Op CADENCE 2010 and the RCD
By Cpl Rector, A
By Cpl Rector, A
Troops and vehicles from D Sqn, The Royal Canadian Dragoons deployed to Huntsville, Ontario on June 21, 2010 to take part in Op CADENCE 2010, the security element of the G8 Summit. Our mission was to support the RCMP-led Integrated Security Unit in order to provide a safe and secure environment for Summit participants and all affected Canadians. The Dragoons, as a part of the 3RCR Bn Gp, and various Reserve units from across Ontario provided surveillance and security in the area to augment the RCMP and OPP lead presence. This gave early warning to the OPP and RCMP through the use of unique CF capabilities, including the coyote surveillance suite.
Op CADENCE 2010 followed two weeks of work-up training at CFB Meaford. The CF units involved in the Op trained in crowd avoidance scenarios, how to interact with the general population, and how to interact with law enforcement personal. The training was designed to prepare for the worst case scenario, with angry residents and protesters attempting to provoke us to fight. The Dragoons worked through the scenarios very well without confrontation, due in part to a month of training at CFB Petawawa before leaving for Meaford. After a confirmation exercise from 17-19 June, D Sqn rolled out of the gate towards Huntsville with the wind at our backs and the sun in our eyes.
Op CADENCE 2010 followed two weeks of work-up training at CFB Meaford. The CF units involved in the Op trained in crowd avoidance scenarios, how to interact with the general population, and how to interact with law enforcement personal. The training was designed to prepare for the worst case scenario, with angry residents and protesters attempting to provoke us to fight. The Dragoons worked through the scenarios very well without confrontation, due in part to a month of training at CFB Petawawa before leaving for Meaford. After a confirmation exercise from 17-19 June, D Sqn rolled out of the gate towards Huntsville with the wind at our backs and the sun in our eyes.
The RCD provided surveillance and security for Op CADENCE 2010 by providing 24 hour surveillance, made possible by the use of the Coyote LAV. Its surveillance system watched and recorded high quality images both day and night, a capacity unmatched by civilian equipment, making the Coyote an integral part of the Op CADENCE 2010 security group.
Our call sign, 61, moved into our Observation Post location at approximately 1030hrs on the 21 and we were greeted by the local residents before we had a chance to turn the engines off. Once our surveillance equipment was set up, we began a “dog and pony” for the local families. Visitors arrive daily at our OP almost constantly from 9am to 9pm, curious about the “tanks at the end of the Roe Road”.
The best part about this OP was the interaction with the public, not to mention a lakeside view! The children brought us fresh coffee and cookies at least 3 times a day, with the locals supplying us with fresh fruit and warm food that they prepared. This was a welcome change from the rations packs that we lived on at Camp Meaford. In 7 years of service I have not received such appreciation, nor have many others soldiers.
The army presence in Huntsville was a very unique experience for the residents, many of whom have never interacted with soldiers. Op CADENCE 2010 demonstrated that the CF is capable of providing security to Canada both at home and abroad. We displayed to the country that we are not just a fighting force focused only on overseas operations, but a military that can operate in a wide spectrum of missions. The relationships we have built with the locals in Huntsville are connecting the Canadian Forces with our Nation.
Bold and Swift
Our call sign, 61, moved into our Observation Post location at approximately 1030hrs on the 21 and we were greeted by the local residents before we had a chance to turn the engines off. Once our surveillance equipment was set up, we began a “dog and pony” for the local families. Visitors arrive daily at our OP almost constantly from 9am to 9pm, curious about the “tanks at the end of the Roe Road”.
The best part about this OP was the interaction with the public, not to mention a lakeside view! The children brought us fresh coffee and cookies at least 3 times a day, with the locals supplying us with fresh fruit and warm food that they prepared. This was a welcome change from the rations packs that we lived on at Camp Meaford. In 7 years of service I have not received such appreciation, nor have many others soldiers.
The army presence in Huntsville was a very unique experience for the residents, many of whom have never interacted with soldiers. Op CADENCE 2010 demonstrated that the CF is capable of providing security to Canada both at home and abroad. We displayed to the country that we are not just a fighting force focused only on overseas operations, but a military that can operate in a wide spectrum of missions. The relationships we have built with the locals in Huntsville are connecting the Canadian Forces with our Nation.
Bold and Swift
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(Click to enlarge)
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