Soldiers from 5 CMBG train in France

Soldiers from 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5 CMBG), based in Valcartier, headed off to France earlier this week to conduct three different exercises in an effort to exchange knowledge and skills with French soldiers.

The approximately 150 CAF soldiers taking part in these exercises are stationed in three different cities in France: Mourmelon, Belfort Sissonne and Gap, Hautes-Alps.

About 50 5 CMBG soldiers are participating in a multinational command post exercise with NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps in Mourmelon, France. The exercise, Exercise CITADELLE JAVELIN, will prepare personnel to perform tasks that are part of NATO’s high readiness mandate.

A platoon from 2e Battalion, Royal 22e Regiment is training alongside France’s 35e Regiment d’infantrie in Belfort, Sissonne, France. The aim of this unit exchange is to improve the soldiers’ urban combat skills and familiarize them with French Army equipment, tactics and culture.

In Gap, Hautes-Alpes, France, the 12e Regiment Blinde du Canada is training with the French Army’s 4e Regiment de Chasseurs. The unit exchange, Exercise CHEVALIER TRICOLORE, will give CAF members a chance to take part in an armoured reconnaissance mission in a mountainous region under winter conditions.

“Military exercises and exchanges with France ensure that we build and maintain know-how in joint operations and interoperability. Our countries face complex threats, and our militaries must be ready to work jointly with the Allied forces,” said Colonel Michel-Henri St-Louis, Commander of 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group.

Canada and France are known to have a long-standing relationship, strengthened by their shared commitment to NATO. This commitment is the basis of the trans-Atlantic defence and security relationship.

The countries enjoy a relationship that encompasses joint training exercises, personnel exchanges, strategic policy discussions and operational cooperation. This current exercise will strengthen France and Canada’s partnership in order to protect their common values while promoting international peace and security.

The two countries have participated in numerous international exercises and operations prior to this.

The current exercises are expected to run through March 25.