Winter Warefare 2010
Written by Tpr Orr P.J., D Sqn 3 Tp
Written by Tpr Orr P.J., D Sqn 3 Tp
location to start building. The Troop split into two groups, one group for each shelter. It took 4 hours in the cold snow to have it ready and set-up for the next days stand, the shelters looked good and the soldiers of 3 Troop were proud of their creations. After dinner, the Squadron was on night-routine and a giant bonfire soon blazed to life. The soldiers relaxed, either around the fire or in the warmth of their tent which was heated with both a stove and a lantern; finally, in the dark hours of Tuesday morning, the rain finally stopped as the Troops slept.
As 3 Troop ate our breakfast Tuesday, we were getting ready for a day of educational stands on various aspects of winter survival and warfare. Our first stop was to check in on our shelters, make last minute fixes or improvements, and then leave a few soldiers behind to explain and instruct as the rest of the Squadron rotated around the stands. 3 Troop was then off to the small animal snares stand, we learned where to set them up, recognize the signs of travelled routes and how to set-up different types of snares. Next up was cross country skiing and navigating with map and compass, each member of the Troop had to navigate a long route through the deep snow to a different destination. The last stand the troop participated in was the defensive position stand, where we were taught ideal places to build a defensive position, how to build them strong enough to be useful as a ballistic barrier, and tips on how to keep them small and camouflaged so they were not easily seen, ending our second day. Tuesday night, ended the same as Monday, with a big fire and a good nights sleep.
Wednesday morning, 3 Troop and members of 2 Troop formed into a reconnaissance (recce) patrol and was sent off to reconnoitre a built-up area to gather as much intelligence on the situation as possible. Unfortunately, both recce patrols were compromised and the rescue patrols did not fare much better; However, one member of a recce patrol avoided capture, conducted a single man recce as best he could and made it back to the RV to pass on the information to higher. After dinner, the Troop reversed rolls and was ordered to protect a communications tower, the soldiers dug into the snow and waited. The forward position spotted an enemy force, and a battle ensued, ultimately resulting in a successful defensive operation.
With the defensive done, End Ex was called and the Squadron elatedly went to bed exhausted for our last time during the exercise. In the morning, the troops hurriedly tore down our tents and packed away all of our kit. We began to tear down and pack-up the rest of the camp. With every soldier working hard, tear down and the return to C50 was completed before noon, to the immense elation of all. A successful and educational Winter-Warfare exercise goes down in the books.
As 3 Troop ate our breakfast Tuesday, we were getting ready for a day of educational stands on various aspects of winter survival and warfare. Our first stop was to check in on our shelters, make last minute fixes or improvements, and then leave a few soldiers behind to explain and instruct as the rest of the Squadron rotated around the stands. 3 Troop was then off to the small animal snares stand, we learned where to set them up, recognize the signs of travelled routes and how to set-up different types of snares. Next up was cross country skiing and navigating with map and compass, each member of the Troop had to navigate a long route through the deep snow to a different destination. The last stand the troop participated in was the defensive position stand, where we were taught ideal places to build a defensive position, how to build them strong enough to be useful as a ballistic barrier, and tips on how to keep them small and camouflaged so they were not easily seen, ending our second day. Tuesday night, ended the same as Monday, with a big fire and a good nights sleep.
Wednesday morning, 3 Troop and members of 2 Troop formed into a reconnaissance (recce) patrol and was sent off to reconnoitre a built-up area to gather as much intelligence on the situation as possible. Unfortunately, both recce patrols were compromised and the rescue patrols did not fare much better; However, one member of a recce patrol avoided capture, conducted a single man recce as best he could and made it back to the RV to pass on the information to higher. After dinner, the Troop reversed rolls and was ordered to protect a communications tower, the soldiers dug into the snow and waited. The forward position spotted an enemy force, and a battle ensued, ultimately resulting in a successful defensive operation.
With the defensive done, End Ex was called and the Squadron elatedly went to bed exhausted for our last time during the exercise. In the morning, the troops hurriedly tore down our tents and packed away all of our kit. We began to tear down and pack-up the rest of the camp. With every soldier working hard, tear down and the return to C50 was completed before noon, to the immense elation of all. A successful and educational Winter-Warfare exercise goes down in the books.
On 24 January 2010, D Squadron (Sqn) gathered in the hanger in the early hours of the morning, carrying full rucksacks, snowshoes and fighting order. We were preparing for our Winter-Warfare exercise, deep into the Matawa Plains.
Despite a downpour of freezing rain and sub-zero temperatures, we mounted-up with our gear and placed our toboggans onto an HLVW, our week in the cold and snow began. As soon as the troops were dropped off set-up began, with every available and able soldier working together to set-up mod tents and whatever activities the SHQ needed to set-up camp. Once that task was complete, each individual tent crew began to set-up their 5 man tents and prepared to stay there for the week. By noon Monday, despite the unceasing cold rain, the soldiers had their tents up and were preparing to begin their individual troop tasks, teaching the rest of the Squadron. 3 Troop was given the assignment of instructing on the proper way to build and construct a lean-to and a snow shelter. We strapped on our snow shoes, and selected the
Despite a downpour of freezing rain and sub-zero temperatures, we mounted-up with our gear and placed our toboggans onto an HLVW, our week in the cold and snow began. As soon as the troops were dropped off set-up began, with every available and able soldier working together to set-up mod tents and whatever activities the SHQ needed to set-up camp. Once that task was complete, each individual tent crew began to set-up their 5 man tents and prepared to stay there for the week. By noon Monday, despite the unceasing cold rain, the soldiers had their tents up and were preparing to begin their individual troop tasks, teaching the rest of the Squadron. 3 Troop was given the assignment of instructing on the proper way to build and construct a lean-to and a snow shelter. We strapped on our snow shoes, and selected the
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