By OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan 27, 2014) - Department of National Defence
Canadian and Polish soldiers will train for winter weather combat operations in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Quebec from January 28 to February 5. Exercise RAFALE BLANCHE 2014 will include almost 2,500 soldiers and approximately 700 vehicles from 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5 CMBG). They will be joined by a Polish Army platoon.
Exercise participants will practice winter survival skills; conduct long range patrolling; navigate in rural and urban settings; secure helicopter landing pads; and complete a parachute drop in cold weather conditions. Soldiers will also have the opportunity to meet with residents of the region and showcase the army equipment being used during the weekend of February 1-2.
Quick Facts
Personnel from all units within 5 CMBG will participate in Exercise RAFALE BLANCHE, as well as personnel from 5 Military Police Regiment, 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, 5 Field Ambulance, and a platoon of about 20 paratroopers from the Polish Army's 6th Airborne Brigade, based in Krakow, Poland.
The exercise will take place in the Regional County Municipalities of Beauce-Sartigan, La Nouvelle-Beauce RCM, Les Appalaches, Les Etchemins, Lotbinière and Robert-Cliche.
Quotes
"We partner with allied countries such as Poland to improve interoperability and build relationships that contribute to international peace. I am proud to see our soldiers from the 2nd Canadian Division collaborating with our Polish counterparts throughout this exercise. They will have the opportunity to operate in traditional Canadian winter conditions and provide feedback as to how it relates to that of their own home conditions."
Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander of the Canadian Army
"Over the past ten years, the Canadian military mission to Afghanistan has taken centre stage. It is important to remember, however, that one of our priorities has always been to maintain a state of readiness to protect Canadians and Canadian national interests at home. Such readiness, of course, depends upon rigorous training, and that is what is currently being provided through RAFALE BLANCHE."
Colonel Dany Fortin, Commander of 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Valcartier, Québec
Associated Links
Canadian Army website
2nd Canadian Division web page
AFALE BLANCHE pictures
