Combat Engineering with Recce Squadron
Cpl Robert Burgoyne, Engr Recce Section, TF 3-09 Recce Sqn
Cpl Robert Burgoyne, Engr Recce Section, TF 3-09 Recce Sqn
As a Combat Engineer section attached to Recce Squadron (B Squadron, Royal Canadian Dragoons), we do many different tasks. Whether it is trade-specific tasks, such as Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) clearance, Blows in Place (BIP), Vital Point Searches (VPS), camp construction, renovation or building of comfort items.
Being a Combat Engineer is all about improvising and thinking outside the box. For example, using six foot pickets to make items such as gear racks and stairs, or using items that most people would throw away like the foam used for protecting food in shipping crates and using it for wall insulation.
Because we are a combat trade, we also have to be able to do the job of an infantry soldier. This means staying in shape, keeping current on weapons drills and being prepared to conduct dismounted patrols with the other Combat Arms. Due to the fact that we are only section strength, we are trained to be capable of operating in teams of two or three, or even as an individual. Many times, a young Sapper or Corporal can find him or herself advising higher ranks as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the group. Because of this, Combat Engineers have to be able to think for ourselves, look at the big picture and make decisions at the lowest level.
In short, an Engineer has to be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of all of them. As we continue to work with Recce Squadron, we will continue to grow as a team and learn more and more what we can provide for each other.
Being a Combat Engineer is all about improvising and thinking outside the box. For example, using six foot pickets to make items such as gear racks and stairs, or using items that most people would throw away like the foam used for protecting food in shipping crates and using it for wall insulation.
Because we are a combat trade, we also have to be able to do the job of an infantry soldier. This means staying in shape, keeping current on weapons drills and being prepared to conduct dismounted patrols with the other Combat Arms. Due to the fact that we are only section strength, we are trained to be capable of operating in teams of two or three, or even as an individual. Many times, a young Sapper or Corporal can find him or herself advising higher ranks as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the group. Because of this, Combat Engineers have to be able to think for ourselves, look at the big picture and make decisions at the lowest level.
In short, an Engineer has to be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of all of them. As we continue to work with Recce Squadron, we will continue to grow as a team and learn more and more what we can provide for each other.
E13B leads the construction of a roof at PB Marianne in an attempt to winterize
Improvements on the PB shower faciclities included new walls
Sgt Baird and his team works to improve the already present infrastructure within the PB
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