EX Walking Dragoon
This past summer, B Squadron participated in Ex WALKING. Squadron morale was high on the first morning in August 2011, as the soldiers prepared for their departure into the training area for five days of troop level training. The intent for this exercise was two fold: first it allowed the troops to shake out and conduct Troop level training, and secondly it facilitated squadron level training in the Cobden and Petawawa training area. 1 Troop, under the command of Lt Johnson and WO Woodcroft and 2 Troop, under the command of Lt Mitchell and Sgt Power, deployed out to the north of the Petawawa training area to conduct Route, Area, Point and Zone (RAPZ) recce training. 3 Troop (aka Assault Troop), under the command of Lt Degen and Sgt Edmunds, prepared for their road move and obstacle demonstration.
B Squadron established a harbour in the north of the CFB Petawawa training area, and called this area home for the next 5 days as they continued to develop troop standard operating procedures and reviewed some of the basic skills required to conduct their tasks. 1 and 2 Troop focused on RAPZ tasks while 3 Troop focussed on counter mobility, patrolling and ambush tasks. The week ended with a bang as 3 Troop conducted an ambush on a 2 Troop convoy. The force on force encounter served as a positive learning experience for all soldiers. By the end of the week, we were ready for orders for to move back to base to conduct maintenance and receive more orders for a road move into the Cobden area.
The move into the Cobden area began with the Squadron conducting framework patrolling into the new ‘area of operations” (AO) while Squadron Headquarters (SHQ) moved the command post to establish themselves is the best position to support. It was a scenic route down and once in the new AO the troops did not hesitate to get accustomed to their new environment. During this time the Squadron also took some time to interact with the local population and were warmly welcomed. The training consisted of a flurry of orders requiring us to complete variety of tasks all leading up to cordon and search operation and finally, a Squadron level ambush that was the highlight of the training. The troops established their positions under the cover of darkness for the morning’s attack and at first light, as the target enemy moved into the kill zone, all of our training was proven successful as the attack went off without a hitch.
With Ex WALKING DRAGOON done, B Squadron is ready to start “running” on Ex MAPLE RESOLVE in Wainwright, Alberta.
The move into the Cobden area began with the Squadron conducting framework patrolling into the new ‘area of operations” (AO) while Squadron Headquarters (SHQ) moved the command post to establish themselves is the best position to support. It was a scenic route down and once in the new AO the troops did not hesitate to get accustomed to their new environment. During this time the Squadron also took some time to interact with the local population and were warmly welcomed. The training consisted of a flurry of orders requiring us to complete variety of tasks all leading up to cordon and search operation and finally, a Squadron level ambush that was the highlight of the training. The troops established their positions under the cover of darkness for the morning’s attack and at first light, as the target enemy moved into the kill zone, all of our training was proven successful as the attack went off without a hitch.
With Ex WALKING DRAGOON done, B Squadron is ready to start “running” on Ex MAPLE RESOLVE in Wainwright, Alberta.
Cpl Mitchell leading a dismounted patrol in Cobden area during
EX WALKING DRAGOON.
EX WALKING DRAGOON.
Tpr Moody and Martin from 3Tp cutting trees to specifications for obstacles in Petawawa training area during EX WALKING DRAGOON.
Coyotes from 2Tp and 3Tp LAV prepare for departure in the Petawawa training area during
EX WALKING DRAGOON.
EX WALKING DRAGOON.
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