Mishall RehmanApproximately 2,500 soldiers from the Canadian Army regular forces, primary reserve and Canadian Rangers will train in several areas of Canada’s North throughout the month of February and into early March. The aim of this Arctic Readiness training is to maintain and enhance operational capabilities in harsh Arctic environments.
The Canadian Army will train in highly challenging conditions of some of Canada’s most isolated regions to ensure operational readiness.
Soldiers will develop and enhance advanced cold weather survival skills and prepare for quick responses to simulated threats and emergencies, including natural disasters and extreme weather. The training will include parachute jumps and engagement with remote First Nations communities.
The exercise offers CAF soldiers an opportunity to collaborate with Canadian Rangers and the local communities they will be training in.
Soldiers from other nations, including the U.S. Army National Guard, New Zealand and Polish Armed Forces have been invited to take part in the training to increase interoperability between Canada and the three nations.
More specifically, exercises include:
Reaction Royale, based in Quebec and consisting of 1,000 soldiers; Arctic Ram, based in the Northwest Territories and consisting of 200 soldiers;
Trillium Response, base in northern Ontario and remote First Nations communities, consisting of 900 soldiers;
Northern Sapper based in Newfoundland Labrador and consisting of 180 soldiers, including 19 international soldiers; and
Stalwart Goose also located in Newfoundland Labrador, consisting of 231 Primary Reserve soldiers.
“The protection of our northern borders remains a key security priority for Canada. The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces are fully committed to exercising our northern sovereignty and these Arctic training scenarios allow us to demonstrate greater visible presence in Canada’s North,” said Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan.
