More than 200 Combat Engineers to gather in Chilliwack for Exercise Paladin Response over the holidays

Combat Engineers from across Canada will be gathering in Chilliwack, B.C. at the end of the month, from December 26 till the 31st for Exercise PALADIN RESPONSE.

The more than 200 soldiers from 39 Combat Engineer Regiment, unit of 39 Canadian Brigade Group, the Canadian Army Reserve in British Columbia, along with additional engineers, will practice bridge and raft design and construction during the exercise.

“Exercise PALADIN RESPONSE is designed to develop the core skill of gap crossing, which is critical for mobility support. We will practice operating Assault Boats, assembling Medium Floating Bridges, constructing Medium Girder Bridges, and building prefabricated modular steel bridges. Through mentorship and practice, this training will allow 39 Combat Engineer Regiment and all reserve combat engineer regiments in the Canadian Armed Forces to better respond to humanitarian disasters or combat mobility requirements both domestically and abroad,” said LCol. Cameron N. McLean, Commanding Officer 39 Combat Engineer Regiment.

The exercise will provide reserve engineer soldiers the opportunity to train with bridging equipment on complex terrain and water. The exercise is aimed at building bridges to cross water obstacles in a domestic operations environment.

The exercise will also involve simulated casualty play and include the participation of a mobile medical unit.

“Participation in Exercise PALADIN RESPONSE enhances the readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces to undertake missions at the direction of the Government of Canada. Reserve Force Combat Engineers have a particular focus on supporting domestic operations, such as natural disasters, where they may be asked to provide assistance to provincial and territorial authorities,” stated a Department of National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces press release.