EX Maple Resolve
Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE was a three-week exercise from 7 - 24 October 2011 that saw 2 CMBG deploy to Wainwright, Alberta for unique and realistic training coordinated by the Canadian Maneuver Training Centre (CMTC) Wainwright. For B Squadron, the training targeted all levels from SHQ right down to individual soldier’s skills. During the first seven days, soldiers and officers of B Squadron were put through various types of stands training covering convoy escort, cordon and search and route, area, point and zone reconnaissance tasks. These complex stands offered an opportunity to conduct battle procedure and deliver orders before moving tactically, both mounted and dismounted, through events that lasted between twelve and forty-eight hours. The next seven days was force on force training with a realistic and adaptive enemy force. B Squadron, based out of a remote, abandoned abattoir known as Slaughter House 2 were involved in several operations including assisting in the securing and movement of refugees from an IDP camp, conducting a cordon and search on the village of Neiba, and a second cordon and search in the village of Mella.
Battle tracking and monitoring was possible using Weapons Effect System (WES) gear. This offered valuable feedback during After Action Reviews where the CMTC staff was able to provide snap shot imaging over different times as the battle progressed. WES gear displaying all personnel “in play” provided accurate feedback on engagements including blue on blue, and green on green results. WES gear also added a sense of realism to the exercise and forced individuals to consider consequences before engaging. Being able to interact with a live “enemy” and seeing the results of engagements acted out added to the individual’s mental readiness during intense situations. A local population played by actors created the political scene and offered various scenarios that had to be addressed throughout the AO.
This deployment also offered a rare opportunity for B Squadron to conduct combined arms training with all assets available from tanks to Alpha jets and Sea King helicopters. We also had the opportunity for international combined arms training as B Squadron was often paired with Y Coy, 1st Bn of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (UK), an Armoured Infantry unit from the UK who were training in Suffield, but were able to join us to take advantage of the excellent training opportunity offered in Wainwright. Y Company worked together with B Squadron throughout the stands as well as during the force on force with varying command relationships, each having an opportunity to take the lead. Each soldier in both sub-units enjoyed the unique experience of working alongside our British counterparts and seeing how they operate in simulated battles. As stated by one B Squadron soldier, working with Y Company has helped us to recognize our abilities and our role as armoured recce in combined/mixed operations.
Overall, B Squadron participated in Exercise Maple Resolve (1101) as part of RCD and were successful in overcoming all challenges while incorporating other elements. Friendships were established and many lessons learned. The greatest take-away according to one soldier is that with enough initiative and hard work, we have the stamina, the intellect, and the flexibility to become a potent force on any deployment or task we face.
Battle tracking and monitoring was possible using Weapons Effect System (WES) gear. This offered valuable feedback during After Action Reviews where the CMTC staff was able to provide snap shot imaging over different times as the battle progressed. WES gear displaying all personnel “in play” provided accurate feedback on engagements including blue on blue, and green on green results. WES gear also added a sense of realism to the exercise and forced individuals to consider consequences before engaging. Being able to interact with a live “enemy” and seeing the results of engagements acted out added to the individual’s mental readiness during intense situations. A local population played by actors created the political scene and offered various scenarios that had to be addressed throughout the AO.
This deployment also offered a rare opportunity for B Squadron to conduct combined arms training with all assets available from tanks to Alpha jets and Sea King helicopters. We also had the opportunity for international combined arms training as B Squadron was often paired with Y Coy, 1st Bn of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (UK), an Armoured Infantry unit from the UK who were training in Suffield, but were able to join us to take advantage of the excellent training opportunity offered in Wainwright. Y Company worked together with B Squadron throughout the stands as well as during the force on force with varying command relationships, each having an opportunity to take the lead. Each soldier in both sub-units enjoyed the unique experience of working alongside our British counterparts and seeing how they operate in simulated battles. As stated by one B Squadron soldier, working with Y Company has helped us to recognize our abilities and our role as armoured recce in combined/mixed operations.
Overall, B Squadron participated in Exercise Maple Resolve (1101) as part of RCD and were successful in overcoming all challenges while incorporating other elements. Friendships were established and many lessons learned. The greatest take-away according to one soldier is that with enough initiative and hard work, we have the stamina, the intellect, and the flexibility to become a potent force on any deployment or task we face.
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