DT News: exercise ARCTIC EDGE and March 8th marked International Women's Day
Video / March 11, 2020
Transcript
(Alexandra) The U.S-led exercise ARCTIC EDGE wrapped up in Alaska this month.
(Jeff) We spoke to Canadian Armed Forces members taking part in the tactical training and extreme cold-weather exercise.
(BGen Clancy) It’s an exercise that is, at its central core, here to showcase and demonstrate the ability of the Canadian-U.S military. I say Canadian, but it’s primarily a U.S military exercise for operations in the Arctic. And it’s an opportunity for the services: Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army to be able to get out on the ground and test themselves in the most challenging and harsh environments, or one of the most challenging and harsh environments in the world. Providing that opportunity for people to learn in a training environment, where we can control the risk. And then we can advance either our equipment or the training on the personnel. This is exactly why ARCTIC EDGE is essential.
(J) March 8th marked International Women’s Day. Events and activities took place across the Defence Team to honour and recognize the contributions made by women past and present, under the theme ‘Make An Impact’.
(A) Commodore Rebecca Patterson, the Defence Champion for Women, hosted a national panel discussion to shine a spotlight on the contributions made by women across Defence.
(Commodore Patterson) This year’s theme ‘Make an Impact’ is about celebrating the remarkable and ground-breaking achievements of women in the Defence Team. Women have made so many important contributions at all levels of our organization, in Canada, and around the world.
(Jody Thomas) It’s an important day to recognize accomplishments and to show young women, in particular, what is possible for them in this country, in this organization. It’s a good opportunity to reflect on where we are as a society that seeks to include and respect women as equal.
(General Vance) Women at every level and in every service are advancing the operational objectives of the (Canadian) Armed Forces and, therefore, the defence and security of this country. Across the country and around the world, they’re driving ships, operating and maintaining weapons systems, managing complex supply chains, fixing aircraft, providing healthcare, leading teams, and on, and on, and on.