EX STRIDENT TRACER to begin in Gagetown New Brunswick, Aug 18-27

The Canadian Army will be hosting Exercise STRIDENT TRACER 2017 at the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown from Aug. 18 through Aug. 27.

The exercise will involve Army Reserve soldiers from 28 units across Atlantic Canada as well as five units from the United States National Guard.

“Exercise STRIDENT TRACER 2017 is a fast-paced, challenging exercise that is a vital part of 5th Canadian Division’s annual training program. This exercise brings in Canadian Army soldiers from all of the Atlantic Canadian provinces as well as allied soldiers from the United States National Guard. The training is done under realistic conditions in a live-fire, all-arms exercise, where our troops develop their individual skills and their ability to conduct operations with international allies,” said BGen. Derek Macaulay, Commander of the 5th Canadian Division.

The exercise is an opportunity for participating soldiers to fine-tune their individual and team skills for a spectrum of offensive combat operations.

During Exercise STRIDENT TRACER 2017 soldiers will undergo a variety of training that is focused on developing adaptable leadership skills necessary for mission success on the battlefield. Training includes live fire activities during day and night, combat manoeuvres, fighting vehicle operations and combined arms team battlefield tactics.

“Exercise STRIDENT TRACER 2017 is the culmination of the training year for the soldiers of 5th Canadian Division. With a commitment to readiness, the challenging scenario will test soldiers and leaders on their capabilities and we are confident that all involved will finish the exercise stronger and better able to serve at home and abroad on operations,” said Col. Shawn Hale, Commander of the 36 Canadian Brigade Group.