Transforming Canadian Army Collective Training

A1. Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE has evolved to better meet the current needs of the Canadian Army. The Canadian Army continuously evaluates its training system to ensure it is effective and efficient. To be clear, the training objectives (known as “Battle Task Standards”) previously achieved on Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE will still be met by Canadian Army units. Moving forward these objectives will be met primarily through two exercises: MAPLE RESOLVE and OAK RESOLVE. The first will occur at, or close to, the deploying unit’s home station and the second part will be conducted in theatre, alongside NATO Allies. The majority of collective training will continue to be hosted in Canada.

Canadian Army Light Infantry Battalions will be validated in the “build” year of the Managed Readiness System (MRS) on Exercise GLOBAL RESOLVE. Validation will occur, on an alternating basis, at either Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Johnson, Louisiana, or Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) in Alaska.

In February 2024, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry conducted their final validation exercise (Exercise GLOBAL RESOLVE 2024) at JPMRC Alaska. Upon validation and entering the “committed” phase of the MRS, the light infantry battalion serves as the Global Response Task Force (GRTF). The GRTF is a Very High Readiness unit that is capable of rapid, global, strategic force projection in lower-intensity conflict, or to operate as part of a larger allied force in major operations. Recently, the GRTF has deployed on operations such as Op LUMEN and Op HELIOS.

A2. While the legacy Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE model provided exceptional training, the significant logistical requirement to move vehicles, equipment, and personnel from across Canada to CFB Wainright and return meant that soldiers would spend approximately 10-12 weeks on this exercise before deploying on a 24-week deployment. The new model will more appropriately balance training value and individual soldier tempo, while acknowledging that Canada’s commitments in Latvia are part of a multinational force which will always require final confirmatory training to be conducted in Europe.

Ultimately, the updated training progression will streamline training events, and project readiness and deterrence forward to operational theatres. It will reduce time away from home for our soldiers compared to the former training model, and better align training with operational demands.

A3. Exercise UNIFIED RESOLVE was the Canadian Army's largest annual computer-assisted exercise, in which military commanders and staff worked through simulated scenarios that reflect real challenges in an unpredictable security environment. The primary training audience for these exercises was, and continues to be, soldiers of Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (CMBG) Headquarters.

Exercise UNIFIED RESOLVE Stages 1 and 2 will continue to be conducted as an academic portion and a division-controlled computer-assisted exercise at home station. From 2026 and beyond, CMBG HQs will be validated while participating in a US Army Warfighter exercise.

A4. With roughly 2200 members expected to be deployed at any given time after summer 2024 on Operation REASSURANCE, it will continue to be the largest operational demand for the Canadian Army, but it is not the only scheduled or contingency mission that the Canadian Army is currently or will be prepared for. The Army is focusing its Enhanced Warfighting Proficiency (EWP) training program toward Operation REASSURANCE. However, all units will continue to conduct annual foundation training to maintain baseline military skills. The Canadian Army will maintain its credibility as a combat capable, multi-purpose land force, ready for employment in pursuit of Canada’s defense objectives. Theatre Mission Specific Training will continue to be delivered to ensure forces are prepared to deploy on whatever mission is assigned to them.

A5. The decision to modify Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE was taken before the federal government announced spending reductions in Budget 2023. While the Canadian Army strives to be a steward of public resources in all activities, this decision was not driven by financial considerations. The main driver was improved alignment of Canadian Army training with operational demands – namely, the CAF’s increased role on Operation REASSURANCE in Latvia.

A6. Canadian soldiers will continue to train to a high level in Canada before deploying on Operation REASSURANCE or any operational theatre. The model of exporting some levels of training to be conducted in Latvia is based on the current threat environment. The Canadian Army will assess the situation on a continual basis and reserves the ability to repatriate all levels of collective training back to Canada.