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Pro Patria 2016 Regimental Journal of The Royal Canadian Regiment

PRO PATRIA October 2017, Issue 98 Editor Capt Shawn Neville Technical Assistant: Cpl Alexander Perry 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 2016 Issue 98 Regimental Headquarters RHQ 2016 – Front row seated (L to R): WO S. Gillis (Regt WO), Maj B. Wright (Regt Maj), Capt S. Neville (Regt Adjt), Sgt J. Harris (Regt Warehouse NCO I/C) Back row standing (L to R): Cpl A. Perry (RHQ Clk), Cpl B.J. Laliberte, MCpl S. Ste Croix (RVCC), Cpl J. Villeneuve, and MCpl D. O’Hara (Full Dress Stores Fellow Royal Canadians, Pro Patria 2016 would not have been possible without the production of articles by members of our Regimental family. As well, the assistance and guidance of a number of individuals and in particular Lisa Twomey of Creative Spark Graphic Design, made my task as editor a great deal easier. Please permit me to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to you all. Pro Patria! Shawn Neville Captain Regimental Adjutant PRO PATRIA 2016 3

CONTENTS Colonel of the Regiment .................................................................................... 6 A Word from Gen. J.H. Vance ............................................................................ 7 Regimental Council ............................................................................................ 8 Battle Honours .................................................................................................. 10 Regimental Mentors ......................................................................................... 11 1 RCR ................................................................................................................ 12 2 RCR ................................................................................................................ 27 3 RCR ................................................................................................................ 49 4 RCR ................................................................................................................ 63 ERE ................................................................................................................... 73 The RCR Association ........................................................................................ 78 The RCR Museum ............................................................................................. 80 Departed Comrades .......................................................................................... 87 4 PRO PATRIA 2016

Individual Submission: Remembering Ed Mastronardi, M.C., The RCR, 2 Nov 1925 - 9 Oct 2016 ............................................................................................. 90 Individual Submission: Kamal Khan .................................................................. 99 Individual Submission: The South African War -- the foundation of RCR professionalism ............................................................................................... 104 The Royal Canadian Regiment Voluntary Contributions Program .................. 112 Forms .............................................................................................................. 115 The Last Word ................................................................................................ 118 PRO PATRIA 2016 5

COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT Greetings to all Royal Canadians, and families and friends of The Regiment. In these pages we celebrate another year of loyal and dedicated service to our country and the world. Royal Canadians are with Allies in North America and Western Europe, and in troubled parts of the globe, from Eastern Europe, throughout the Middle East including Sinai and Iraq, and beyond. I want here to pay special tribute to MGen Denis Thompson, in his final year of command MGen (ret’d) J.I. Fenton, OMM, CD of the Multi-National Force and Observers. It is rare for a Canadian to be given command of a multi- national force on operations. The focus of one large all-consuming mission has been replaced by the need to anticipate, train for and sometimes deploy on a range of missions – diverse in both their locations and in the tasks, skillsets and equipment required. In 2016 our battalions were busy integrating new recruits, dusting off old skills and tactical lessons, and constantly raising the level, intensity and complexity of training. Uncertainty abounds concerning when and where the next task will arise; what is certain is that new challenges are coming. This lull in deployments – but certainly not a lull in battalion life – permitted a welcome return of our regimental competitions. The application of detailed and precise skills, to be carried out in perfect unison, such as foot, sword or rifle drill, demonstrates the pursuit of team excellence, exemplifying our finest traditions of service to Canada, and our determination to “never pass a fault”. Throughout the year, many Royal Canadians continued to recover from past deployments. This painful process is long and slow, and needs support from family, friends and the chain of command. This journey must continue, even as the focus shifts to new missions. A fine example of a team approach to this healing journey is the Royal Camino trek in Northern Spain, being organized by the Kingston Branch of the Association in early 2017. This demonstrates our Association’s mandate to serve our members – both serving and retired – by providing support and comradeship throughout their lives. In 2016 I was again impressed by the dedication and professionalism of today’s serving soldiers. I again welcomed newly qualified officers and soldiers into our regiment. It was a busy year for development of individual and team skills. This work has formed an excellent foundation for the missions that Canada will soon require of The Royal Canadian Regiment. Stand ready, and Pro Patria! 6 PRO PATRIA 2016

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 is an exciting time to be in the Canadian Armed Forces. Here in Ottawa, there are a lot of exciting changes coming for you and your families that will enable you to continue to aim for and achieve high rates of operational success. Recently, the Government of Canada announced its new Defence Policy, which outlines how Canada expects to care for and employ its Armed Forces over the next 20 years. It also represents a significant investment in our future, one that will ensure we remain a flexible, Gen JH Vance, CMM, MSC, CD responsive, combat-capable force that is prepared to deploy anywhere in the world. As members of the Canadian Armed Forces, your job is now to build a force that will meet this intent. And over the coming weeks, your chain of command will communicate with you to help you understand what this new policy means for each of you and your families. For now, your primary mission is unchanged: you must stand ready to defend Canada and Canadians. You belong to an agile operational force that can and will be called upon to respond to emergencies at home, and to face and defeat modern threats around the world. Achieving this mission means we must be ready to operate in multiple theatres at any given time. Modernizing personnel policies is a major undertaking of the Defence Policy Review. In today’s world, where the demands of military service affect not only our men and women in uniform, but also their families, we require the tools that will provide for the welfare of our most important resource: our people. For example, the recent announcement of a pay and allowance increase as well as the plan to grant tax relief to Canadian Armed Forces members deployed on international named operations, will ensure we continue to be an effective, combat-ready force for many years to come. Our regimental family provides support, continuity and leverages those policies to ensure the well-being of our soldiers. I keep in close touch with regimental business through the Colonel of the Regiment and the Chair of the Regimental Senate, and I know our affairs are as well managed now as at any time in our history. It is the conduct of our members, whether tucked deep inside a battalion or flung out on Extra Regimental Employment, that helps us maintain the high standards and discipline for which we are known. When difficulties arise, the way we treat our people will remain in the proudest of the Regiment’s traditions. To all of you and your families, I send my sincere thanks and appreciation. As always, I wish each and every one of you good luck with whatever challenges you face. Pro Patria General Jonathan H. Vance Chief of the Defence Staff PRO PATRIA 2016 7

THE ROYAL CANADIAN REGIMENT COUNCIL THE REGIMENTAL SENATE Appointment As of December 2016 As of printing September 2017 Chair MGen O.H. Lavoie, OMM, MSC, CD MGen O.H. Lavoie, OMM, MSC, CD Regimental Secretary LCol P.A. Lockhart, CD LCol S.D.C. Trenholm, CD Members Colonel of The Regiment MGen J.I. Fenton, OMM, CD (Ret’d) MGen J.I. Fenton, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Former Colonels of The Regiment Col W.J. Aitchison, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Col W.J. Aitchison, OMM, CD (Ret’d) MGen W.M. Holmes, MBE, MSM, CD (Ret’d) MGen W.M. Holmes, MBE, MSM, CD (Ret’d) MGen T.F. de Faye, CMM, CD (Ret’d) MGen T.F. de Faye, CMM, CD (Ret’d) Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel 4 RCR Col W.J. Pettipas, CD (Ret’d) Col W.J. Pettipas, CD (Ret’d) Serving General Officers of The RCR Gen J.H. Vance, CMM, MSC, CD Gen J.H. Vance, CMM, MSC, CD MGen D.W. Thompson, OMM, MSC, CD MGen O.H. Lavoie, OMM, MSC, CD MGen O.H. Lavoie, OMM, MSC, CD BGen M.E.K. Campbell, CD BGen M.E.K. Campbell, CD BGen S.J.R. Whelan, OMM, MSM, CD BGen S.J.R. Whelan, OMM, MSM, CD BGen G.R. Smith, MSM, CD BGen G.R. Smith, MSM, CD BGen D.C. Aitchison, CD BGen C.J.J. Mialkowski, MSM, CD Chairperson REC Col J.S. Shipley, MSM, CD Col J.D.V. Vass, CD Regimental Colonel Col P.K. Scott, CD Col P.K. Scott, CD Chairperson The RCR Association LCol R.W. McBride, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Maj J. MacInnis, 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 S.G. Hartnell, MMM, MSM, 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 M.L. Baisley, MMM, MSC, CD (Ret’d) AAny other persons appointed by the Chair of the Regimental Senate THE REGIMENTAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Appointment As of December 2016 As of printing September 2017 Chairperson Col J.S. Shipley, MSM, CD Col J.D.V. Vass, CD Regimental Secretary LCol P.A. Lockhart, CD LCol S.D.C. Trenholm, CD Members Regimental Colonel Col P.K. Scott, CD Col P.K. Scott, CD CO 1 RCR LCol S.K. MacBeth, MSM, CD LCol S.K. MacBeth, MSM, CD CO 2 RCR LCol S.R. Murphy, CD LCol S.M. French, CD CO 3 RCR LCol W.P. Graydon, CD LCol K.W. Reeves, CD CO 4 RCR LCol M.W. Anderson, CD LCol M.W. Anderson, CD Chairperson The RCR Trust Fund Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Chairperson The RCR Association LCol R.W. McBride, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Maj J. MacInnis, CD (Ret’d) 8 PRO PATRIA 2016

THE REGIMENTAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ... CONTINUED Appointment As of December 2016 As of printing September 2017 RCWO CWO S.G. Hartnell, MMM, MSM, CD CWO S.G. Hartnell, MMM, MSM, CD RSM 1 RCR CWO L.D.J. Lavoie, MSM, CD CWO J.C. Copeland, MMM, CD RSM 2 RCR CWO K.R. Venus, CD CWO K.R. Venus, CD RSM 3 RCR CWO W.P. Fudge, CD CWO A.J. Durnford, CD RSM 4 RCR MWO J. A. Burke, CD CWO J. A. Burke, CD Treasurer – Regimental Major Maj B.J. Wright, 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 2016 As of printing September 2017 Chairman Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Col T. Tarrant, CD (Ret’d) Vice-Chairman CWO D.W. Preeper, MMM, CD (Ret’d) CWO D.W. Preeper, 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 LCol R.W. McBride, OMM, CD (Ret’d) Maj J. MacInnis, CD (Ret’d) Regimental Secretary – ex officio LCol P.A. Lockhart, CD LCol S.D.C. Trenholm, CD Regimental Major – ex officio Maj B.J. Wright, 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 2016 As of printing September 2017 Chairman Mr John Mombourquette Mr John Mombourquette Honorary LCol 4 RCR – ex officio Col W.J. Pettipas, CD (Ret’d) Col W.J. Pettipas, CD (Ret’d) Regimental Secretary – ex officio LCol P.A. Lockhart, CD LCol S.D.C. Trenholm, CD Regimental Major – ex officio Maj B.J. Wright, CD Maj T.J.E Robinson, MMM, CD Regimental Chief Warrant Officer – ex officio CWO S.G. Hartnell, MMM, MSM, CD CWO S.G. Hartnell, MMM, MSM, 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 Capt C. Collison, CD (Ret’d) 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 LCol D.G. Fearon, MSM, CD PRO PATRIA 2016 9

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 10 PRO PATRIA 2016

REGIMENTAL MENTORS egimental Mentors (typically Lieutenant-Colonels), Assistant Mentors (typically Majors or R Captains), and Other Rank Mentors (typically Chief Warrant Officers or Master Warrant Officers) will be appointed by the Regimental Colonel 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 and the Regimental Chief Warrant Officer. The Royal Canadian Regiment has Mentors located across the country and internationally. Contact Regimental Headquarters to confirm who the Mentor in your area is currently MENTOR REGIONS and UNITS Current as of September 2017 1. 1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment: LCol Steve MacBeth; CWO John Copeland. 2. 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment: LCol Sean French; CWO Kevin Venus. 3. 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment: LCol Kris Reeves; CWO Andrew Durnford. 4. 4th Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment: LCol Martin Anderson; 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 Jason Guiney (Toronto Area and Overall Senior Ontario Mentor); LCol Brian Healey (Kingston Area); Maj Mike Plaunt (Meaford); and MWO Wallace Rideout (Kingston Area). 7. NCR and Quebec: LCol Rob McBride; Maj Greg Miller (Asst Mentor); and MWO Keith Dube (NCM Mentor). 8. Atlantic Canada: LCol Eleanor Taylor; and NCM Mentor TBD. 9. Northern and Western Canada: LCol Rob Tessellar; and WO Mike Womack. 10. CANSOFCOM: LCol Jay Lachine; and CWO Bruce Ball. 11. USA: LCol Mark Anthony 12. Other Internationally Posted Personnel (including the UK and Europe): LCol James Price (Deputy Regimental Colonel); and CWO Stu Hartnell (Regimental Chief Warrant Officer). PRO PATRIA 2016 11

1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment With the completion of Op UNIFIER and the transition to reintegration and APS, 2016 saw the change of command from LCol Jason Guiney to myself in June. Though busy through the spring, the battalion welcomed me and said good-bye to LCol Guiney in high style with the battalion parading in scarlets for the first time in many years. This parade demonstrated to me the high level of leadership and professionalism of the 1st Battalion that I was being given the honour to command. With the Change of Command complete and summer leave behind us, 1 RCR under the umbrella of Task Force Tomahawk began the long approach march to potential deployment along the LCol S MacBeth, MSC CD winding Road to High Readiness (RTHR). Joining us on this journey were the warriors of 31 and 33 Canadian Brigade Groups (CBGs). 1 RCR initiated formal relationships with the units of those organizations as part of Op REINFORCEMENT which saw the embedding of Primary Reserve Infanteers into our sub-units at all levels. We kicked off these relationships and the RTHR with fully integrated sub-units that saw 200 Primary Reservists complete Ex STALWART GUARDIAN in August. I was proud to see, regardless of cap badge, the ability to shoot, move and communicate up to section live 1 RCR by day and night conducted to a very high standard. Simultaneous to these efforts Bravo Coy prepared for Ex COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT, hosting many civilian leaders to include Her Excellency Mrs. Johnson. Echo Coy competed in CIVSAC bringing home many awards. We honoured the veterans of Op MEDUSA and were visited by MGen Lavoie to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Battle for Pashmul. A good time was had by all and the event was well attended by veterans serving and retired and by all elements of the TF 3-06 BG. Rejoining the RTHR in October, 1 RCR deployed to the training grounds of Meaford for Ex ROYAL PHALANX to complete live fire platoon attacks by day and night along with company dry training. As the Bn’s first deployment CWO L.D.J. Lavoie, MSM, CD since 2014, it taught us many lessons that will set us up well for the extended move to Wainwright in the spring. 12 PRO PATRIA 2016

Ex ROYAL PHALANX was the first extended mechanized exercise for the Bn since the stand-up of the LAV 6.0 capability and the crews excelled in pushing the limits of the mobility, firepower and superior optics of the platform by day and night. This focused training set the stage for Company live on the RTHR. Having redeployed to Petawawa, 1 RCR took the unique opportunity to celebrate Remembrance Day as a complete Bn and focussed our collective memories on those we lost in the Korean Conflict. The names were read from the scrolls of honour and looking forward to next year the Bn hopes to send a Platoon of soldiers to stand vigil in Korea at Hill 355. 1 RCR moved onto the final stage of the fall training regimen, Ex STORMING BEAR. The apex of our training to date, this exercise saw The Duke’s, Bravo, Charles, Echo and Foxtrot all deployed to support Level 4 (Coy Grp) by day and night. Integrating attack aviation, CAS, artillery and engineer support, it tested the abilities of the OCs for command and control and as usual the team under-promised and over-delivered, setting a solid tone for final confirmation this spring (2017) in Wainwright. There are many challenges before us as we look to complete the RTHR and turn to a potential Peace Support Operation or whatever task may come our way. I am confident that the 1st Bn team will be ready, and will continue to demonstrate the will to fight and win in whatever arena we are placed. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Company The Duke of Edinburgh’s Company (The Duke’s Coy) held down the fort in 1 RCR while the remainder of the Bn was deployed on Op UNIFIER, Ukraine. It was a busy training year, with the key event being their attachment to the Royal Canadian Dragoons Battle Group (RCD BG) as OPFOR during Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 16. The coy brought infantry tenacity and aggression to the RCD BG and successfully challenged 1 CMBG’s validation during the force on force. Throughout the remainder of the year, The Duke’s Coy capitalized on its experience in Wainwright to lead the way through Ex STALWART GUARDIAN, ROYAL PHALANX and STORMING BEAR. The coy has eagerly launched down the Road to High Readiness and has 91 bayonets ready to deploy on order from the Government of Canada. The Duke’s Coy started 2016 with a winter survival exercise. With the only enemy being the bitter cold, the soldiers of The Duke’s Coy were able to focus on learning the basic skills PRO PATRIA 2016 13

required to survive in winter conditions. These included the construction of improvised shelters, building and maintaining fires, trapping and preparing animals, and cooking. A rabbit was provided to the soldiers so they would all be given the opportunity to properly prepare it for consumption from start to finish. However, MWO Ron George made it seem like a much easier process than it was, which became obvious when Capt Marcel Campbell reversed the order of a couple of key steps. The coy was able to use smoke generators to signal CH-147 Chinook helicopters for extraction back to Y101 for end- ex. The coy would re-cock and head directly into Ex DUKE NUKEM, the coy gun camp in which The Duke’s Coy executed a challenging and stimulating jungle lane that included the 9mm, 12 gauge, C7, C9, and C6. As soldiers progressed through, they were assessed on their fieldcraft, their drills on each weapon system, and their communication. Cpls Sutcliffe and Knight were assessed as the winners of the contest for their unmatched, speed, aggression and skill and each received a day of short leave in reward. The coy also took to the slopes of Calabogie for a ski day. The focus soon shifted from winter training back to preparations for Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 16 as part of the RCD BG. Ex VIRTUAL DRAGOON saw the coy leadership participate in a computer-assisted exercise that helped test the planned mobile defence against 1 CMBG. Following a winter PCF cycle, the coy soon found itself packing up and heading west. The primary training audience for Ex MR 16 was 1 CMBG, and the coy certainly intended to provide the best training opportunity possible. The exercise would be broken into four distinct phases: covering force battle, main defensive battle, offensive operations, and reserve demolition guard. During each phase, The Duke’s Coy provided a realistic (and at times arguably insurmountable) challenge to the PTA. One of the most memorable parts of the exercise was when 1 and 3 platoons conducted cross-FLOT helicopter insertions behind 1 CMBG’s forward elements. By conducting aggressive patrolling over a 48-hour period, the coy disrupted the enemy’s efforts to regroup and prepare their own defenses. Some of the most memorable events took place during this time, including a tank hunting team lead by Cpl Ben Speer which neutralised an entire tank troop from LdSH(RC) who had gone to ground without maintaining security. The unshakeable resolve of The Duke’s Coy would best be displayed during the final action of the exercise. When all seemed lost, and with all rifle platoons destroyed, Maj Joe Tobin, Capt Cullen Downey, MWO Sergio Tomasi, WO Darren Weatherbee, and Sgt Frazer Lupton (along with special guests Col Conrad Mialkowski and CWO Sean Mercer), mustered what remaining combat power they had remaining: 1 x LAV 6.0, 1 x LUVW, 1 x US HMMWV and some B fleet vehicles from the echelon. In a tactic not seen since the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade, the Duke’s company pursued the enemy to the last man, inflicting massive casualties on the 1 CMBG force as it attempted to cross the Battle River, proving The Duke’s Coy would not go silently into the night. Despite the great battlefield exploits, not all the coy’s time was spent fighting 1 CMBG. The 14 PRO PATRIA 2016

coy came together in celebration of the 95th birthday of HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. To mark the occasion, and celebrate the warrior spirit shown by our Colonel-in- Chief and namesake, the coy celebrated with pugil-stick bouts, some friendly sports, and a birthday cake. The day was won by 3 Platoon, commanded by Capt Josh Murphy and Sgt Jim Reid, who cleaned up in the pugil ring. Not one to be outdone, WO Craig Butts of 2 Platoon headed up the unofficial celebrations with a little “slip and flip” action to show that 2 Platoon could hold their own as well. Following redeployment from Wainwright, the coy transitioned from manoeuvre in the field to manoeuvre on the parade square, and hit the ground running into preparations for the 1 RCR change of command parade between LCol Jason Guiney and LCol Steven MacBeth. After some well-earned leave and the usual summer manning changes, the company headed into the field to conduct Ex STALWART GUARDIAN 16 (Ex SG 16). Having spent much of the last year preparing for collective training in Wainwright, the coy now turned some much-needed attention to individual soldier skills and section level training. Ex SG 16 saw the integration of soldiers from Canada’s Primary Reserve Force units into the sub-units of 1st Battalion. The Duke’s Coy became affiliated with the Grey & Simcoe Foresters, The Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada, and our own 4th Battalion. The first part of Ex SG was dedicated to various live-fire ranges. Duke’s Coy was responsible for running the pairs and the section level live-fire ranges, both of which proved to be very successful. The second part of the exercise would see each platoon rotate through three separate stands run by each company: patrolling, urban operations, and offensive operations; The Duke’s Coy was responsible for the patrolling stand. In this stand, sections and platoons were challenged to deploy a number of section level reconnaissance patrols on different objectives. All of the reports from the patrols would be collected and an intelligence report would be drafted by the bn’s intelligence cell. This created a unique measurement of how well each company did as they rotated through the stand. Duke’s Coy would also participate in Ex COLLABORATIVE SPRIT during the same time period. While primarily carried out by B Company, 1 Platoon, under the command of Lt Michael Hobb and 2IC Sgt Leo Myers, acted as the enemy force element of the exercise and had direct interaction with the various civilian and military attachments throughout the ex. To end the summer, Duke’s Coy would organize another event, the 10th Anniversary Operation MEDUSA Celebration. An open and inclusive event, the event focused on celebrating 1st Bn’s actions on the battlefield with fellow soldiers, veterans, friends, and families of those who deployed on TF 3-06. The next big exercise was Ex ROYAL PHALANX which saw Duke’s Coy deploy to 4th Canadian Division Training Centre MEAFORD. With the individual soldier skills confirmed, the bn began to swing focus to the section and pl, while laying the ground work for company level operations. Again, PRO PATRIA 2016 15

on the outset of the exercise, Duke’s Coy would be responsible for putting the battalion through live-fire pairs’ ranges to get the remainder of the battalion qualified for section level operations. Platoons had the opportunity to apply the skills practiced in Ex SG 16 in offensive ops, urban fighting, and patrolling. The focus was the mechanized section and platoon live- fire attacks. Consolidated into two platoons to mitigate manning and VOR challenges, 1 and 3 Pl both acquitted themselves quite well. The exercise culminated with a company level urban assault against a determined OPFOR led by Capt Josh Bloess and Recce Pl. Immediately upon redeployment from Meaford, the company began supporting Ex STORMING BEAR, the brigade-driven level 4 live fire ranges. With 6 Pl attached from B Company, The Duke’s laid waste to objective after objective with a pleasant efficiency. Our LAV Captain, Capt Harry Little, together with LAV Sgts Sean Lamb, Brad Hodge, and Jim Reid brought the support of thundering (but not rolling) firebases, bringing a prodigious amount of firepower to bear on the enemy positions before the assault forces swept through with maximum aggression. The conclusion of this exercise brought with it a much-needed maintenance period for both our soldiers and our equipment. That is likely to be a brief respite, as the coy assumes the task to generate the vanguard coy for the Immediate Response Unit heading in to the Christmas break. As The Duke of Edinburgh’s Company turns the page from 2016, we look to the New Year for further challenges, and remain ready to answer the call. Bravo Company Having previously stood down Bravo Coy on Ex STALWART GAURDIAN in support of Op UNIFIER, Bravo Company (B Coy) was stood up on 29 February 2016. Under the command team of Maj Jeff Lloyd and MWO Anthony Jones, B Coy immediately took to the task of re-establishing the baseline skills required to operate as a mechanized company. Notably, to achieve this, B Coy qualified 29 new LAV 6 drivers and 11 new LAV 6 gunners between March and June 2016. B Coy’s first exercise for 2016 was Ex STALWART GUARDIAN. Reinforced with 50 Primary Reservists from 33 CBG (Prince of Wales Own Regiment, Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, Brockville Rifles, Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment, and the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders), B Coy took to the field to perfect its section level skills and drills. Under the direction of the CO, 1 RCR was to focus on patrolling, urban operations and offensive action. B Coy was charged with leading urban operations training for the bn. IFrom Ex STALWART GUARDIAN, B Coy moved quickly to Ex COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT. As part of a wider 2 CMBG effort, B Coy was tasked to highlight the professional competencies resident within a Canadian Army combined arms team to industry, political and military 16 PRO PATRIA 2016

Clockwise from top left: Cpl Dixon (PWOR) acts as a Demo PW to be searched by Cpl Hutchinson (Hast&PER) and secured by Cpl Fulford (PWOR). Members were attached to Bravo Coy as a part of Op REINFORCEMENT Bravo Coy Combat Team advancing on an enemy objective during Ex COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT 16 Bravo Coy Combat Team poses with civilian guests during Ex COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT 16 Maj Jeff Lloyd, C/S 29, gives orders for Bravo Coy’s attack on the Ortona Village at 4 CDTC Meaford. leaders. Through successive combat team attacks executed on the Mattawa Plains B coy was able to demonstrate the range, firepower, and command and control of mechanized forces. Over this same period 5 platoon commander, Lt Josh MacAulay, departed on a three month exchange with 1 Regiment, Royal Fusiliers. The exchange involved not only a month long deployment to Kenya, but also a stay in the Tower of London. Following Ex COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT B Coy moved directly to Ex ROYAL PHALANX, joining the Bn in Meaford to continue the collective training progression from section to platoon level skills. Once again B Coy was augmented by members of 33 CBG. In addition to itself achieving the training aims of Ex Left: Lt Josh MacAulay deployed to Kenya ROYAL PHALANX B Coy was also tasked with running the Bn while on exchange with 1 Regiment Royal Platoon Live Fire Range. Owing to the hard work of B Coy’s Fusiliers. Zulu Company 1 RRF Officers (L-R) Sr NCOs and Jr Officers 1 RCR conducted nine iterations of Lt P. Weller, Lt J. MacAulay (B Coy 1RCR), Lt live fire platoon attacks. J. Dutney, Maj R. Hicks, Capt G. Sweetman, Lt L Hutcheson, and Lt D. Davies. Picture Having spent the majority of the year focused successively taken on Ex ASKARI STORM in Kenya on soldier, section and platoon level skills and drills, B Coy culminated its’ training year putting all it had learned Right: Lead call sign of 6 Pl moving onto together into two live fire combat team attacks as part of Ex HWY 26 as it moves from CFB Borden to 4 STORMING BEAR. Over a four month period from August CDTC Meaford PRO PATRIA 2016 17

to November B Coy spent nearly 10 weeks deployed on exercise. The result is a well formed team ready to continue the advance towards high readiness. Charles Company Over the past year, Charles Company has been involved in a number of major training activities. The year began with the company returning from a five month long training mission in the Ukraine, after which Charles Coy was given a brief period of rest before moving into the planning and conduct of several months of primary core function (PCF) courses. This was followed in August by the beginning of high readiness training which has been ongoing ever since. It has been a flurry of activity but all members have risen to the challenge, with several members recognized for their performance through the year. Charles Coy deployed to Ukraine as the Joint Task Force – Ukraine Training Company. The company was tasked to create an eight week training plan. The skills ranged from individual soldier skills up to company level operations. Each of the three platoons within Charles partnered with a Ukrainian platoon and mentored them throughout the eight weeks. Over the course of the deployment, Charles worked with two Ukrainian mechanized companies and instructed a small cadre of NCOs through a junior leadership course. The development and execution of the training plan is being considered a success as tangible results are starting to be seen from the Ukrainian elements who received the training. At the end of July Charles Company returned from summer leave and got straight to work, this time with a new company command team. Both Maj Ben Rogerson and MWO Joseph Doucette finished their time with Charles, with Maj Rogerson moving on to take command of Foxtrot Company, while MWO Doucette became Sergeant Major of Echo. Taking up the mantle were Maj Lesley Kerckhoff, coming in from Echo Coy and MWO Brian Bell, who joined the company from 2RCR India Coy where he was CQ. The new OC and CSM wasted no time setting the battle rhythm for the company. Under their leadership Charles Coy took its first steps on the road to high readiness, Members of Charles Company with Ukrainian soldiers, in Yavoriv during Op prepping for Ex STALWART UNIFIER which took place in the Ukraine from August 2015 to January 2016 GUARDIAN (SG) 16. The road to high readiness (RTHR) has so far seen the members of Charles Coy in and out of the field on a regular basis over the past four months as they complete all gateway training. Starting with SG16 in late August all the way to Ex STORMING BEAR (SB) in mid-November, Charles Coy has completed section through company live fire training by day and night. It has been a taxing but rewarding experience as the members of the company have come 18 PRO PATRIA 2016

Left: Charles Coy LAV during Ex STALWART GUARDIAN which took place in Petawawa, Ontario from 13 – 26 August 2016 in order to qualify soldiers up to level 2 live fire. Below: Primary Reserve members preparing to conduct section live fire ranges as part of Charles Company during Ex ROYAL PHALANX in Meaford, Ontario from 03 – 26 October 2016. together to form an effective team. With more training on the horizon, the company continues to hone its skills in preparation for level 5 ranges and Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 17 in Wainwright. As part of the build up to SG 16, Charles Coy was tasked with developing the SOPs to be used by the Bn for Offensive Ops. Every soldier at every level was a resource for this effort as the accumulated experience of the company was used to draft the SOPs from section to company. Before stepping off Charles Coy produced the guide that the Bn would use for conducting Offensive Ops. Ex SG 16 would be the proving ground for these SOPs as it represented the first chance the Bn had to put them into practice. After Ex SG 16, Charles Coy transitioned almost immediately to the planning and execution of two LAV III courses. From 06-30 Sep 9 Platoon and 7 Platoon conducted a LAV III gunner course and driver course respectively. Both courses found themselves sharing a small pool of LAVs as the fleet was now in need of considerable maintenance coming off the back of not only SG 16 but also Ex MAPLE RESOLVE (MR) 16 earlier that year. Both courses were completed successfully despite this limited number of vehicles. As a result Charles Coy never lacked for qualified soldiers to drive or gun their LAV fleet. PRO PATRIA 2016 19

Throughout the year’s training, Charles was the only company to use the LAV III platform exclusively. The decision to centralize the LAV IIIs came after SG 16 and was made to prevent the mixing of fleets within the companies and to ensure the continuity of capabilities. Though this meant that the newer fleet of LAV 6s would go to Duke’s and Bravo, Charles Coy found the LAV IIIs surprisingly reliable. Despite their age, when properly maintained, Charles rarely had issues with these boats and on more than one occasion found they out performed their larger cousins. In the hands of experienced crews, the LAV IIIs of Charles Coy proved extremely effective. As part of Op REINFORCEMENT – a Division wide initiative to promote greater interoperability between the Regular and Reserve Forces – Charles Coy was reinforced by a Primary Reserve (PRes) contingent before every exercise. These individuals came from all across 33 CBG and demonstrated a strong commitment to their respective units and the CAF as a whole by taking time out from their civilian lives to join the company in its gateway training. Both the members of Charles Coy and their PRes counterparts quickly established a strong rapport, recognizing the skills each other possessed. Several of the reservist personnel even acted in leadership roles within the sections. Charles Coy looks forward to having its PRes attachments back for future training; a sentiment shared by these members. Several members of Charles Coy were recognized this year for their performance and for their service. Sgt Chris Krieger, Sgt Jeremy Leblanc, MCpl Stephen Shears and MCpl Rob Jeffery were all presented with their Canadian Forces Decoration (CD). MCpl Walmsley received a Soldier proficiency award Above: Charles Coy (morning after Urban from the Commanding Officer for his contributions to the Attack) during Ex ROYAL PHALANX which Bn. He was also promoted to his current rank in June of this took place in Meaford, Ontario from 03 – year. Also promoted were WO Matt Russell, WO Gary Reid, 26 October which qualified soldiers up to Sgt Will Ryan, MCpl Shaun Haworth, MCpl Derek Boutin, level 3 live fire. MCpl Kenneth Leatherbarrow, MCpl Nathan Grymala, MCpl Phil Frank, MCpl Eric Lanoix and MCpl Josh Sanzosti. 20 PRO PATRIA 2016

These soldiers have enhanced the esprit de corps within the company through their skills and dedication. During Christmas leave, the members of Charles Coy took a well-earned break and looked back at what they accomplished this year. To return from a major training mission abroad only to reorg before pushing on with high tempo training takes an incredible degree of focus, dedication and teamwork. The soldiers of Charles Coy have taken all this in stride and will continue to do so into the New Year and onward. Echo Company 2016 was yet another busy year for Echo Company. The battalion’s Combat Support Company maintained an aggressive tempo to continue providing 1 RCR with the reconnaissance, sniper, intelligence, and signals support it needs. Often working behind the scenes, Echo Company’s presence was always felt as they acted as the eyes and ears for a wide range of exercises and operations. Reconaissance Platoon Recce Platoon began the 2016 with a series of winter warfare, winter survival, navigation, Observation Post, and patrolling exercises to refresh their core dismounted skills in an austere environment. They took their training a few steps further as they got closer to early spring by conducting a ski school and becoming proficient in cross-country ski insertion. During this time frame, a detachment of reconnaissance patrolmen that were deployed to the Ukraine on Op UNIFIER finished up their 5 month tour and returned to Petawawa in January 2016. As the winter turned to spring, Recce Platoon kicked off a Basic Reconnaissance Patrolman course that saw members of 1 RCR, 2 RCR, and 2 RCHA putting their mental resilience and physical fortitude to the test for seven weeks. The course graduated 22 candidates in May 2016. The tempo didn’t cease for these soldiers, as the successful completers of the Basic Reconnaissance course immediately went on to complete a four-week Basic Mountain Operations course. The members of Reconnaissance Platoon participated in the 1 RCR Commanding Officer’s Change of Command Parade in June 2016 and then enjoyed some well-deserved summer leave. August saw the battalion-run Exercise STALWART GUARDIAN kick off; a 15-day Map model for Objective VAMPIRE, made by Recce Pl for Exercise STORMING BEAR in Petawawa in November 2016 PRO PATRIA 2016 21

exercise run with the goal of integrating members of the Reserve Force into Regular Force Training. Recce Platoon ran the battalion Level 2 live-fire section attack range, which allowed 1 RCR section commanders the opportunity to command and control their sections through a dynamic and challenging live fire environment. As the battalion continued its Road to High Readiness into Fall 2016, Recce Platoon deployed with the rest of 1 RCR to Meaford, Ontario, for the majority of October 2016. While there, they conducted a Level 3 live fire platoon raid, using G-Wagons as an insertion method and firebase platform. The training for 2016 culminated with Exercise STORMING BEAR in November. The exercise was a Brigade-run Level 4 live fire exercise with a series of complex objectives that were destroyed over the course of roughly 12 hours. 1 RCR conducted the range in a mechanized context, complete with engineer and artillery enablers. Throughout the exercise, Recce Platoon conducted a series of route and point recces, mark, and secure missions to guide the rifle companies onto the final objective, by day and by night, while snipers defined the objective and provided support by fire. Sniper Platoon For Sniper Platoon, the year kicked off with Basic Winter Warfare and winter survival. In February, they assisted in the conduct of Ex MARINE BEAR, where they demonstrated the equipment and capabilities of Canadian Snipers before coaching several United States Marines on the .338 and .50 calibre sniper rifles at varying ranges. In March, Sniper Platoon deployed a three-man team to the international sniper matches at the Armed Forces Skills at Arms Meeting (AFSAM) in Arkansas, USA. They demonstrated great skill and competed against teams from several foreign countries. Two snipers had the opportunity to take part in the Ottawa Police Sniper Course as well. They developed and improved their skills with urban engagements with a sniper rifle and learned a lot about Police Sniper SOPs. The two members demonstrated their experience and drive by finishing first and second on the course. During this time, the remainder of Sniper Platoon was running pre-training for the upcoming Basic Sniper Course. This included familiarising the potential candidates with the sniper rifles and camouflage and concealments drills. Sniper Platoon was then tasked with leading and representing the 4th Canadian Division at the Canadian Armed Forces Small Arms Concentration (CAFSAC). Snipers, as well as members of Reconnaissance Platoon, started training in April and continued training throughout the summer for the competition in August. The team competed in the National Service Conditions Championship (NSCC) and won several awards. During CAFSAC, the team did well and in particular, demonstrated their skill in night shooting, achieving nine of the top ten placements as well as four nearly perfect scores. In September, Sniper Platoon participated in the 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) Sniper Concentration. The snipers worked and competed with snipers from the Second and Third Battalions of the Royal Canadian Regiment. They refined SOPs and took part in rappelling and fast-rope training. During the competition portion, the snipers from 1 RCR excelled in several events and tied for first overall. They finished the concentration with a short sniper mission executed at the Detachment level. 22 PRO PATRIA 2016

Upon completion of the Sniper Concentration, Sniper Platoon moved down to Meaford and joined the rest of the battalion on Ex ROYAL PHALANX. The snipers provided support by fire during the Level 3 live fire platoon attacks conducted by the rifle platoons, and participated in force on force urban operations. Signals Platoon With every exercise, Signals Platoon was working behind the scenes to provide the Battalion with the communications support it needed. The Communication Systems Technologists (CSTs) within 1 RCR were responsible for the inspection and repair of all Battalion communications equipment as well as the maintenance of all vehicle communication suites. Within the last year, our technicians were heavily involved with the procurement of the new LAV 6.0 fleet, Enhanced Local Access Network (ELAN) upgrade, as well as ensuring all vehicles were prepared for exercises and deployments. The CSTs have achieved one of the highest national annual inspection rates, with a consistency of 98% of the Battalion’s vehicles. Digitization of the Command Post (CP), as well as the development of data communication technologies to support the Battalion and Company CPs, was also instrumental during this reporting period. The CP, Line, and Information System sections were instrumental in this process. During Exercise STALWART GUARDIAN in August 2016, Signals platoon successfully established Combat Net Radio (CNR) Very High Frequency (VHF) mounted and dismounted communications with higher and lower call-signs. Above: Corporal Tosh (Sniper Platoon) carrying a .338 Furthermore, signallers worked on establishing rifle and moving from the Objective Rendez-Vous (ORV) High Frequency (HF) communications as to establish a Final Firing Position (FFP) during the a Battalion and Brigade Guard Net. Land September 2016 Sniper Concentration in Petawawa, ON. Command Support System (LCSS) Tactical Net (TacNet) services were also established. One PRO PATRIA 2016 23

of the key technologies that was brought back to the Battalion by Signals Platoon during this exercise was High Performance Waveform (HPW) over VHF to all Company HQs and the Battalion HQ, which was something that had not been used and institutionalized since Afghanistan. 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. Finally, this exercise saw the utilization of the Safety, Emergency, and Administrative Radio System (SEARS) infrastructure within the Petawawa Training Area, with 1 RCR utilizing the system for all range safety, emergency and administrative traffic. During Exercise ROYAL PHALANX in October 2016, 1 RCR Signal Platoon deployed to Meaford and successfully provided communication support to all elements deployed on the exercise. This exercise saw Signal 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, and enabling voice and data services over IRIDIUM. The Battalion’s HPW capability was fine-tuned during this exercise as a primary means of data communications between the Battalion and Coy CPs. During Ex STORMING BEAR in November, Signal Platoon provided communication support to the Companies as they went through the Level 4 trace. The Battalion CP was assimilated into the RCD-established EXCON/HICON CP. HPW was also utilized to provide the Company CPs with the necessary data services and products prior to commencing their trace. During Exercise SHARPENED TOMAHAWK (a Level 6 and 7 Computer-Assisted Exercise) in November, Signals Platoon setup the Battalion CP in austere and urban environments whilst still supporting the Exercise. VHF nets were successfully established within the Petawawa Simulation Center as well. The technicians from 1 RCR also custom-built dual-install VHF static kits, in order to broadcast enabler nets without the need for vehicles to be backed into the Battalion CP. Exercise SHARPENED TOMAHAWK saw a successful culmination of Signal Platoon’s training for the year as they huge step forward on the Road to High Readiness. Foxtrot Company HQ Foxtrot began 2016 under the leadership of Maj Jeff Lloyd and MWO Jim Murnaghan. Their movements to Bravo Coy and CFB Meaford respectively through the fall transitioned the company to Maj Piers Pappin for two months thence to Maj Ben Rogerson and MWO Eric Green. The CQ, WO Patrick Lemieux, provided distinguished representation of the company and battalion with a trip to Rideau Hall to accept the MMM from the GG in November. Capt John Doig provided a steady hand as 2IC throughout with Capt Scott Wheeler coming in at APS to assist as Operations Officer. Transport Platoon The year 2016 has been one of intrigue and hard work for Transport Platoon. 1 RCR transport 24 PRO PATRIA 2016

has been tasked with providing the battalion with any required use of different types of utility vehicles and POL. The platoon was broken up into three sections: lift, security, and POL. 2016 started with the yearly winter survival exercise which consisted of troops living out in Mother Nature outfitted with just a rucksack and one ration pack for the span of five days. This week-long exercise, like many things we do in the infantry, encouraged teamwork and hard work. This was evident in the building of improvised shelters and the maintaining of a fire for the entire duration of the exercise. Following this, the platoon then dove straight into running a driver wheel course coupled with an air brakes course for new troops that had just arrived at the battalion. Some of the vehicles on which candidates were qualified on included LUVW, MSVS, LSVW, MLVW, and HLVW. These courses kept the entire platoon busy right up to the end of spring. The summer months were even busier for the platoon with several personnel being attached to The Dukes Company for the length of their training mission in CFB Wainwright during Ex MAPLE RESOLVE. August saw the culmination of another yearly Ex named STALWART GUARDIAN which was a two week exercise aimed mostly at providing necessary training for Reserve units across the province of Ontario. Once again, transport platoon played a vital role in providing the battalion with many necessary services such as making sure that troops were able to get where they needed to be in the training area and ensuring the main camp had adequate fuel to run efficiently. The platoon also conducted several DPs with 2 Service Battalion to further enhance the knowledge and experience that troops had with such procedures. As summer quickly turned into fall, the platoon was involved in a battalion wide road move to CFB Meaford for exercise ROYAL PHALANX which was a Level 3 live fire training mission. The platoon was responsible for executing running replens to make sure all vehicles were properly fueled during the journey there and back. Transport Platoon has felt privileged in servicing and supporting 1RCR as it continues with the road to high readiness and is looking forward to continuing its ongoing support into the new year. Quartermaster Platoon Quartermaster Platoon (QM Pl) has been extremely busy over the last year in its mandate to execute the sustainment of The 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (1RCR). Consisting of Supply Technicians, Cooks, and more recently the Ammunition Section, the platoon has seen a year of sustainment which was increasingly busy and more complex. Commencing last winter with the return of 1 RCR personnel and equipment from Operation UNIFIER, QM Pl executed sustainment over several major exercises. In May 2016, a small support detachment was deployed to support The Duke’s Company in its role as the lead infantry company in The Royal Canadian Dragoons Battle Group (RCD BG) during Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 2016. Throughout this exercise our personnel were able to rapidly adapt to changing circumstances to ensure that we had the right commodities at the right place and at the right time. After a very busy spring QM Pl became increasingly involved in supporting a deployable Bn of 450 personnel on Ex STALWART GUARDIAN and Ex ROYAL PHALANX. Working under the principles of Op REINFORCEMENT, we saw our support requirements increase 25% PRO PATRIA 2016 25

and our mandate increase from first line sustainment to a first line plus capability. Despite the increased complexities of contracting real life camp support in conjunction with exercise support, and providing a complex challenge for the organization, both Supply Technicians and Cooks demonstrated extensive dedication and planning acumen in ensuring all unit sustainment needs were met. As we move ahead to Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 17 and potential overseas deployments with the battalion, we will continue to serve the units needs while providing Combat Service Support that is second to none. Maintenance Platoon Mechanized Infantry Maintenance Platoon normally operates in a decentralized fashion. This was very evident during this past year as we supported the unit while it was dispersed throughout Canada and abroad. During Operation UNIFIER, Maintenance Platoon sent a section plus to Ukraine where they were in charge of not only maintaining the Canadian vehicle fleet, but also providing recovery training to the Ukrainian forces. We also had a Mobile Repair Team attached to The Duke’s Company at the Wainwright Training Area during their deployment to form a Battlegroup with the Royal Canadian Dragoons. Meanwhile, back in 1 RCR lines, Maintenance Platoon was busy with the new LAV 6.0 fleet. As is the case with every new fleet, a lot of small issues still need to be corrected for the vehicles to be at their full potential. The push to get a maximum amount of training completed in the spring with the small fleet forced the maintainers to come up with new and ingenious ways to complete running repairs in order to ensure that the Battalion could and would meet all its objectives. After summer block leave, the platoon was back together to deploy on Exercise STALWART GUARDIAN, where we once again split up to support the rifle companies as they completed training. We returned at the end of August and had just enough time to get the LAVs back in working order for Exercise ROYAL PHALANX. The long road move to Meaford was a concern for the unfortunate members of the Battalion Trail Party but in the end all but one vehicle survived. After a long month of training completed and with mud up to our knees, a C16 mounted on a G-wagon, and all recovery assets broken, we were ready for the return trip. To everyone’s surprise the entire battalion made it home with only minor issues along the way. Only two short weeks later, the Mobile Repair Teams were back in the A1 Echelon supporting the rifle companies as they completed company attacks in Petawawa on Ex STORMING BEAR. Once again we managed to break all recovery assets on the first day but some quick repairs saw us back up and ready to go in less than 12 hours. As we approach Christmas Leave, Maintenance Platoon is looking forward to a short rest cycle as we load the Battalion’s kit onto trains for Wainwright and Exercises RUGGED BEAR/MAPLE RESOLVE 17. 26 PRO PATRIA 2016

2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment Commanding Officer’s Introduction 2016 was an extremely busy year for the soldiers and officers of the 2nd Battalion. On operations, the unit continued to support a Pl deployment as part of Op PROVISION (Lebanon) – the federal government’s effort to relocate Syrian refugees to Canada. Our soldiers worked hand in glove with Other Government Departments (OGDs) to help future Canadians escape the miseries of terrorism and begin their lives anew in Canada. Back in garrison, the unit completed full integration of the LAV 6 in anticipation of the RTHR and deployed LCol S.R. Murphy, CD operations. In addition to receiving a third rifle company suite of fighting vehicles, bringing the Bn to full mechanized strength, the unit concurrently implemented a prodigious series of PCF cycles in the first half of 2016. This training ensured experienced soldiers’ individual skills and qualifications were updated for LAV 6, while providing a solid foundation of skills for the seventy new soldiers who arrived in Bn in 2016. These fresh young troops familiarized themselves with the working of the LAV 6 and Capt Matt Rolls, unit Adjutant, and WO Mike Caines, practice unarmed combat while 2 RCR MCpl Parcels trains two soldiers (background) CWO K.R. Venus, CD PRO PATRIA 2016 27

its gun system, quickly acclimating to the speed and violence of mechanized operations. In late June, the unit conducted its biggest Ex BUSHMAN to date, with hundreds of competitors from Base Gagetown and 2 CMBG coming together to test themselves in this popular military fitness challenge. Amongst the outstanding and impressive team efforts demonstrated by the elite athletes participating in Ex BUSHMAN, one small but notable result deserves special mention – as the DCO/DSM beat the CO/RSM for the second year in a row. Well done ‘D-Team’. On 1 July, the Bn handed over the NEO High Readiness task to elements of 5 CMBG, and shifted effort to support individual training tasks for the Infantry School and CTC. Personnel not tasked to support courses during this period were directed to integrate with troops from the Primary Reserve to help deliver Ex STRIDENT TRACER, the annual collective training event for 36 CBG and 37 CBG. During this same timeframe, the unit Ironman team, headed by Capt Dan Wilkinson, began its work-up training in an effort to retain the unit title won the year before. In September, the team successfully completed the Ironman, with Maj Remy Larocque, the unit Int O, finishing third overall. A month later, another hard working 2 RCR team would serve the unit, and the entire Canadian Armed Forces, equally proud. The 2 RCR Patrol Team, administered by Capt Al Sung and led by Sgt Joey Bilodeau, competed in the challenging Cambrian Patrol Competition in Wales, UK. The team finished with a silver medal, placing as one of the tops three teams in this world-class event. Invigorated by these successes, the Bn returned to the business of war-fighting from September to November, rigorously testing skills during Ex ROYAL FALL – the unit’s annual ‘walk…run… run faster’ collective training event. Coys and the Bn, working with tanks from C Sqn of the RCD, progressed through levels 2, 3, and 4 trg, utilizing one of the longest mechanized traces Gagetown has seen in many a year. The Fall trg program culminated with the Bn participating in the Bde led Lvl 6 CAX, Ex UNIFIED RESOLVE I. Finally, with the calendar rolling over to December, the unit began to wind down operations. With maintenance complete and vehs and eqpt secured, the Bn engaged a busy and Above: LCol Murphy directs staff during Ex UNIFIED RESOLVE I. (photo by Maj R.D. Pearson) Right: The Officer’s hockey team celebrates a hard fought victory. 28 PRO PATRIA 2016

enjoyable Regimental Activities week. The two highlights of the week? Undoubtedly the Officers beating the NCOs in ice hockey and the attendance of the COTR at the Regimental Birthday Mess Dinner. The officers and soldiers of the 2nd Battalion worked and trained hard in 2016, meeting the fundamental expectations delivered by the CO at the beginning of the year: “show up every day, embody the warrior ethos, and pursue excellence”. The Regiment can be proud of its soldiers and leaders in 2nd Battalion, as they did just this in 2016. Golf Company 2016 was a transformational year for Golf Company, one that ultimately saw the predominantly light infantry sub-unit transform into a fully mechanized company. The focus throughout the year was primarily in support of the Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) task in support of OP PROVISION, as well as signing for and employing the new LAV 6.0 fleet. At the beginning of the year the majority of the Coy was deployed on OP PROVISION. Under the command of Maj A.T. Willis, a mixed force of 2 RCR soldiers was created to augment the Coy main body; they were subsequently deployed in two separate locations. 2 Pl under the command of Lt Jason Cress were deployed in Amman, Jordan, while 3 Pl under the command of Lt Dan Wilkinson and Coy HQ were deployed to Beirut, Lebanon. The Coy was tasked with resettling and processing 25,000 Syrian refugees in support of other government agencies. The main body redeployed mid-January with the remainder returning in late January and began a well-deserved post deployment leave. Concurrent to the OP PROVISION deployment, the remainder of the Coy, under Capt Adam Snook conducted weekly urban operations training with a focus on quick aim shooting and target acquisition. When the majority of the Coy returned from leave the Coy deployed on a winter warfare refresher exercise that consisted of survival training, building snow defenses, penetration demonstrations and winter jungle lanes. Throughout the exercise the soldiers of G Coy were challenged with snow and freezing rain making for an unforgettable experience. WO Scott, TFSM in Kabul, Afghanistan PRO PATRIA 2016 29

Left: OP Provision Roto 2: WO Greg Lightle (far right) TFSM, MCpl Evans (back row, furthest left), Cpl Maschke (back row, 3rd from the left) and Pte Greene (front and center) Below: Members of 3 Pl descend down the Welsford rock face. In March the Coy was called upon once more to process additional Syrian refugees in Beirut, Lebanon in support of OP PROVISION. For two weeks, Cpl Skerry, Cpl Arsic, Cpl Trites, Pte Rodriguez, and Pte Smith deployed to Lebanon to continue biometric scanning and data entry. Upon returning from OP PROVISION, individuals began moving within the unit. G Coy CSM, MWO Grondin moved to the Ops MWO position and MWO Flowers took over as CSM of Golf Coy. Capt Adam Snook handed over command of 1 Pl to Capt Mike Sharkey and moved on to G Coy LAV Captain. Following Winter Warfare, selected pers deployed to Petawawa, ON to compete in Ex OLYMPIAN BEAR, the annual 2 CMBG sporting competition. G Coy also welcomed back WO Scott, who returned from OP ADDENDA where he served a 7-month tour in Kabul, Afghanistan as the TFSM. April consisted of IBTS training involving a navigation exercise, observation posts, vehicle checkpoints, vital point searches, and detainee handling. April was also when the majority of the new LAV 6.0s were distributed to the Pl. The OC decided that the Coy deserved some well-earned fun and G Coy deployed on mountaineering adventure training under the direction of 3 Pl. The Coy conducted dry training for two days with the culminating exercise taking place in Welsford, N.B. The Coy spent a day rappelling down various rock faces. In May, OP PROVISION would require the assistance of 2 RCR once more and a third group of G Coy soldiers deployed to Beirut, Lebanon. 1 Pl 2IC, WO Lightle was the TFSM, MCpl Evans filled the role as Sect 2IC, while Cpl Maschke and Pte Greene were both tasked with biometrics and data entry. May and June saw the continuation of IBTS with ranges being conducted focused on 30 PRO PATRIA 2016

qualifying all pers in the Coy with their personal weapons. The Coy also began training for the annual Bushman Competition. The Bushman Competition was conducted on 24 June with the majority of the Coy participating. Maj A.T. Willis handed over command of Golf Company to Maj Gary Boudreau just prior to summer leave. Capt Jason Parsons, posted in from 5 CDSG Ops Services branch replaced Capt Keiran Griffin as 2IC, and Capt Chris Carr moved from I Coy to take over as LAV Capt. G Coy went on summer leave in July and returned back mid-August ready to begin the RTHR. The month started out with preparing the new LAV fleet for training. This was the first month that the Coy was fully mechanized with the new LAV 6.0 platforms. Following a week of maintenance, the Coy deployed to the field to establish sect and pl level SOPs. The pls developed their skills in mounted navigation, convoy drills, and sect and pl attacks. Capt Wilkinson handed over command of 3 Pl to WO Ryan Caines. September and October would prove to be very busy for the Coy. All pers conducted PWT 3 and 4 and then put their skills to the test at a pairs fire and movement range by day and by night. When the sects were not on the range they were practicing dry mechanized sect attacks. This set the sects up for success when they conducted level 2 live fire by day and night at the end of September. October saw the Coy deploy on Ex STORMING ROYAL 16. This began as a level 3 live fire attack with all three pls cycling through the range. This was a test for the soldiers and leaders within the Coy as it had been almost four years since the Coy completed a level 3 mechanized attack. The level 4 range was a very dynamic and challenging range for the Coy that spanned most of the Gagetown training area. The Coy began the 36 hour range by occupying a coy hide and conducting battle procedure for the advance. The next morning after a long night of rehearsals the coy awoke to frost on their bivy bags. They quickly mounted up and began their advance north. A recce screen picked up an enemy mech pl dug in 10km north of the Coy hide. The Coy launched into a hasty attack battling the Gagetown mud, and the morning fog. After an aggressive mounted attack, followed by a defeated enemy counter attack, G Coy moved 5km north and conducted a hasty defensive position. Maj Boudreau gave confirmatory orders just before last light for a deliberate attack on a mock village occupied by an enemy pl. The Coy advanced 10km Sgt Daley directing his sect during a level 3 live fire north utilizing a quick and range as part of Ex STORMING ROYAL 16 concealed approach to the LOD. At H Hour the LAVs roared across the line of departure and brought massive fires on target with the 25mm. The two lead platoons dismounted and simultaneously raided two buildings, suppressing the others as 3 Pl moved up and completed the attack. After dealing with training casualties the PRO PATRIA 2016 31

A member of 1 Pl withdraws off of the Coy successfully withdrew off the objective during Ex STORMING ROYAL position, and began preparations to act in the safety role for Hotel and India Coy attacks. The year concluded with G Coy running PCF courses during the month of November. December saw the start of leave preparations and silly season with the Coy celebrating the Christmas holidays at their annual Christmas party, mess functions and the children’s Christmas party. Hotel Company Hotel Company remained continuously engaged throughout the year of 2016 as we began preparations for the RTHR, Ex RUGGED BEAR and ultimately Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 17. The year began with the Coy supporting Bn PCF LAV 6.0 focused courses such as LAV 6.0 Crew Commander Conversion and LAV Gunnery Course. This initial push to qualify previously qualified LAV III pers was intended to set the Bn up for success during fall collective training. The majority of instructors and candidates on the PCF courses came from within Hotel Coy lines and any pers not on course were tasked to directly support. Most notably during the beginning months of 2016, 19 Hotel Coy pers continued to support OP PROVISION in Lebanon and Jordan; having been deployed in November 2015. A new contingent of Hotel Coy soldiers including Maj Jon Cox, MWO Scott Daigle, Sgt Jon Davenport, MCpl Colin Dober and Cpl Mike Pomeroy, saw themselves deploy as further support to OP PROVISION to Beirut, Lebanon. As the initial PCF courses closed during the middle of February, Hotel Coy re-oriented itself to deploy to the field for a winter warfare exercise; Ex GAUNTLET FROST. This week-long exercise saw section level training events such as winter survival, snaring, snow defensive pen demo and platoon support weapons range. Based out of the Argus Range, Hotel Coy deployed via snow shoe and toboggan despite the rapidly fluctuating warm and cold temperatures to establish patrol bases and conduct training. Pte Austin Masneri greets and ushers Syrian refugees March began with another PCF cycle as the Coy and in Amman, Jordan as part of OP PROVISION Bn prepared for gateway trg to occur later on in the year. This saw additional LAV 6.0 Crew Commander, Driver and Gunnery Courses supporting the Bn’s efforts to ensure capabilities to crew the new fleet of vehicles were met. During this PCF Hotel Coy officers, Capt Valerie Touchette-Mosley, Capt Nathan Sheppard and Capt Steven MacDonald were tasked with constructing a new QS/TP for the LAV 6.0 Crew Commander Course. This allowed them to 32 PRO PATRIA 2016

improve standards and expectations on the course, as well as enable new capabilities of the LAV 6.0 to be exercised. The new course material was well received and highly successful. The month of March ended on a high note for Hotel Coy as the Bn joined the remainder of the Regiment for a week of fun, competition and comradery. During April, 5 Pl Comd , Lt John Woodgate deployed to support NEO task OP NUNALIVIT 16 as an IMO in Resolute Bay, NU. This task saw multinational, joint and civilian organizations working to prove environmental and security capabilities in the artic. The remainder of Hotel Coy remained within the Bn to support continued PCF course conduct. PCF remained the theme as Hotel Coy continued to support the Bn’s efforts to train and qualify its soldiers in preparation to field the new LAV 6.0 for trg coming in the Fall. April also saw Cpl Anthony James deploy to Lebanon until May to support OP PROVISION. As summer began to climax, the Bn took summer leave, enabling Hotel Coy to conduct rest and refit before the push into Ex STORMING ROYAL. All would not take this leave as summer taskings to support national level courses became the focus of effort. For many the break would serve well, as Hotel Coy would be rejuvenated and prepared for the challenges it would face ahead. As summer leave came to a close, new leadership joined the Coy. With the departure of Maj Cox, Maj Robert Yuvan took control of the Coy as final preparations for the level 3 and level 4 live fire attacks during Ex STORMING ROYAL began. Capt Mark Hignell also joined Hotel Coy as Coy 2IC, and Lt Andrew Woeldike, a CFR from the 1 RCR assumed command of 6 Pl H Coy. Hotel Coy also welcomed 57 newly trained Pte’s to the Coy straight from Meaford, Ontario. These new recruits came as a welcome addition to enable more robust manning within the Coy. With the newly formed command team establishing conditions for success on the RTHR, September marked a period of IBTS training for the soldiers within Hotel Coy. All members of the Coy were engaged teaching a wide variety of individual soldier skills ranging from STA traces to vulnerable point searches (VPS). During this time Maj Yuvan also took the time to set SOP’s to get the Coy ready for action. September came to a close with a literal bang Lt Woodgate and mbrs of the JTF during OP NUNALIVIT 16 discuss winter warfare TTPs with an American Staff Sergeant PRO PATRIA 2016 33

as Ex WHISKEY STONES launched. Members of Hotel Company secure an objective during This level 2 live fire trg week saw Exercise STORMING ROYAL individual platoons deploy to AO’s as part of a screen. Sect Comds were then challenged with various tasks including clearance patrols, OPs and the securing of a UAV. Following the conclusion of the level 2 exercise Hotel Coy immediately launched again with the remainder of the Bn on Ex STORMING ROYAL; a level 3 platoon range. The challenge rested upon the platoon commanders Capt Steven MacDonald, Lt John Woodgate, and Lt Andrew Woeldike – to lead their platoons through a complex range by day and night. H Coy also utilized this trg event to get back to basics and exercise defensive TTPs. Digging through the rainy Fall weather, soldiers of Hotel Coy remained upbeat and ready to fight as excitement grew about the platoon live fire ranges. The momentum, symmetry and command presence were pivotal during these live fire attacks as all platoons successfully assaulted the objective with speed and ferocity. The next step for Hotel Coy was level 4 Coy attacks, as part of Ex STORMING ROYAL. As the last Coy to assault the objective, C/S 2 was met with numerous challenges. Most challenging, was the fact that due to continuous rain and numerous attacks occurring the days previous, the terrain had become a treacherous impediment. Through it all, the soldiers and leadership of Hotel Coy kept their calm and weathered the terrible conditions. With Major Yuvan keeping the aggression and momentum high, Hotel Coy swept through the objective in a violent and expedited manner. With the success of Ex STORMING ROYAL behind them, Hotel Coy main effort shifted back to PCF courses and ensuring the demands for manning qualifications could be achieved. November began with a moment of reflection, as a guard of 40 soldiers led by Lt Woodgate and Sgt Davenport marched as part of the Moncton Remembrance Day parade. Major Yuvan and CQMS WO Morris also took part, remembering the fallen by laying a wreath at the cenotaph. The month finished strong as leadership from Hotel Coy embarked on a CAX exercise as part of Ex SHARPENED TOMAHAWK. The Bde exercise supported by Maj Yuvan and Capt Hignell was highly successful and an excellent collective training opportunity to enhance command team capabilities. As the winter snow fell and the December weeks rolled on, Hotel Coy celebrated their success. The Coy Christmas party lead by WO Morris and CQ staff was a hit with the soldiers and loved ones alike. Most notably, platoons took part in a lip sync contest that brought much comradery, laughter and, for some, tears. With silly week activities finished and the soldiers ready for rest Hotel Coy was poised to carry the momentum from 2016 into the Winter Ex of 2017. H Coy is ready to carry-on the fight and prepared for any future challenges. 34 PRO PATRIA 2016

India Company Lt John Woodworth takes a tactical pause to take a selfie. (Photo courtesy of Lt John Woodworth) Winter 2016 saw India Company conduct winter warfare exercises in both sub-arctic and high arctic environments. In February, India Company was attached to 4 ESR in support of Ex NOTHERN SAPPER. The company was tasked to conduct a long range patrol from Goose Bay, NL to Postville, NL by LOSV. The trip took two days to arrive in Postville where the company was hosted in the town’s community center. Upon arrival, Lt John Woodworth along with 9 Pl received exercise orders to support an RCMP arrest warrant against a suspected drug dealer. Once this exercise was complete, the main effort shifted to preparing for the return to Goose Bay. Due to wet weather, the return trip took 16 hours, arriving under the cover of darkness. By the end of the exercise, the company had travelled over 600km of sub-arctic terrain. In April, India Company deployed on OP NUNALIVUT, a whole of government arctic sovereignty exercise based out of Resolute Bay, NU. The company was part of the Land Component Command (LCC), which consisted of a company HQ, a rifle platoon from 2 RCR, a platoon from 4th Canadian Division, a four man patrol from the Danish Sirius unit, along with American Air Force and Army personnel from Alaska. Apart from a small component from the Air Task Force, the LCC was the only element involved with the exercise that deployed to Resolute Bay to live on the terrain. India Company travelled approximately 120 km North West to Little Cornwallis Island. For the next 14 days the Company conducted section live fire ranges, provided daily work parties to load and unload supplies on the PRO PATRIA 2016 35

resupply flights and conducted much needed tent routine. In June, a small group of India Company soldiers deployed on an adventure training expedition to Baxter State Park with the intent of climbing Mt Katahdin. This was a four day event that saw the group summit the mountain on two MWO Tim Connick, CSM I Coy preparing the LOSVs for return to days using different approaches. Each Goose Bay. (Photo courtesy of Lt John Woodworth) day the group covered in excess of 16 km, climbing up to 1400m each time. Before departing, the group of soldiers were called upon by park rangers to assist in evacuating an injured civilian from one of the trails on the mountain. Our soldiers walked 3 km up the trail, in the dark, to carry out the injured hiker to a waiting ambulance. Overall, the exercise was a success; individuals were challenged both physically and mentally, gaining an appreciation of the difficulties working above the treeline. During the summer, India Company changed company commanders from Maj Garrett Hallman to Maj Jeremy Hiltz. The company 2ICs also changed from Capt Dan O’Connor to Capt Jon Friesen. Capt O’Connor was posted OUTCAN to 10th Mountain Division in the United States. The company switched its focus to prepare for a possible deployment as part of TF TOMAHAWK and enacted a demanding and exciting summer training program focused on development and refinement of individual soldiers` skills. Fieldcraft training during August involved exposing soldiers to defensive India Company adventure training climbing Mt and offensive operations. This training Katahdin. (Photo courtesy of Lt John Woodworth) was broken down into individual day/ night navigation exercises, leadership development, review of platoon support weapon placement, all practiced in demanding exercise scenarios. Concurrent to this, the OC and CSM along with numerous NCOs from India Company supported 5th Canadian Division Ex STRIDENT TRACER. During this exercise Coy personnel mentored and advised the PRes training audience in section level 36 PRO PATRIA 2016

tasks. The offensive training focused on development of section level SOPs, specifically on section attacks, navigation and patrolling. During the defensive training, sections reviewed sighting weapons, occupation, construction and withdrawal operations, as well as patrolling. The exercise culminated in mechanized section level attacks – a rare experience for the PRes soldier training audience. During this same time-frame, Sgt Bart Armstrong led the remainder of India Company through a demanding week long urban operations training package which was focused on “shoot, move, communicate.” These skills were validated over a two day simmunition exercise. India Company entered the Fall training program with the goal of completing RTHR. This began in early September with the conduct of jungle lanes and live fire section attacks by day and night. Sections continued to develop section level SOPs and began to operate as a cohesive unit, enabling platoons to efficiently conduct mechanized training. Prior to entering the field, the 2IC and Capt Dan Wilkinson, conducted a day long cloth model exercise to review mechanized movement and allow platoons to develop company and platoon level SOPs for defile/cresting/held up drills to name a few. These SOPs were further refined during the field training and validated during the company level mechanized live fire exercise. The level four live fire range consisted of an 18 hour company advance through Lawfield Corridor. India Company, along with all their support weapons, began their advance north and was Above left: A LAV crew member immediately launched into a hasty attack on an enemy mechanized stands atop his vehicle during a platoon in a defensive position. The Coy quickly destroyed the pause in training. objective and moved into a defensive position until night fell. Above right: India Company Under the cover of darkness we continued the advance north practicing mechanized company and conducted another hasty attack on another platoon position. movement. (Photo courtesy of Lt During the consolidation the Coy faced a mechanized counter John Woodworth) attack. Sgt Tyson Bowen took control of his Zulu LAVs and repelled the counter attack allowing the Coy to withdraw off the objective. PRO PATRIA 2016 37

With Fall trg complete, India Coy shifted focus to residual PCF trg and Christmas activities, keen to push further down the RTHR next year. KILO COMPANY As in years past, 2016 saw the members of Combat Support Company beginning the year refreshed from a relaxing Christmas Leave Block and ready once again to enable the Battalion’s operations. Holding the reigns of the company was Major Gary Boudreau who, in addition to commanding the Company, was busy churning out Battalion future plans with admirable poise …and only occasional, yet amusing, vocal outbursts. The year began with our experts in Reconnaissance, Sniping, Communications and the art of Music honing their skills and building internal capacity with a January PCF cycle. With the winter snow came the opportunity for winter warfare trg – delivered to jr members through the tutelage of the sr leadership, most notably the notorious Pipe Major, Sergeant Chris Smith. With the cruel New Brunswick winter behind us Kilo Company shifted focus to preparations for a robust PCF cycle and the more enjoyable venture of Ex OLYMPIAN BEAR as the Coy joined the ranks of various Bn sports teams. With the successful venture of Bde sports competition complete, and with morale restored, the Coy participated in PCF trg which ended just in time for the busy summer support to individual training and the posting cycle. The posting cycle saw command of Combat Support Company shifting from Major Gary Boudreau to the newly promoted Major Chris MacAdam who had just returned as a Task Force Commander from Op PROVISION. With the addition of a coffee maker in the office Major MacAdam began commanding his company – and we began to experience similar vocal, yet again humorous, outbursts as the new OC tackled the future plans cycle. Ensuring that Kilo Company maintained the healthy bravado of a Patrol Pathfinder, Capt Al Sung replaced Capt Chad Thain as the Company Second-in-command. Major Boudreau was able to rest assured the torch burned strong in K Coy, in spite of Major MacAdam who of course deemed this “foolishness”. Given the strong personalities associated with Combat Support Company, as with any infantry company, a strong Company Sergeant Major is key. This summer saw the responsibility shift from Warrant Officer Brian Bell, who was promoted to Master Warrant Officer and posted to the 3rd Battalion, to Master Warrant Officer Rod Hidgon who managed the Coy personalities with grace and experience. With the summer months providing multiple supporting and instructional tasks to all members of the Coy, September quickly arrived with the normal, yet important, cycle of IBTS and BTS training. The company saw a mixture of field and classroom lessons, field training and small arms ranges up to and including section level. Then it was time for Combat Support Company to shine as the company in charge of the Battalion’s level three live platoon attack range. Many months of planning and range build set conditions of success for the event. As an all-hands-on-deck affair – from the radio operator up to and including the Officer in Charge – each member of Combat Support Company rose to the occasion. With the range complete it was time for the ever busy Range 2IC, Sergeant Danny Baker, to finally get some rest and for the safety staff to actually drink water vice the copious amount of coffee kindly provided urn after urn by Lima Company. With PCF on-going and a 38 PRO PATRIA 2016

level seven planning exercise complete Combat Support Company entered the Christmas season ready for food, fun and refreshment and most importantly, a time to rest and relax with family and friends. Reconnaissance Platoon Recce Platoon began the year dynamically with a quick aim shooting range while preparing for the transition to the LAV 6.0 platform. The first phase was various members of the platoon joining LAV 6.0 courses in anticipation of receiving several of the new platforms in the spring. In addition to the crew based training the platoon’s leadership honed their employment skills during a level 6 mechanized PD program while concurrently patrolmen enjoyed time spent descending via rope through progressive rappelling training. During the winter months Recce Pl facilitated a Pre-Basic Recce Patrolman course to prepare potential patrolmen for training on the Basic Recce Patrolmen Course. Pushing through spring, members of the platoon deployed to the Canadian North in support of Op NUNALUVIT in Resolute Bay, NU where they conducted long range patrols with the Canadian Rangers enjoying themselves patrolling via LOSV. Concurrently members were sent to instruct on the Brigade coordinated Basic Recce Patrolmen Course in Petawawa hosted by 1st Battalion. The remainder of the Platoon remained in unit lines to accept their first, of seven in total, LAV 6.0 into the platoon while continuing training in photography and data transfer communications. Prior to summer leave the platoon focused on section level training to include All Arms Call for Fire, various weapons ranges and Ex RUCKING BEAR. A patrol detachment traveled to CFB Gander to enable training with 5 CRPG in tactical tracking which was a welcome venture for many members of the detachment as they were able Cpl Nick O’Hara at the base of Break Neck Hill in the CFB Gagetown Training to work in their native province. The Area during rappel training. (Photo credit MCpl Joey Bilodeau) PRO PATRIA 2016 39

members spent two weeks training and preparing, prior to deploying and rejuvenating this rarely used skill. Recce Pl enjoyed the Battalion leave block to rest and relax prior to kicking off with a two week mounted exercise upon return in August. This exercise saw Recce Pl trading expertise in dismounted camouflage and concealment for re-learning how to manoeuvre the large steel beast which is the LAV 6.0. After flipping through many publications, lesson plans and how we all operated “back in the day” Recce Pl mastered mounted navigation, observation posts, and close target reconnaissance for combat team objectives once again. During this period, akin to years past, the platoon stood-up another patrolling competition team, this time building on the success earned as winners of the 2015 Canadian Patrol Competition; the Pl generated the CAF team for the British Cambrian Patrol Competition. As the Fall months continued Recce Pl cycled through IBTS and BTS training, and Top: Pte Alberto Rodriguez (left) and constructed and ran the unit’s live fire platoon attack range. Cpl John Goss provide overwatch on With Sgt Danny Baker spearheading range preparations Western Brook, Gros Morne National and MCpl Joey Bilodeau commanding the Cambrian team Park, Newfoundland. (Photo credit (supported by MCpl Matt Drover as the team second-in- MCpl Joey Bilodeau) command) Recce Pl was busy; however, morale – a requisite Above: Pte Alberto Rodriguez (left) for any Recce Pl – remained high. The Cambrian team and Cpl Jeffery Sean Thomas Temple conducted a confirmation patrol in Gros Morne National Park, navigate the complex terrain at the Newfoundland completing a long range patrol through scenic base of Western Brook, Gros Morne Western Brook. National Park, Newfoundland. (Photo October saw all members of the platoon employed in credit MCpl Joey Bilodeau) constructing and conducting ranges to facilitate the battalion for the level three and level four live training. The platoon saw 40 PRO PATRIA 2016

a culmination of its platoon level training in the form of recce-mark-secure missions for mounted live fire company attacks. Concurrently the Cambrian Patrol team completed the international event achieving a silver standard, when asked by the 2 CMBG Command Team if they would want to compete in the Cambrian Patrol Competition again, the answer from (then) MCpl Bilodeau was simple, noting “well we didn’t get gold, so yes, we need to go back”. The final months of 2016 saw a steady tempo for Recce Pl as patrolmen continued with more PCF courses and continually upgraded their capability to operate the new LAV 6.0 platform, as well as conducting maintenance and administration prior to Christmas and the New Year. Signals Platoon 2016 started just as busy as 2015 left off for Signals Pl. Within the first few days post leave the platoon was busy supporting and participating in winter exercises and small arms ranges. This was noticeably difficult as the platoon had tasked many of their signallers to India Company for Ex NOTHERN ROYAL and Op NUNALIVUT – both opportunities to deploy served the trade well as valuable experience returned to the platoon. However as Signals Platoon has done in the past it pushed through and thrived off of the knowledge that was provided and completed all supplementary tasks. Soon after the Pl had to adapt quickly when they received notice that all the unit VHF radio wouldn’t be replaced as there was a Above left: The Cambrian Patrol new CNR(E) radio in progress within the CAF. This information Team preparing a map model of and did not hinder the Pl or slow down as their skilled technicians objective area. Cpl Matt MacDonald, mulled over the issue, always striving for the best signals Pte Alberto Rodriguez, Cpl Jesse Hunt, support to the unit. One of the more challenging periods for Cpl Jeffery Sean Thomas Temple, Cpl the technicians, was the ELAN communication upgrade that John Goss and Cpl Nick Caravan (left was necessary for the LAV 6.0 to operate. This upgrade was to right). (Photo credit MCpl Joey necessary to ensure that the system would function with the Bilodeau) new CNR(E). Above right: Cpl Nick Caravan studies the map model prior to briefing and As they promptly worked on these upgrade the remainder of the Pl was preparing for the upcoming PCF cycle. For handing over the objective to a follow- two weeks, the platoon set up multiple stands with all of the on force. (Photo credit MCpl Joey communication equipment and delivered information sessions Bilodeau) PRO PATRIA 2016 41

to train infanteers on the ELAN system, perhaps jokingly, our most difficult task of all. This trg provide invaluable, as much of the equipment had not been employed by the operators for some time, or in some cases, never before. Following the PCF cycle the Pl began prepping for the handover which would see there Signals Officer, Captain Pat Gaudreau, and many other key personnel moving on in their careers. The new Signals Officer, Capt Paul-André Hudon, and Signals Warrant, WO Keith Brown, added their experience and knowledge as they strove to carry on the good work and legacy that was being completed by the Pl. This brought the Pl to the busy summer training schedule, with many of the new members of the Pl never posted to an operational unit. The Pl would be given a sizable challenge as their navigation exercise was prepared and staffed by the battalion’s recce platoon. For many of the members, this would prove to be a much needed exercise as they had some difficulty completing the 25+km day and night navigation. Soon after, the platoon would find themselves on multiple live fire ranges under the guidance of the infantry NCOs, perhaps a trade-off for the instruction on the ELAN system. Again for many of the Pl this was the first time they had fired on a jungle lane. With much help from the safety staff, the signallers successfully completed the single and pair’s fire and movement on the jungle lanes. The Pl also participated in the pistol and grenade ranges, which proved to be beneficial and enjoyable trg. The end of the summer and beginning of the fall training would bring the Pl to the most demanding time of the year as the Battalion prepared to execute level three and four live fire manoeuvre ranges. To ensure that the battle group command post would be properly established and operational for all upcoming ranges, the Pl performed multiple rehearsal drills in different locations throughout the vast Gagetown training area. This planning, with a lot of hard work and determination from the members of Sigs Pl, ensured that all elements of the ranges had operational communication, thus ensuring that all BTS training would be completed. As is the tempo in Signal Pl, this training was followed by…more trg! …in the form of Ex SHARPENED TOMAHAWK, a battle group sized CP for a computer assisted exercise with the Brigade HQ. It featured multiple scenarios involving different elements communicating with counterparts in both Gagetown and Petawawa. This exercise was concurrent with the Fall PCF cycle with many of the Pl’s signallers tasked to instruct on the Bison driver and LOSV driver course. As Christmas leave approached, the Pl completed preparations for upcoming collective trg in the New Year. They also commenced preparation for Ex RUGGED BEAR and Ex MAPLE RESOLVE in Wainwright, Alberta in 2017. A busy year for 2nd Battalion’s Signals Platoon, however with a busy year comes the sense of pride and job well done by all members of the platoon. Sniper Group The year began with members from Sniper Group participating in the SSUE (Sniper Small Unit Exchange) in Norway. With this excellent opportunity they were introduced to and participated in high angle shooting, movement in mountainous terrain, winter camouflage, 42 PRO PATRIA 2016

sleeping in snow caves, unknown distance shooting, and a stress shoot. This exchange was a great way to see how other countries train and what kit they are using. With this new found knowledge, our snipers were able to brief and train the reminder of Sniper Gp. Clockwise from top left: Sgt Curtis Allaby and Cpl Rob Slate conduct break contact drills Members from Sniper Gp were sent to CFB Meaford to in CFB Petawawa during the Brigade Sniper instruct on the 2016 Basic Sniper Course. The 2nd Battalion Concentration. (Photo credit WO Greg Lightle) sent two instructors and six sniper candidates. The candidates were vigorously tested in all aspects of sniping. Snipers from all three Battalions participate The course also tested the soldiers’ mental and physical in a Quick Aim shooting range on Drop fortitude under extremely stressful conditions. As with Zone Anzio during the Brigade Sniper every sniper course, the most difficult test the soldiers dealt Concentration. (Photo credit WO Greg Lightle) was the stalking phase. After the dust settled, 2nd battalion Cpls Mike Talbot (spotter) and Chris Buchan welcomed three out of six successful snipers. (sniper) engage a target from an alternate As the year progressed Sniper Gp conducted a live fire firing position during an unknown distance urban exercise from urban observation posts. The snipers shoot with the aid of the C14 Timberwolf HOG trained on various insertion methods and the construction Saddle. of urban hides. They practiced shooting from these hides Cpls Ian Stewart (spotter) and Adam Zalot and worked to hone their sniper dialogue. The exercise (sniper) engage a target from an alternate culminated with sniper detachments inserted one firing position during an unknown distance kilometer from the objective area where they stalked into shoot with the aid of the C14 Timberwolf HOG an urban observation post while not being detected. They Saddle. established eyes on the objective area and gave detailed PRO PATRIA 2016 43

situational awareness on what was happening around the objective. First light, the moment every sniper waits for, saw the detachments engage the high value target and then extract stealthily from the urban hide. This exercise truly tested and demonstrated the skill of our Battalion’s snipers. In September the complete Sniper Gp Cpls Tom Plunkett (spotter) and Matt Dowling (sniper) engage a target moved to CFB Petawawa and participated from an alternate firing position during an unknown distance shoot in the first Brigade Sniper Concentration. with the aid of the C14 Timberwolf HOG Saddle This event was led by 3 RCR and tested the snipers in all aspects of our art. The event started off with quick aim shooting applications followed with break contact drills, both dry and (the more exciting) live fire ranges. Focus then shifted to skill development on all sniper rifles and a competition shoot were the platoon was introduced to new equipment. An introduction followed with new insertion methods including rappelling, rappelling with leg bags, and fast roping. The detachment 2ICs stepped up for the final exercise, taking over as the sniper det commanders. With battle procedure complete they participated in a challenging stalk as part of the mission where they had to engage an HVT, vehicle, and two enemy guards. There was also an informant which they had to identify as a no shoot target. The Concentration was a good opportunity to share new information and training techniques, and gave senior snipers a chance to see what needed to be improved within the group. October saw Sniper Gp participating in Bn level four live fire ranges, supporting a combined arms grouping. Detachment 2ICs were again tasked to act as the Sniper Det Commanders, seconded to rifle company groups for each attack. Moving under the cover of night, the snipers gained information on the objective area and developed pattern of life. The year’s focus on detachment level operation paid dividends as Sniper Gp enabled each company attack’s success. As November progressed various PCF courses and administrative preparation for the Regimental season became the focus, after a successful year it was well deserved. Pipes and Drums 2016 was another busy and rewarding year for the Regimental Pipes and Drums. Over the past year, the Pipes and Drums continued to maintain their infantry skills participating in the various exercises and ranges never forgetting that a member of Pipes and Drums is an infanteer first. This hard work enabled the platoon to remain at high readiness 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 the music-orientated preparations necessary to meet the demands of various major events. These events included the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, Remembrance Day, numerous Base mess functions and 44 PRO PATRIA 2016

Quarter Guards, and culminated with support to annual Regimental Christmas dinners before beginning preparations for a new and busy year ahead. LIMA COY 2016 picked up where 2015 left off for Lima Company: with changes in leadership; support to the implementation of the LAV 6.0 fleet to the Battalion; and, a continued high standard of support provided to the Unit on multiple exercises. Command of the Coy changed hands a myriad of times in early 2016 as senior officers moved to and fro in their careers. Maj Ross Bonnell handed command back over to Maj Chris MacAdam as the former left to attend Second Language Training in early 2016; only to have Maj MacAdam hand over to Capt Aaron Guzzwell as he deployed in support of Op PROVISION. Capt Guzzwell held command for a couple of months before handing over yet again to Maj Michael Miller in July of 2016. During this tumultuous time, Coy 2IC positions changed hands on no less than three occasions with the Company Sergeant Major, MWO Dan Koftinoff, remaining the only constant company level leader throughout. Annual Posting Season for Lima Company was a whirlwind, but the level of support never wavered. Above: A contingent of The RCR Lima Coy’s training regime and support to the Unit took the Pipes and Drums in full dress. L-R: shape of many forms throughout 2016. As the Unit set its sights Sgt Malcolm, Sgt Firth, Cpl Lloyd, on High Readiness training, multiple members participated in Cpl Moore, Cpl Dow, Cpl MacDonald Computer Assisted Exercises, planning conferences and working AMM, Cpl Bishop, Sgt Smith groups throughout the summer and fall of 2016. We conducted two company level exercises, one in the winter and one in the Right: The RCR Pipes and Drums summer, with the aim of sharpening basic war fighting and survival band conducts piper training. L-R: skills while achieving IBTS. Lima Company complete deployed on Sgt Malcolm, Cpl Moore, Cpl LIoyd, Ex STORMING ROYAL 16, establishing a tactical bivouac where Cpl MacDonald TJ, Cpl MacDonald we coordinated and staged sub-unit replenishment, projected AMM, Cpl Bourgeois, Sgt Firth. PRO PATRIA 2016 45

forward sustainment assets in support of level 3 and level 4 live and dry training, and improved our internal TTPs to better provide 1st line support in the field. Maintenance Platoon The Platoon experienced a 2016 like none other: the Battalion tempo, our path to high- readiness and a stubborn AFV fleet made for a challenging (but memorable) year… Shortly after CSM Koftinoff banished winter, our Platoon heard the call to attend RCEME Day: we answered with great zeal, building esprit-de-corps amongst technicians and storesmen alike through a BBQ and competitive events. As if by regulation, shenanigans ensued and personal victories were enjoyed. The troops brought their game-faces to the annual Buggy Race, persevering even when their drivetrain did not - refusing to forfeit and blackened with exhaust, Cpl Kenny Heath’s crew pushed their damaged buggy through to the end! Once the festivities ended, Cpl Trevor Normington performed a successful recovery on the buggy and rehabilitated it for future use. As the APS approached, MWO Ray Lomond passed his torch to a new ETQMS: MWO Christian Belanger. With great patience (and almost no sword-fights), Capt Garrett MacDonald indoctrinated his new ET. New members of all ranks also reinforced our Platoon, bringing with them a powerhouse of technical knowledge. WO Paul Cogswell contacted 5 CDSG Base Maintenance and signed for an unforgettable group of apprentices. These young craftsmen experienced life alongside the Battalion, gleaning top-notch training, and in return participating with professionalism and drive. Our Platoon quickly reformed threes and carried on with its mandate: close with and fix kit. Despite the busy pattern of life, the NCMs came together to generate driver/crew commander qualifications, while making time for a healthy swig of DRMIS. PT remained a roller coaster of intensity as our wrenches increasingly demanded attention; still, Sgt Guy Diotte and MCpl Kevin Marceau found time to train for the grueling BUSHMAN competition, placing amongst the Battalion’s top teams. As expected, the main effort was upkeep of an ever-growing LAV 6.0 nursery. Several Technical Failure Reports were raised to address ongoing problems with the fleet. General Dynamics personnel were once again a familiar sight in bldg D56, joining with our pers to execute modifications to differential gears, tire carriers and computer software. A step forward was made in recovery of the LAV 6.0 through cross-training with Infantry drivers. Cpl Dylan Ripley and his team mentored crews on self-recovery using an A-Frame. The B-Vehicle technicians managed the needs of an aging fleet and resurrected MLVW assets to serve as part of the MRT fleet. In the Ancillary wheelhouse, MCpl Patricia Gillis and her Materials techs built mounting hardware for recovery A-Frames and designed TCCC carriers for the Cambrian Patrol. EO and Weapon techs wrangled in unison with the LAV fleet, investigating turret battery failures, traverse mechanism issues and executing a 25mm gun replacement program. Small arms and optronics were an ongoing challenge. LAV, vault inspections, sniper systems, and C6 thermal sights kept us innovating in the pursuit of serviceability. The year also brought a tighter focus on soldier skills. EX DEBUT LIMA kicked-off with a navigation event by MCpls Crompton and Robert-Auger. Following that were several days of hooch-life, to include PD on occupying patrol bases, search of personnel/vehicles, and comms equipment. A solid IBTS circuit left our personnel sharper and ready for the next 46 PRO PATRIA 2016

step. It arrived in the form of EX STORMING ROYAL, a daunting array of moving parts that had the whole of Lima Company moving in unison. At the next bound, we had occupied Olinville bivouac, establishing a trench-line and field maintenance hide. A steady stream of MRT calls and “lessons learned” came from this exercise, as C/S 8 sub-units learned the patterns and requirements of the other sub-units. A welcome addition was the use of an A1 Echelon to support level 3/4 live attacks, as it gave all the RCEME trades an opportunity to participate in the bigger-picture as the operation unfolded. The Pl was assigned to conduct a raid, won the hearts & minds of the animal kingdom, built emplacements, taught the Maint O to correctly wear a toque, improvised and effectively wrapped their resources around the task at hand. The resulting AAR, gained over a 3-week deployment, helped illustrate our role with MAPLE RESOLVE on the horizon. In summary, it was the greatest field trip ever. As this year draws to a close, activities for Maintenance Platoon and the company are far from over: our mission to push kit back into the battlespace continues for 2017… Quartermaster Platoon The Quartermaster Stores saw a change in leadership with both Capt Mark Wasson and MWO Dale McNeil being posted out. The Quartermasters new leadership came with the arrival of Capt Marston Whyte and MWO Michael Cousins. Food Svcs within the Quartermaster section still retained the expertise of the Kitchen Officer, WO Dave Doré, whose four years of experience and knowledge within the Battalion was heavily relied upon for transition of new personnel and support in the Section. Food Svcs supported this year’s Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 1601, the Canadian Army’s premiere collective training event at a brigade level. Their duties included preparing and cooking meals, serving on the Kitchen SEVs and working in support of up to 850 diners. In addition to supporting national tasks, Food Svcs was busy getting their new kitchen SEV online and conducting trials to ensure that it was operationally ready when needed. They also took part with the CTC Tac Sch with making the new training package for the new SEV, ensuring we are training future generations effectively. The QM Stores directly and indirectly supported the Bn and Coys on such events as the annual Bushman competition, Cambrian patrol, Bde sniper competition and Bde Ironman competition. Whether it was providing beans and bullets, facilitating local purchases and a hamburger or two, the QM Stores provided the support required by the unit’s soldiers. QM Stores played a crucial role in direct support of Ex STORMING ROYAL. The CO’s intent was for all Coys to have a fighting force “in the box” to obtain their qualification on the road to high readiness. This was only achieved with a combined effort and long work hours spent between the RQMS staff and all Coy CQs to pool LAVs and EIS in order to manage and match the range support requirements with the tactical requirements. During this FTX, Food Svc provided first line feeding directly at the A1 and A2 echelon. As the tactical plan changed, so did the feeding plan, but all soldiers crossed the LD with a full belly and achieved their objectives as a direct result. As the year winds down, the QM Stores has numerous tasks and a busy agenda on the horizon. SAVs and stocktaking, MAAP deadlines, SNACs, collective trg exercises like Ex RUGGED BEAR and MAPLE RESOLVE 2017, and possibly an operational tour – all will PRO PATRIA 2016 47

require planning and participation of the logisticians; we’ll simply TSR more hours in the day and then look to our motto for inspiration: SERVITIUM NULLI SECUNDUS. Transport Platoon Everyone predicted 2016 was going to be a very challenging year. Everyone was right. After a well-deserved Christmas leave, Battalion Transport shook out and confirmed their VOR state, setting us up to support winter warfare training and conduct PCF courses. We ran a number of Driver Wheel serials, qualifying soldiers on various platforms, and a much needed HLVW FAR serial was conducted, qualifying two more soldiers within the platoon to meet the demands of the new LAV 6.0. Battalion Transport went through a pretty considerable shuffle in leadership, mirroring the myriad of changes experienced at the Coy HQ level. Throughout the summer to the September timeframe, we said goodbye to Capt King (TO), WO Morris (TWO), MCpl Norman (POL Comd), MCpl Broussell (MSE OP) and MCpl Schipper (TCV Comd). The new team consisting of WO Whalen (A/TO), MCpl McLean (A/TWO), MCpl Young (POL Comd), MCpl Gagne (MSE OP) and Cpl Ross (TCV and Cargo Comd) who would continue to uphold the standard passed down. With the influx of LAV 6.0s to the Battalion we were forced to restructure our vehicle parking plan to accommodate a total of 55 LAVs. WO Whalen bit the bullet, offering up his B vehicle marshalling and parking area in D56 to accommodate G Coy’s needs. The Fall training period proved to be an extremely busy timeframe for Battalion Transport. In preparation for deployment to Wainright in 2017, WO Whalen was qualified UEO and started the planning and coordination required to see the Unit deploy on the exercise. Concurrently, his team coordinated and supported the transport requirements for Ex STORMING ROYAL 16, including: the complete deployment/redeployment of L Coy; and the conduct of level 3 and 4 live fire ranges and dry training. Battalion Transport also led the conduct of fully tactical DPs for the unit during this timeframe, with jr leaders stepping up to give orders and lead the tasks once SOPs were established and firmed up. Lima Company’s professionalism and first rate work ethic were demonstrated throughout 2016. 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 cross the Line of Departure on the Road to High Readiness. 48 PRO PATRIA 2016

3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment WCTS at Calabogie, January 2016 LCol W.P.J. Graydon, CD As always seems the case with 3rd Battalion, we were once again incredibly busy in 2016 - not only from an operations and training perspective, but also as we shaped the future of Light Forces in the Canadian Army. 3 RCR Founded upon the inherent agility, readiness and flexibility of Light Forces, 3 RCR took a key leadership role within the Army in shaping the future structure of the Light Infantry Battalions. As the only Infantry Battalion to provide insight, feedback and recommendations to the Corps and the Light Forces Working Group, the hard work and expertise of the Sr NCOs and officers of 3 RCR has set the conditions for all 3rd Battalions to finally be built and equipped for tasks suited to light infantry. In line with how the unit will eventually be restructured, we have focussed on becoming better Light Fighters, ready to support the Brigade and the Army with experts in our field. Whether through the further development of 3 RCR’s Military Freefall Parachuting capability; through the acceptance of a trial and evaluation program for CWO W.P. Fudge, CD the incoming MRZR vehicle; or through the continued operationalization of the Aviation Mission Planning Cycle PRO PATRIA 2016 49

with 450 THS, the Battalion epitomizes Light Forces. The work 3 RCR has done over the past year has set the standard across the Army (and RCAF) on air-land integration and specifically for conducting airmobile operations. The 2016 year began with a great training experience in Calabogie where the Battalion ran a Winter Complex Terrain School focussed on cross-country skiing, ice climbing, downhill skiing and avalanche training in preparation for the deployment of the majority of the Battalion to Norway on Exercise COLD RESPONSE. Augmented by a Heavy Weapons Company out of 173rd Airborne Brigade in Italy, and an M1 Abrams Tank Company out of 2-7 IN in Georgia, a not so Light Infantry Battalion integrated into a Swedish Brigade as the OPFOR for a NATO Combined/Joint winter exercise in challenging complex terrain; perfectly suited for Light Forces. One main theme to this year was improving interoperability with our American allies. Building on relationships fostered last year, 3 RCR continued to train, both north and south of the border, with the 82nd Airborne Division. Exercise VIKING TALON was the first time a US Aviation Battalion has trained in Canada in as long as anyone can remember. US Chinooks and Blackhawks integrated with Canadian Chinooks from 450 THS conducting Training with 82nd Airborne, May 2016 50 PRO PATRIA 2016