Last weekend, (February 10th-12th)members of the Rocky Mountain Rangers completed exercises east of Prince George.
The exercises were done on a piece of private property leased by the Department of Defense.
During this exercise, the Rocky Mountain Rangers completed dry training (using blank ammunition) and honed their skills operating in winter conditions.
“All of the tasks we work through become more challenging, so practicing these skills is very important,” said Sergeant Kevin Gaiesky.
“Dealing with the cold requires additional equipment, which means carrying additional weight and moving on snowshoes. It is very demanding.”
Over the course of the two-and-a-half day training event, soldiers pressed on practicing skills needed for their profession as members of the infantry reserve.
Those skills included area searches, response to casualties, and elements of offensive operations.
While these are regular activities for members, some had the chance to take on bigger roles.
“I was place in a leadership position during the exercise, and it is such a great opportunity to practice team work, planning, and communications under pressure,” said Corporal Sam McLaren.
“Every time we go out I am more confident that if called on I will be able to do my job and do it well. What we do locally build on all of the work that members have done on past deployments or at training centers here in Canada. It is very cool to work with a group like this.”
Over the weekend, temperatures ranged from minus 10 to plus three, with six inches of fresh snow, which enhanced the training.