Ex APOLLO FOUNDATION gives troops training in trench fighting
October 23, 2023 - Lt(N) Josh Ehnisz, Public Affairs Officer, 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
The training area at 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton Detachment Wainwright was busy in late September and early October as 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI) conducted Exercise APOLLO FOUNDATION
The exercise took place from Sept. 14 to Oct. 6.
“Ex APOLLO FOUNDATION is inclusive of a complex range and trench system that forces soldiers to think about what they are doing and how to get the job done,” explained Chief Warrant Officer William King, 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (1 CMBG) Sergeant‑Major. “They are in close quarters; it is hard to hear and see. Engagements are short, quick and dynamic.
“There are a lot of moving parts and weapons systems being employed, all with live rounds. This kind of training builds soldier confidence and resiliency, and ensures that soldiers have the skills they need in a modern combat environment.”
Ex APOLLO FOUNDATION focused on honing the individual skills of soldiers throughout the regiment and aimed to better prepare soldiers for combat environments like the ones that are being seen in Europe today.
Colonel Philipe Bourque, Commander 1 CMBG, explained the context of the exercise.
Caption
Members of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry conduct a live trench warfare range during Exercise APOLLO FOUNDATION at the 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton Detachment Wainwright training area on Oct. 2.
Photo by Cpl Trevor Pomarenski
“We built an extensive trench network that is meant to mimic the trench networks used by the Russians in Europe,” he said. “We are taking the soldiers through these from basic small teams to larger more advanced groups in order to make them ready to assume the role of Global Response Task Force in July 2024.”
The trench system itself was built only weeks prior and designed to present a real challenge for soldiers in the field. It is highly detailed, and it served as an excellent training environment during Ex APOLLO FOUNDATION, enabling the training staff to ensure soldiers were confident in their training.
This confidence was reinforced using a variety of weapons systems simultaneously while moving to take over a trench system occupied by enemy combatants during both the day and night. The ranges included the use of numerous small arms as well as grenades, mortars, bangalores and other equipment that validated the unit to a level 5.
This validation is a stepping stone to ensure the unit is ready for even more advanced training in the winter, and ensures 3 PPCLI will be ready when they become the first Global Response Task Force in July 2024.
“Soldiers are happy when they are well equipped and when they have quality training,” said Col Bourque during his closing remarks.
“Ex APOLLO FOUNDATION gives them that.”
Caption
Members of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry conduct a live trench warfare range during Exercise APOLLO FOUNDATION at the 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton Detachment Wainwright training area on Oct. 2.
Photo by Cpl Trevor Pomarenski
Caption
Members of 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry conduct a live fire trench warfare range during Exercise APOLLO FOUNDATION at the 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Edmonton Detachment Wainwright training area on Oct. 2.
Photo by Cpl Daniel Chiasson