year preparing the Command Post (CP) on the road to high readiness and for Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE. Signals Platoon was busy with Digitization of the CP as well as the development of data communication technologies to support the Battalion and Company CPs which was instrumental during this reporting period. Exercise TOMAHAWK THRUST (L7 CAX) in February 2017 at Kingston, ON saw the integration of enablers such as Electronic Warfare (EW), Influence Activities (IA), Engineers (ESCC), Fires (FSCC) and Intelligence Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition (ISTAR) within the 1 RCR BG CP. Exercise TOMAHAWK THRUST also saw our BG C/S 0 integrate CSNI within the BG CP, with tools and applications such as the Joint Targeting Toolbox (JTT) in order to enable Joint-Targeting, as well as the integration of EXNET for IA, with the use of exercise social media networks and mass communication mechanisms. The past year also saw Signals Platoon in the “run” phase of “crawl-walk-run” approach of the Road to High Readiness (R2HR), with the confirmation of our Level 6 (L6) headquarters. PRO PATRIA 2017 25

During Exercise RUGGED BEAR and Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17 in Wainwright, AB, from March – June 2017, Signals platoon successfully enabled the final confirmation of the 1 RCR L6 CP. Combat Net Radio (CNR) Very High Frequency (VHF) was established throughout the Wainwright deployment for mounted and dismounted communications with higher and lower call-signs. Signalers worked on establishing High Frequency (HF) communications as a Battalion and Brigade Guard Net. Land Command Support System (LCSS) TacNet services were established within C/S 0 through a High Capacity Line of Sight (HCLOS) link, BG server kit, and line infrastructure. Access to Command View and Consolidated Secret Network Infrastructure (CSNI) web services were also established through LCSS accounts within C/S 0 through the LCSS-CSNI C2 gateway. One of the key technologies that was brought back to the Battalion during this exercise (not used and institutionalized since Afghanistan) was High Performance Waveform (HPW) over VHF to all Company HQs and the Battalion HQ. Through the use of PRC-117F, PRC-117G, PRC-152 and PRC-152A radios, as well as standalone laptops, data communications was established between the Battalion CP, CSS CP (C/S 8), Rifle Company CPs, 9er TAC, Recce and Snipers. This successfully enabled data products obtained by the Battalion CP from Brigade to be translated and provided rapidly over HPW to the Companies. This technology has also enabled Recce and Sniper Platoons to be able to send key imagery and products back to the Battalion CP. Throughout Exercise RUGGED BEAR and MAPLE RESOLVE 17, Signals Platoon also worked on enabling Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) initiatives at the Company and Battalion levels with live ISR feeds from a variety of aerial platforms including the RQ-11 Raven B DDL, RQ-7 Shadow, CF-18 Sniper Pod, CP-140 Aurora and a Cessna with the Reaper Pod. Through the use of the Rover 6 for the BG Main CP, Rover 5i for Coy CPs and Tactical Network Rovers for Recce and Snipers, live ISR feeds were enabled at every level of the BG. These exercises also saw Signals Platoon continue to improve their capabilities by establishing the Defence Wide Area Network (DWAN) over 4G/LTE for the Company CPs and the Battalion CP (DWAN over DVPNI). Following the redeployment from Wainwright, Signals Platoon has been working heavily with Directorate of Land Requirements (DLR) and Directorate of Land Command Systems Program Management (DLCSPM) on the verification of Patrol Collection Kits (PCK) and Wave Relay Data Links for Combat Support Elements as well as the verification of Capability Pack (CP) TOPAZ for Combat Teams. The capability objective of the Wave Relay Members of 1RCR receive TBMS training during the Ex CP TOPAZ and PCKs are to act as an enabler for sense assets within the BG in order to provide intelligence data acquired from a patrol, OP or site exploitation. With the use of PCK and Wave Relay, Recce and Sniper elements within 1 RCR conducting mounted or dismounted patrols with an intelligence collection task, will have a reliable method to rapidly and accurately return information they gather into the intelligence architecture with other Army and Joint sensors. From 15- 16 August 2017, a Train the Trainer course 26 PRO PATRIA 2017

was completed with DLCSPM instructors to 15 candidates from 1 RCR Signals Platoon and Reconnaissance Platoon. PCK and Wave Relay was then utilized within the Basic Recce Patrolman (BRP) FTX from 28-31 August 2017. Future tasks and initiatives with the PCK and Wave Relay Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) include the formal trial of the equipment and capability verification in conjunction with the 1 RCR CP TOPAZ CVE from 06 – 17 November 2017, as well as the possible utilization of the equipment within 1 RCR Combat Support elements during Op REASSURANCE Roto 10 or eFP Roto 2. The capability objective of CP TOPAZ is to enable the Combat Team and BG Commander’s ability to digitally command on the move in a conventional and ADO environment. Main capabilities include secure voice and data through Combat Net Radio – Enhanced (CNR-E), Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) and SATCOM on the move (SOTM), enabling Tactical Data Networks through the Enhanced Local Access Network (ELAN), extending the current CNR voice beyond line of sight through SOTM, blue positional awareness and digital maps through the Tactical Battle Management System (TBMS), and enemy position, target sharing, control measures, hasty sketches and overlays through TBMS. Phase 1 of the CVE in August 2017, saw the installation of all TOPAZ equipment within the Duke’s Company LAVs. Phase 2 of the CVE from 11 September – 13 October 2017 saw training delivered to 1 RCR by DLR and DLCSPM. Signals Platoon was fully trained on ORBAT Manager, ITN Planner, SPEED Signals Planning, ELAN, CNR-E, EPLRS, TBMS, Platform Manager, Platform Dashboard and Crypto Modernization Products such as the Really Simple Keyloader (RaSKL) and Tactical Keyloader (TKL). Signals Platoon is now fully ready to execute Phase 3 of the CVE with the FTX running from 30 October – 17 November 2017, as well as possibly utilizing the CP TOPAZ suite of systems within Op REASSURANCE Roto 10 or eFP Roto 2. Basic TDM Candidates fire the ITAS TOW system in Gagetown PRO PATRIA 2017 27

Overall Signals Platoon continues to strive to provide numerous Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) services to 1 RCR. With the training completed throughout the year, signalers within the battalion are in an excellent position to continue to serve 1 RCR during our upcoming operational deployment to Latvia as part of Op REASSURANCE Roto 10, keeping up with their proud tradition and motto, VELOX, VERSUTUS, VIGILANS (Swift, Skilled, Alert). Anti-Armour Platoon This was the year for the emplacement and training on the ITAS TOW system to be reintroduced back into the infantry and 1 RCR. In preparation 1 RCR sent soldiers to CFB Gagetown to take part in the Basic TOW Detachment Member (TDM) Course in the fall of 2016, this included the current OC Anti-Armour Pl, Warrant Officer Gary Mitchell. In February of 2017, 1 RCR took the lead in running a TDM course for the Brigade in Petawawa. Once Part 1 of the course was completed, the candidates traveled to CFB Gagetown with instructors to complete the second portion of the course and partake in a TOW live fire along with 2 RCR. After members of the unit had completed the Advance Anti-Armour Course from April through May, they deployed to Wainwright where they employed their newly learned tactics and skills with the ITAS TOW System. With great success, the members of 1 RCR worked with the system employing it in defensive and offensive operations. Members provided the unit with a Long Range Anti-Armour weapon system in protective and observation roles, which have not been available in approximately 12 years since Anti-Armour Platoon was disbanded in the mid-2000s. Upon the return from Wainwright, qualified members of TOW were then given the opportunity to provide a live fire demonstration in 4 CDSB Petawawa to the 2nd Annual TOW Logistic Support Meeting in June. This comprised of members both military and civilian from different NATO nations observing the effects of the system on targets. During the live fire, members of the unit were given the opportunity to fire 5 live missiles of 2 different varieties. In November, 1 RCR again took the lead in running two TOW Detachment Member courses within 1 RCR lines based out of the new Anti-Armour Platoon area. With instructors from both 1 and 3 RCR, candidates were given the opportunity to gain the knowledge and experience of employing the TOW system. During the course, candidates were instructed on AFV, TOW theory, and completed training on the Basic Skills Training Simulator for the ITAS TOW System. After completion of the course, 16 soldiers for each of the Battalions were given the qualification. FOXTROT COMPANY Headquarters 2017 was a tumultuous year for Fox’s headquarters. Due to the frequent and many international deployments, many OCs and 2ICs flowed through the company. The year began with Maj Ben Rogerson and MWO Eric Green continuing their dynasty from the previous year. They maintained their iron grip on the company throughout the battalion’s deployment to Wainwright for Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE; however, they were quickly moved out of the company upon return. Filling in during the transition, the newly minted Maj John Doig only 28 PRO PATRIA 2017

managed to hold onto the company for a couple of weeks before being sent abroad, and Maj Mark Smith took the helm. MWO Sergio Tomasi replaced MWO Green as the latter assumed his position as DSM. MWO Tomasi provided distinguished representation of the company and battalion with a trip to Rideau Hall to accept the MMM from the GG in November. Meanwhile, the CQMS transitioned from WO Greg Whitman to WO Ross Lewis who provided unparalleled support to the company. This command team lead Foxtrot throughout the summer and into the fall until Maj Smith was tasked to Wainwright to support the Combat Team Commander’s Course. Without an officer commanding, the company waivered as it continued to provide exemplary support to the battalion. The CO, aware of the leaderless company quickly dispatched Capt Tyler Duncan fresh from Bravo Company. Once again on track with dedicated leadership, the company finished off the year in excellent form. Transport Platoon The year 2017 has been one of gallantry, dash, and hard work for Transport Platoon. 1 RCR Transport, tasked with providing the battalion direct support through the use of different types of heavy equipment, utility vehicles, and POL, committed themselves to delivering unquestionable support. The platoon was broken up into three sections: lift, security, and POL. 2017 started with work up training for the impending exercise, Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17, in Wainwright. This consisted of participating in the battalion-run gun camps, planning and executing the battalion road move to-and-from Meaford, planning and executing the battalion vehicle movement to Alberta, and the ground-breaking development of using air, and ground, lifted fuel blivets for emergency echelon resupply. The deployment to Wainwright was a three month excursion which included battalion-run combat team live fire ranges, Exercise RUGGED BEAR, and the culminating event Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17. These exercises, like many things done in the service of the Queen, encouraged teamwork and hard work. This was evident in the excellent level of support provided to the battalion, and the development of new and exciting commodity delivery methods. However, regardless of the level of support required while in Wainwright, the platoon still managed to run a TFAR course to enhance the battalion’s fuelling capability. The summer months saw the platoon transition to a more relaxed schedule and much deserved leave from their extended time in Alberta. Reconstitution continued throughout the summer, but this quickly transitioned to running several courses during the fall PCF. Of note, the platoon ran an Army Driver Wheeled course, five air brake courses, and two HLVW courses. The platoon also conducted several DPs with 2 Service Battalion in support of Exercise SKILLED SUSTAINER to further enhance the knowledge and experience that troops had with such procedures. Certainly, the most notable accomplishment earned by Transport Platoon during the fall was placing first, ahead of all of the rifle platoons, during the Kowang San competition asserting the supremacy of Foxtrot Company within the battalion (note, this was an amalgamated platoon with members of Echo Company, Maintenance Platoon, QM Platoon, and Transport Platoon). Overall, Transport Platoon provided extensive and comprehensive service to the battalion. Further, the platoon conducted detailed planning for necessary courses that are imperative for the operational effectiveness of the battalion on Op UNIFIER and enhanced Forward Protection 10 which has set-up the battalion for success in the New Year. PRO PATRIA 2017 29

Quartermaster Platoon Quartermaster Platoon (QM Pl) has had an exceptionally busy year in 2017. Commencing in January, the platoon saw itself shift focus from garrison sustainment functions to scaling stores, preparing shipments, and implementing Defence Resource Management Information System (DRMIS) deployed account structures in preparation for the Road to High Readiness’ culmination exercises in Wainwright, Alberta. On March 20th, the platoon arrived in Wainwright and immediately set to building the 1 RCR Camp while simultaneously supporting preparations for Exercise RUGGED BEAR. A tremendous task that saw the platoon spread across four lines of effort between camp build and stores draw, food services, ammunition, and canteen and mess support, it proved to be a time of high operational support. Nonetheless, the platoon was able to achieve all tasks and provide service second-to-none. After meeting the administrative requirements of supporting a battle group camp, focus was again shifted to providing tactical sustainment on Exercise TOMAHAWK FURY and Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17. Re-tasked to meet a diverse portfolio of requirements, the platoon was split between Camp Tomahawk Food Services, tactical resupply under Transport Platoon in the A2 Echelon and finally in the B Echelon providing local purchase order, nation specific parts, and aerial sustainment. The platoon was able to leverage Chinook and Blackhawk tactical aviation assets to resupply 1 RCR BG with over 20,000 liters of diesel fuel ensuring maneuver sub-units ability to maintain and seize the initiative. The platoon’s efforts allowed the battle group to function and verified the critical resources it needed to be confirmed for deployment during the high readiness cycle. QM Platoon was also able to use its role under the 1 RCR opposition force to execute integrated combat service support with a British light infantry company and an American tank battalion. Through replenishment and coordination with these forces, A Chinook from 450 THS lifts two supply technicians and infanteers were fuel blivets while supporting able to broaden their comprehension 1 RCR workup training in of CSS across national lines of supply Wainwright while gaining perspective for future 30 PRO PATRIA 2017

multinational deployed operations. Since the return from Wainwright, the platoon has shifted focus to force generation and preparation for the unit’s deployment of Bravo Company on Operation UNIFIER Rotation 5 and the majority of the unit to Enhanced Forward Presence Latvia Rotation 10. With both domestic and expeditionary sustainment and service objectives to achieve during 2017 and 2018, the platoon is trained and poised to support success across all lines of effort. With a dedicated team of supply technicians, cooks, and storesmen of The Royal Canadian Regiment, the year has been filled with many successes that will fuel us through the challenges to come. Servitium Nulli Secundus! Maintenance Platoon Maintenance platoon has had another challenging year of supporting exercises, trials and completing training on the maintenance of new equipment. As always these tasks were as rigorous for the equipment as they were on the soldiers of the first battalion. The year began with the platoon’s vehicle technicians in a mad dash to ensure the battalion’s vehicles were fit to be transported on the long road move to CFB Wainwright to participate in Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 17. It was much the same for the Ancillary Section as they finalized the power distribution plan, packed the mobile repair team vehicles with parts, and prepared stock steel and other material for the exercise. Meanwhile, the Workshop Support Section did its utmost to ensure that a full complement of repair parts and tooling were prepared for the long deployment. This preparation paid off as the Battalion conducted its exercise and did so with the maximum number of serviceable vehicles and equipment. After a brief summer respite, the fall has seen the platoon pulled in a few directions as the battalion ramped up its driver, turret operator, and crew commander courses. These tasks have seen the platoon’s detachments involved with providing the gamut of recovery and range support tasks. As well, the platoon has been receiving maintenance training and issue of new test equipment to support the incoming TAPV and AHSVS training fleet. And finally, the fittest and fastest among maintenance platoon, four soldiers in total, competed and completed the IRONMAN 2017. They posted impressive finishing times and exemplified the focus and dedication required of the battalion’s soldier technicians. PRO PATRIA 2017 31

2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment 2017 has proven to be an eventful year for the 2nd Battalion. We saw the unit change of command and establishment of new leadership teams in each sub-unit. From various training exercises and the Bn preparing to send our men and women to Europe in support of OP REASSURANCE, it has been nonstop. Now with 2018 fast approaching it is time to reflect on the highlights from the past year. Last January the Bn began workup training in preparation for exercise in Wainwright. In April the hard work of our soldiers and officers came to fruition as seen in Ex RUGGED BEAR and Ex MAPLE RESOLVE. While LCol S.M. French, CD in Wainwright, the Bn took the time to recognize the achievements of some of our troops, with the Division Commander presenting three CJOC Commendations in April to Maj Mike Miller, Capt Jason Cress, and Cpl Mitchell Wilson. With the exercises in Wainwright winding down in June the Bn wasted little time in launching into a host of new training to last until the end of the year. There are several notable events during this period. We moved quickly into preparation, training, and support to the annual collective training event Ex STRIDENT TRACER. Latvia 2 RCR was fast approaching and the Bn worked extensively on workup and IBTS for the upcoming eFP BG deployment. Finally, Oct and Nov saw the culmination of a level 5 training ex with the execution of Ex BALTIC DEFENDER. As this year’s training drew to a close, 2 RCR was declared OPRED and we moved closer to sending our troops to Latvia. The Bn celebrated an early Regimental Activities week so that all could still participate. It was a well-earned and well-enjoyed week of activities. The Officers of the Bn were also proud to welcome the Chief of Defence Staff and the Colonel of The Regiment to the Officer’s Mess dinner on 30 November. In the 2017 working year there were many notable honours and awards presented to the Battalion. The CWO K.R. Venus, CD former Chief Clerk, WO Brostowski, who retired from the CAF this year, was a recipient of an Army Commander 32 PRO PATRIA 2017

Commendation, and Brigade Commander Commendations included recipients such as WO James Whalen, WO Shane Speed, WO Michael Caines, WO Michael Scott, and MCpl Kenneth Miller. This has been an overview of the achievements and activities of the 2nd Battalion in 2017 and it can be stated quite confidently that our soldiers and officers have proven their competence and professionalism. The Regiment can be proud as we continue to move forward into 2018. Golf Company 2017 has been a very busy year for Golf Company with the majority of their time dedicated to supporting the preparation and deployment of the Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup for Op REASSURANCE in Latvia. This has seen Golf Coy undergo several reorganizations throughout the year to ensure that the main effort is fully supported, however the company has finally settled on an ORBAT that is focused on being able to support light and motorized tasks and will train this during their time as the 2 RCR rear party. Golf Coy has lead a number of exercises and courses in support of the eFPs preparation, culminating with the planning and execution of Ex BALTIC DEFENDER. As work up training kicked off, Golf Company’s efforts in Ex MAPLE RESOLVE were more orientated towards supporting India and Hotel Company’s participation in the exercise. The company was reorganized to ensure that India and Hotel Coys were fully manned and that all support positions were filled. Most notably, Golf Coy had the responsibility of filling key Clockwise from top left: Lone G Coy LAV during Ex BALTIC DEFENDER H Coy on the advance during Ex MAPLE RESOLVE Captain Cress receives CJOC Commendation during Ex MAPLE RESOLVE PRO PATRIA 2017 33

Left: WO Caines receives Bde Comd Commendation during Ex BALTIC DEFENDER 2 RCR Parade during Ex BALTIC DEFENDER positions such as Defence and Security Pl and various HQ positions. After Ex MAPLE RESOLVE, the company switched their focus to the planning, preparation and execution of courses and prerequisite training for the deployment on Op REASSURANCE. Golf Coy was able to conduct grenade ranges, combat force testing, weapons detachment member course, and an AGLS course, while also providing manpower and resources to compliment and support other training internal and external to the Bn. Following Ex MAPLE RESOLVE, Golf Company was tasked with the planning and preparation for Ex BALTIC DEFENDER in November. The exercise was a level 5 live fire mobile defensive range that provided all members of the eFP BG to exercise under a unified command structure while also seeing India Coy and C Sqn RCD able to conduct a challenging and innovative live fire range. Golf Company was critical in planning this complex range to ensure that it provided realism, freedom of movement, and was conducted safely. It should be recognized that it has been many years since the Bn has executed a live fire defensive and longer still since a mobile defence was conducted. While challenging to plan and execute, this was the perfect exercise scenario to adopt for the realistic preparation of the eFP BG and their potential tasks in theatre. Ex BALTIC DEFENDER was an overwhelming success, not only in terms of providing extra training and validation to the members of the eFP BG and means of confirming lessons learned from Ex MAPLE RESOLVE, but also in terms of the outstanding efforts made by the Bn as a whole conducting and supporting a Level 5 exercise internal to our own organization. With India Coy and various other elements of the Bn prepared for deployment on Op REASSURANCE, Golf Company has undergone a reorganization in preparation of its task as rear party. The company has reorganized to accommodate the introduction of TAPVs; upon completion of TAPV driver and RWS courses Golf Company will start training as a light and motorized company able to conduct the normal range of light company tasks while also looking at being able to conduct mobility support tasks and direct fire support tasks. Golf Company looks to maximize its’ collective training potential as part of the rear party while also supporting IRU, NEO, and forecasted Bde and National level tasks. 34 PRO PATRIA 2017

Hotel Company 2017 has been a busy year for Hotel Company. It has seen the preparation and movement to Wainwright, Alberta where the conduct of dry and live training with all elements of the 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) took place, work-up training and training support took place, directly enabling the deployment of the enhanced forward presence (eFP) Battle Group to Latvia, and the conduct of numerous PCF courses. Since January Hotel Company has been led by Maj Rob Yuvan (January to July) and Capt Mark Hignell (July to December) with Company Sergeants Major MWO Scott Daigle (January to July) and MWO Cecil Elliot (July to Present) respectively. In January 2018, Maj Kayne Carr will be assuming command of the company following a deployment on Op IMPACT - LOE 4 (Task Force Middle East). Annually, the soldiers of Hotel Company vote by secret ballot on the recipient of the Purcell-Cleary Award (Pte Purcell’s South Africa Medal). The 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 George Drouillard with the Purcell-Cleary Award. From top right: OC H Coy, Maj Rob Yuvan, giving orders in preparation for the advance during Ex MAPLE RESOLVE. Photo by 2Lt Weeden. H Cbt Tm on the attack. The obstacle belt has been breached on Obj 1 during Ex RUGGED BEAR. Photo by Cpl Carr. The advance of 5 Pl, H Coy during Ex RUGGED BEAR. Photo by Cpl Carr. PRO PATRIA 2017 35

While in Wainwright, Hotel Company successfully completed and was validated in level 5 live fire training in which three objectives were taken by day and one by night. This range was completed as part of Ex RUGGED BEAR and was the culmination of the year’s live fire training. Following this range, Hotel Company played a key part in Ex MAPLE RESOLVE. The Coy was responsible for acting as enemy forces within the built up areas in the initial phase of the exercise; to include acting as the asymmetric threat to 2 CMBG forces. When it was 2 RCR’s time to move down the trace, Hotel Company was responsible for conducting a forward passage of lines with India Company and carrying the fight forward. In the final phase of the operation, Hotel Company, as part of the 2 CBMG BG, was to seize the enemy stronghold in a village. This phase saw the Company push through harsh, challenging conditions to conduct an offensive attack on the village. Hotel Company and 2 RCR realized ultimate success in this operation. Since returning from Wainwright, Hotel Company has been extremely busy conducting training and, as of 1 July 2017, maintaining an immediate response capability as part of 2 RCR’s task in support of the immediate response unit (IRU) in the Atlantic region. Hotel Company must maintain the composite body of the IRU personnel on 24 hours notice-to- move should a domestic deployment be required, as those identified have maintained, and continue to maintain a high state of readiness. Hotel Company has conducted support weapon ranges, grenade ranges, and rifle ranges, as well as providing a large supporting element to Ex BALTIC DEFENDER (a Bn level 5 range in Gagetown) in order to increase eFP war fighting capabilities prior to deployment. This was all conducted successfully, and proved to be challenging and relevant training for the eFP Battle Group. H Coy has just welcomed three new platoon commanders straight from IODP 1.2 and look forward to conducting the necessary training required to be a part of the 2 CMBG Non- Combat Evacuation Operation (NEO) Task Force should the need arise. H Coy is designated as one of the Follow-on-Forces (FoF) coy as part of 3 RCR’s NEO HR task. This will involve winter warfare training, IBTS, and BTS up to a level 4 in Petawawa in the spring of 2018. Hotel Company will also be prepared to backfill the eFP BG should the need arise. With all this training completed over the past year it is certain that Hotel Company is ready! The attack goes forth! H Cbt Tm assaulting Obj 2 during Ex RUGGED BEAR. Photo by Cpl Carr. 36 PRO PATRIA 2017

India Company during Ex MAPLE RESOLVE in Wainwright, Alberta. India Company India Company participated in a multitude of training events during 2017. From high readiness training to pre-deployment training, the Soldiers of India Company were engaged in a variety of training scenarios that placed equal importance on the conduct of both offensive and defensive operations. Most training scenarios were conducted by day and night in order to further enhance the night fighting capabilities of the Company. The Company started the year by giving the newly appointed Platoon Commanders the opportunity to lead their respective platoons through a live fire level 3 range. The Company also conducted a claymore and support weapons range, and then made its way to Wainwright, Alberta, in order to partake in Ex MAPLE RESOLVE alongside the rest of the units that make up 2 CMBG. During Ex MAPLE RESOLVE, the Company participated in two level 5 live fire ranges and acted as BLUEFOR and OPFOR during the conduct of two force on force level 7 exercises. During the conduct of the level 5 live fire ranges, India Company was part of a combat team that conducted offensive operations against three successive objectives. During the first objective, engineer assets breached enemy defenses, which consisted of anti-tank ditches and wire obstacles, while artillery and armor assets supressed targets and allowed the infantry platoons to conduct the approach onto the objective. The second objective consisted of a platoon minus sized objective being supported by a troop minus element of enemy armor in depth. It contained several pillboxes and a C2 node in the middle of the objective. And finally, the third objective increased in complexity and required a greater amount of synchronization between the infantry units on the ground. The objective consisted of a large compound in the centre with a cluster of smaller buildings in the periphery. Indirect fire was not used due to the concern of collateral damage, and armor assets remained in the outskirts of the compound in order to allow infantry elements the opportunity to clear the objective. PRO PATRIA 2017 37

During the conduct of force on force training, India Company conducted a series of defensive and offensive operations against elements from 1 RCR, 3 RCR, the Idaho National Guard and members from the 2nd Battalion, The Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment. These operations were executed against conventional and unconventional forces, which required both, forward and rear echelon elements to maintain heightened levels of security and firepower. Upon returning from Wainwright the Company found itself under new leadership. The Company Commander, Major Jeremy Hiltz, was succeeded by Major Matthew Rolls. The Company Sgt Major, Master Warrant Officer Tim Connick, handed over to Master Warrant Officer Mark Crichton. The Company 2IC, Captain Dan Wilkinson, was succeeded by Captain Jason Parsons, and the LAV Captain, Captain Jason Cress, was succeeded by Captain Mike Sharkey. After the conclusion of summer leave, India Company began to conduct training in preparation for Op REASSURANCE Roto 9, which will see the Company deploy to Camp Adazi in the region of Riga, Latvia. Navigation exercises and both, conventional and unconventional ranges, kicked off pre-deployment training. All training was conducted by day and night, which tested the soldiers’ ability to Above: 7 Pl and navigate in low light conditions and engage targets at night using members from night vision goggles and laser aiming devices. Plaques were awarded 2nd Battalion, The to soldiers who displayed outstanding performances. The Cootes Princess of Wales’ award was given to Ptes Gauthier, Macinnis, Innis and Funkhouser who Royal Regiment in obtained the title of Top Navigators in India Company. The Top Shot Wainwright, Alberta. Award was handed to Sgt Towns after he obtained the highest score during the Company’s C7 PWT 3 shoot. 38 PRO PATRIA 2017

Level 2 live fire ranges commenced following the conclusion of all PWT3 ranges. All sections from within the Company were tasked with the destruction of Objective SUN, an enemy bunker position occupied by a det sized enemy element overlooking a main supply route. The majority of section attacks conducted throughout the 2 days of training were deliberate in nature and made use of a fire base, although some of the sections decided to conduct a frontal attack on the enemy’s position. Following the conclusion of the level 2 range, the Company conducted three level 3 defensive ranges by day. The ranges took place at the Argus Coy Defensive Position, and it required platoons to engage CRP and Vanguard elements. All platoon support weapon systems including the Carl Gustav 84mm, the C16 40mm AGLS and the LAV’s 25mm were employed during the conduct of the range. The company also conducted three level 3 raids by day and night. During Sgt Michaud (left) shooting the 9mm PWT3 range the raids, platoons engaged a C2 node with a section Bottom: The Cootes Award being awarded to the of dismounts acting as local security. top navigators in India Company. From left to right: Upon completion of the level 3, the Company spent Maj Rolls, Pte Gauthier, Pte Macinnis, Pte Innis, Pte the majority of the month of October in garrison and Funkhouser and MWO Crichton focused most of its attention to the PCF cycle as well as vehicle maintenance. The Company was responsible for running a LAV 6 Crew Commander/Gunner conversion course, a TOW course and all of its members participated in first aid courses. The Company’s OC also partook in a TAC Recce to Camp Adazi and met with counterparts from 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. At the end of that month, the Company performed PRO PATRIA 2017 39

combat team maneuvers and rehearsals with C-Squadron, The Royal Canadian Dragoons. The combat team rehearsed the conduct of a mobile defence, hasty attacks and held up drills in preparation for Ex BALTIC DEFENDER. The exercise required the Company, alongside the rest of the enablers that formed the combat team, to conduct a live fire mobile defence along the Lawfield corridor. Each platoon occupied successive battle position and broke contact as soon as their respective destruction criteria was met. Break cleans were assisted by indirect fire, simulated by BATSIM in this case, or by armor troops and infantry platoons engaging enemy targets from battle positions that were sighted with the purpose of providing mutual support. The combat team launched a counterattack as soon as the main body of the enemy forces was fixed in the third kill zone and had incurred a sixty percent attrition rate. During the counterattack, 8 Platoon, in conjunction with a troop of tanks from C-Sqn, engaged and destroyed a platoon minus enemy element, while 9 Platoon, with a troop of tanks in support, engaged and destroyed a section minus enemy element during the conduct of a woods clearance. During the month of November, India Company spent the majority of its time receiving briefs that ranged from mission specific cultural/language training, to how to effectively cope with stress. During this time, the Company also provided a one hundred man Honour Guard for The Governor General’s first visit to the province of New Brunswick. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette was welcomed into the Province by the Honour Guard at the New Brunswick Legislative Building. Under the guidance and leadership of both command teams, past and present, the Company was able to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully meet the challenges that the upcoming deployment to Latvia will bring about. The year ended with the conclusion of Silly Week, the commencement of Christmas leave, and the Company set to deploy early next year to deter Russian aggression against Latvia. Kilo Company Kilo Company marked 2017 by reinvigorating the Combat Support Company role within 2 RCR. The Company was initially led by the Officer Commanding Major Chris MacAdam, the Sergeant Major Master Warrant Officer Elliott, and Second-in-Command Captain Tom Hughes as the Bn completed its road to high readiness training. This culminated with Exercise MAPLE RESOVE 17 (Ex MR 17) in Wainwright from March to June 2017. After the posting season, Major Andy McGregor and Master Warrant Officer Scott Daigle formed the new Kilo Company Command team tasked with overseeing the mission-specific work-up training to deploy Kilo Company to Latvia as part of the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group (eFP BG) on Operation REASSURANCE Roto 9. They were assisted by Company Second-in-Command Jay Clarke who became the Battalion’s Rear Party Adjutant and was succeeded by Captain Valerie Touchette-Mosley. Reconnaissance Platoon In early 2017, Recce Platoon was focused on preparing for deployment to Ex MR 17. At this time, the chain of command within the platoon was, Officer Commanding Recce and this year’s Mons Box recipient, Captain Valerie Touchette-Mosley, Second in Command, Lt Justin Lefebvre, and Recce Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Terry Curtis. These preparations 40 PRO PATRIA 2017

included a variety of stores preparations and low level training to work on section level tactics. At the end of March, the platoon deployed for two month to Wainwright AB where they were able to put into practice many of their skills against another force. This included close target reconnaissance, both mechanized and dismounted operations, airmobile inserts, screens, observations posts, and rear area security tasks. Upon return from Ex MR 17, the platoon took the required time to conduct a variety of post-exercise maintenance and do some low level IBTS training through the summer. During this time, the platoon also ran a pre-basic reconnaissance patrolman course which saw eight members from battalion selected to go on the course in Petawawa with 1 RCR. After the summer leave period, the platoon shifted gears on two lines of efforts and gained a new Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Jimmy Ogley who quickly also stepped into the role of Officer Commanding Recce. The first line of effort was to support the battalion through high readiness training. The busy fall scheduled commenced with Kilo putting the deploying Rifle Platoons through live-fire Mechanized Defensive and Dismounted Raid ranges. Furthermore, during this time, Recce Platoon organized and executed the annual BUSHMAN competition which saw the largest turnout to date. The second line of effort was to specifically prepare C/S 63 for deployment on eFP Latvia. The section commander, Sgt Ben Lemieux, his second in command, MCpl Matt Drover, and all members of the section spent countless hours preparing the section and required equipment to enable the deployment of a hybrid ISR platoon. The close of the year saw recce platoon split with a small C/S 61 and 62 remaining in Canada under the leadership of Warrant Officer Jimmy Ogley and C/S 63 departing for Latvia. Sniper Platoon During Ex MR 17, the Battalion’s snipers were employed on offensive and defensive operations. The Snipers were able to develop counter sniper procedures, employment of vehicles, and employment on short notice. The platoon worked on building its HPW (High Performance Wave forms) capabilities where they were able to send on the ground intelligence for up to 10Km and above. 2 RCR Sniper Platoon under Warrant Officer Greg Lightle conducted 2 CMBG’s 2017 Brigade Basic Sniper Course in CFB Gagetown. The course ran from 28 August 2017 - 31 October 2017. Instructors and Candidates came from 1 RCR, 2 RCR, 3 RCR, and CSOR. Candidates were taught and tested on shooting the C3A1, C14, C15 on Right: Cpl Stewart received the Brigade Sergeant Major Coin from CWO Mercer for his dedication in improving the 2nd Battalions HPW capabilities. Photo by Cpl Carr. PRO PATRIA 2017 41

conventional and field firing applications, spotting, observation, determining distance, concealments, and stalking. The candidates completed a demanding FTX where they compiled everything they learned on course and applied them to real life scenarios. 19 out of 21 successfully passed the course. The high success rate of passing was due to the excellent delivery of instruction by the staff and a group of soldiers wanting to learn and better themselves. Picture of Brigade Basic Sniper Course 1701 – staff and candidates. Photo by WO Lightle. Picture of the Brigade Basic Sniper Course graduating candidates. Photo by WO Lightle. 42 PRO PATRIA 2017

Royal Canadian Regiment Pipes and Drums 2017 was another busy and rewarding year for the Regimental Pipes and Drums. Under the command of Drum Major Chris Smith and Pipe Major James Firth, the Pipes and Drums continued to maintain their infantry skills participating in the various ranges and exercises that were conducted, enabling the platoon to maintain a high readiness status in preparations for any deployments that may arise. At the same time, the Pipes and Drums continued their focus on recruiting new personal within the platoon and continuing with the music-orientated preparations necessary to meet the demands of various major events, such as 2 RCR Change of Command and 2 CMBG Change of Command, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Paardeberg Ball, Remembrance Day, and as well as various mess functions. Finishing the year off with support to annual unit Christmas dinners before beginning preparations for a new and busy year ahead. Signals Platoon At the core of Combat Support’s reinvigoration was 2 RCR Sigs Clockwise from top left: 2 RCR Platoon. In January, despite the ice, snow, freezing temperatures, Change of Command and bone chilling winds, the platoon completed Bison Driver and Armoured Vehicle Crew Commander courses by bounding over Paardeberg Ball frozen swamps and hills through the Gagetown training area 2 RCR Change of Command in unheated Bisons. During February, the platoon participated in EX SHARPENED TOMAHAWK in Kingston, ON, deploying a Royal Nova Scotia International medium scale CP in support of the computer assisted exercise, Tattoo PRO PATRIA 2017 43

which allowed commanders and their staff to exercise C2 in a controlled environment. These efforts came together on Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 17 where the Battalion and Sigs Platoon exercised its RRB and newly established forward CP whilst utilizing LCSS, the new LFPST, HCLOS and their recently acquired Bison maneuverability skills. After summer leave, the Platoon jumped into IBTS to ensure all pers in the platoon were ready for the upcoming deployment on Op REASSURANCE Roto 9 to Latvia, to take on a mulita-national training experience like no other. The Battalion level Ex BALTIC DEFENDER in October was the final bound in fielding a new but simple Command Post layout. With a smaller footprint, the more compact Command Post and detached Plans tent, increased the Battalion’s ability to fight a peer enemy. The exercise also saw the inclusion of augmentees from 2 Sigs in Petawawa who will deploy with the Company on Op REASSURANCE Roto 9, in January 2018. Kilo Company Attachments & Detachments In addition to Reconnaissance Platoon, Sniper Platoon, The RCR Pipes and Drums, and Signals Platoon, there are other various components of Kilo and the Battalion Headquarters that should be acknowledged for their exceptional commitment and service. With the upcoming deployment, Kilo grew to a strength of 200 personnel in the fall timeframe. Out of all these outstanding Royal Canadians, a few stand out. Notably, Kilo’s Sergeant Erik Piercey, also the Battalion’s Advanced Gunnery Instructor and Standards NCO, and Sergeant Michael Edison were vital to the last minute Primary-Combat-Function courses and live fire collective training ranges. Another member of 9er TAC crew, Master Corporal Shane Stewart represented the battalion exceptionally by winning the CFB Petawawa IRONMAN competition. In the latter half of the year, the deployment of the Battalion to Latvia would not have been possible without the outsized efforts of the Operations Officer Captain Jeff Caselton, Operations Master Warrant Officer Harvey Flowers, Assistant Operations Officer Captain Jon Friesen, and Operations Warrant Officer Myles Turple. Lima Company 2017 was a busy year for Lima Company with participation in numerous exercises along the road to high readiness. Tempo did not subside as high readiness was declared, with the fall training season devoted to theatre mission specific training (TMST) for Operation REASSURANCE Roto 9, Latvia. Command of the company changed hands from Maj Michael Miller in August 2017 to Maj Chris MacAdam. The Company 2IC position changed between Capt Aaron Guzzwell and Capt Dan Jordan but the Company Sergeant Major, MWO Dan Koftinoff, remained to provide continuity within the company leadership. Annual Posting Season for Lima Company was a whirlwind, but the level of support never wavered. Lima Company’s training regime and support to 2 RCR took the shape of many forms throughout 2017. Multiple members participated in computer assisted exercises, planning conferences and working groups. Lima Coy members participated in tactical exercises within the A1 echelons for combat team live fire attacks as a part of exercises RUGGED BEAR and BALTIC DEFENDER, and during dry training events within the A2 and A1 echelons for 44 PRO PATRIA 2017

exercises TOMAHAWK FURY and MAPLE RESOLVE. TMST saw the arrival of numerous augmentees Ex TOMAHAWK DRIVE begins from across Canada as Lima Company worked to support training while also occupied with getting our members to the point where we could declare the coy operationally ready for deployment. Quartermaster Platoon Quartermaster Platoon overcame several challenges throughout the past year. Most notably, the staff supported the battalion through a deployment to Wainwright, the conduct of the different exercises, and the homecoming of the mbrs and their eqpt in time for the CO’s change of command 100% stocktaking and handover parade. Later in the summer and fall timeframe, the members of the platoon welcomed their Petawawa counterparts, and were able to familiarize themselves with one another, while supporting the unit through the combat team live fire exercise, Ex BALTIC DEFENDER. The cooks, especially, had a unique chance to get to know each other and establish a positive working relationship to create a cohesive team in preparation for Op REASSURANCE Roto 9, while they were providing Food Services out of Lawfield OP for the duration of the exercise. The preparation for Op REASSURANCE Roto 9 brought its share of challenges, as Quartermaster Platoon was faced with providing support to the companies and attachments going through TMST, while having their own staff mbrs attend the same training to ensure they themselves were ready to deploy. Lawfield OP. Troops lining up for a warm breakfast Right: Cooks hard at work. PRO PATRIA 2017 45

Line-up of preserved LAV 6.0. Maintenance Platoon Our Maintenance Officer saw a changeover in platoon leadership, with Capt Garrett MacDonald posted out, Capt Hollich Ho was posted in with MWO Chris Belanger remaining as the Equipment Technical Quartermaster Sergeant. Maintenance Platoon always establishes a footprint on all battalion level exercises and this year was no different. During the conduct of 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment’s level 5 exercise, Ex BATLIC DEFENDER, Maintenance Platoon sent out their A1 Echelon in order to provide immediate support to the F Echelon, enabling them to maintain their fighting momentum. An A2 Echelon was also stood up at C/S 8 with MRTs and MRVs and quickly responded to Repair Recovery Requests throughout the battlespace, providing recovery and repairs on vehicles and ancillary equipment. With the majority of the platoon deploying on Op REASSURANCE Roto 9, Maintenance Platoon significantly minimized their workload through the preservation of LAV 6.0s. With a combined effort from 2 RCR infantryman and RCEME technicians along 2nd line assets, the Battalion preserved a Coy (+) worth of LAV 6.0’s. Transport Platoon 2017 has put Battalion Transport to the test. January began with preliminary moves as Capt John Woodworth and WO Jim Whalen leading the charge to move personnel, weapons, equipment and vehicles to Wainwright, Alberta for the conduct of Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 17. The veh movement to Wainwright marked the first time the LAV 6.0 had been moved by rail. During March, Ex TOMAHAWK DRIVE occurred, as a 6 day vehicle road move from Oromocto, New Brunswick to Wainwright, Alberta. Through the conduct of Ex MAPLE 46 PRO PATRIA 2017

RESOLVE during the months of April to June, Battalion Transport took position as part of the A2 Ech. With the success of Wainwright, the summer months from July to August allowed Battalion Transport to regroup and orient themselves for the pre deployment training in the fall. Upon return from summer leave, Capt John Woodgate and WO Lizette LeBlanc joined Bn Tpt as the new comd team immediately hitting the ground running as deployment for Op REASSURANCE was only months away. October and November were busy months for 2 RCR Tpt as Ex BALTIC DEFENDER required numerous complex movement plans to support the BG preparing for Latvia. Battalion Transport spent the remaining months of the year supporting personnel movement for TMST and before conducting the Christmas parking plan as winter leave began. Lima Company’s professionalism and first rate work ethic were demonstrated throughout 2017. The Company developed a more holistic understanding of its 1st line support capacity, our own internal limitations, all while providing the Battalion the support it required to achieve its training mandates as it prepares to deploy to Latvia. LAV 6.0 being prepared for movement to rail yard PRO PATRIA 2017 47

3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment This Regiment, and all those wearing the eight-pointed star serving throughout the Canadian Armed Forces, continue to strive to live up to the ideals of our founders and the universal guidance our motto provides. Our 3rd Battalion takes its cue from that. The RSM and I believe we can all be incredibly proud of the work our soldiers accomplished in 2017, from leading Operations, building Army Readiness, shaping Light Forces, to engaging and supporting our families. As the Canadian Army exited Afghanistan, we knew a more lethal, flexible, and well-rounded force would be needed to accomplish our tasks. The Army anticipated LCol K.M. Reeves, CD becoming, again, the Government’s ultimate multi-tool. We are now calling upon lessons learned deep in our past, lessons from the Balkans, from currently raging conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, and to future concerns. This planning has created the need for our world class Army to generate forces that are inherently agile, ready, and flexible. This resurgence of modern Light Forces, with the backing of CAF leadership, has given us a wealth spring of energy and purpose to our unit. In the next few pages, I hope it becomes clear that every member of the unit contributed something 3 RCR important to Army output this year. We contributed greatly to the Brigade’s understanding and fluency with airmobile planning and execution, we played a large role in achieving our own and our fellow units’ road to high readiness, we supported the continued growth in capability of 450 Sqn Tactical Helicopter Squadron, we built some new and maintained several long-standing international partnerships, and we deployed and led one of Canada’s major international peace support operations. Where we go next in the short term is clear. We will redeploy from Ukraine; we will complete the first spiral of the Light Forces Build; we will be the backbone of 4 Division Readiness while our fellow Bns rotate through CWO A.J. Durnford, MMM, CD Latvia on NATO duty; we will hold the Government’s Non-Combatant Evacuation Standby Force; and even 48 PRO PATRIA 2017

M Coy performing a parachute descent into DZ ANZIO (Petawawa) have the honour to conduct Public Duties in London. All of that and more will only be possible with the support of our broader Regimental Family. On that final note, we hope any serving, retired, or connected member of the Regiment feels welcome in the 3rd Battalion and S-118. Please stop by the unit at any time. And if you are a former Mortarman, Pioneer, or TOW Gunner – please give us a call – we have a uniform waiting for you! LCol Kris Reeves and CWO Jack Durnford. Mike Company M Coy knew 2017 was going to be a busy year and it did not disappoint. The New Year began with a Winter Complex Terrain School (WCTS) at the Calabogie Ski Resort, however, the exercise was anything but a holiday. Unfavourable weather conditions and a strict tactical climate gave the soldiers an opportunity to prove their metal in a harsh environment. The main focus of the exercise involved setting up a defensive position at the top of Calabogie Mountain. This required the coy to haul, in addition to personal rucksacks weighing an average of 80 lbs, the AGLS weapon system and all other supplies up the steep hill using sleds, allowing the coy to experience moving through complex terrain. Additionally, the soldiers were able to learn new skills such as downhill skiing, as well as preparing and using zip lines. Post WCTS, M Coy conducted work-up training for EX MAPLE RESOLVE, which saw the coy execute levels 2-5 live ranges. The first of the ranges, EX PEGASUS NIGHTKILLA, was the beginning of the work-up training allowing section commanders to demonstrate their PRO PATRIA 2017 49

leadership skills while simultaneously granting the sections time to establish cohesiveness. The ex-began with pairs operating through the jungle lanes and progressed to section level attacks on Russian style trench systems, occurring both day and night. This was immediately followed by EX ROYAL FROST, which put the platoon commanders through their paces in level 3 live fire ranges, again both day and night. The objectives included Russian style trenches and huts in-depth, adding to the complexity of the range. These two ranges set the conditions for EX RUGGED BEAR, taking place in Wainwright Alberta, which encompassed coy level, live fire ranges as the final preparation for EX MAPLE RESOLVE. This culminating coy level attack was an amazing experience, which involved three raids throughout the day and also involved live fire support from artillery on a second objective. The attacks were hailed as a massive success for the volume of fire Mike Coy was able to lay down through the use of M72s and live 84 rounds. Another success that came from this exercise was the use of Gators and MRZRs (side-by-side all-terrain vehicles) by the Company Quartermaster to support the operation throughout. Following the exercise, the coy spent five days preparing defensive positions that would later be used during Ex MAPLE RESOLVE. This exercise educated the soldiers on the establishment of a strong defensive position, through the construction of Stage 6 trenches, as well as provided the coy opportunity to see and help build trenches for TOW and C16. M Coy launched EX MAPLE RESVOLVE with an attack on a British dug-in positon while riding into battle on the back of tanks, otherwise known as a tank desant, courtesy to the RCD. The attack, led by OC M Coy, Major Mendyka, took place amidst a torrential storm only adding to the thrill of the assault. The second attack involved M Coy being picked up on their defensive position by chinooks and subsequently flown to a link-up point with recce. They then attacked the American position, codenamed OBJ Hammerhead. During the defensive Lt Segu leading 3 Pl on an assault against a defensive position during Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 50 PRO PATRIA 2017