Strengthening 3rd Canadian Division

3rd Canadian Division (3 Cdn Div) soldiers are well-trained, well-led and well-equipped to support our current operational commitments, but we are also preparing for the challenges that lie ahead by strengthening our One Team through our Grow, Train, Employ philosophy.

3 Cdn Div’s One Team has achieved significant gains since the Chief of the Defence Staff initiated his Strengthening the Army Reserves (StAR) directive in October 2015. We are currently experiencing an incredible and ongoing surge in Reserve recruiting and growth, putting more boots on the ground than ever before. As we continue to build capacity, we are investing in new ways to grow, including reviewing our processes, building internal and external relationships, and finding further opportunities for change.

We are producing new capabilities within 3 Cdn Div. Our Regular and Reserve Force training seasons continue to ensure that our soldiers are on track to be deployable, whether engaged in High Readiness or not, for joint, full spectrum operations in any environment. Every summer, the Full-Time Summer Employment (FTSE) program and 3 Cdn Div’s BOLD EAGLE program consistently attract and successfully train new Canadian Army Reserve Force soldiers and Canadian Rangers, integrating One Team training opportunities where possible.

With the growth and training of our One Team ongoing, 3 Cdn Div is looking to employ its Reserve Force soldiers within new operational capacities. We have already generated soldiers for the following Mission Tasks:

• Mortar Platoon – lead by Loyal Edmonton Regiment, Edmonton, AB
• Assault Pioneers Platoon – lead by Seaforth Highlanders of Canada, Vancouver, BC
• Direct Fire Support Platoon – lead by Royal Regina Rifles, Regina, SK
• Light Urban Search and Rescue (LUSAR) Platoon – lead by 15th Field Regiment (RCA), Vancouver, BC

Each of these Mission Task capabilities are fully employed as support during domestic and international operations, and integrated with Regular Force elements as sub-units throughout.