COS(IM) command team visits the highs and lows of 77 Line Regiment

December 9, 2021 - Defence Stories

Caption

77 Line Regiment provide Line Technician experience to Major-General Jayne and CWO Turcotte and present command coins.

Written by Sgt Jamie Hardy

On 20 Oct 2021, 77 Line Regiment received a visit from MGen A.R. Jayne and CWO J.P. Turcotte for them to see first-hand the type of work that is accomplished by the Line Technicians of 77 Line Regiment every day.  They were provided the opportunity to participate in two main tasks which are accomplished on a daily basis by the troops.

Sgt Jamie Hardy (Kingston Area Line Construction Foreman) guided CWO Turcotte down to the bottom of the confines of the dirtiest and busiest maintenance hole within Garrison Kingston. There, CWO Turcotte experienced firsthand the dank conditions and saw the difficulty of working with various cable sizes and types that crowd its confined space. Sgt Hardy further explained the type of work, priorities, and complexities of working in confined spaces while he and the Chief remained in the hole. After answering some of the chief’s questions on the remaining future capabilities of the cables, and the overall conditions of the working environment, both members returned to the surface. Once aloft CWO Turcotte commented “I really do appreciate the hard work and dedication of the members who do this type of work daily”.

The second training stage saw the visit move out to the Range Training Area, pole line route. After some explanations on pole inspection methods by Sgt Hardy, one of his detachment members, Cpl Palmer, geared up along with MGen Jayne. With the rest of the visiting group looking on from a safe distance, Cpl Palmer explained and demonstrated the pole climbing techniques, performing every movement safely and guiding MGen Jayne up to twenty five feet. After a five minute pause for both climbers to find a level of comfort with their safety gear, Sgt Hardy gave the “Gaff Out” command, and Cpl Palmer reacted without hesitation. He gaffed out, left suspended from the pole by his safety harness five feet lower than before the order. He quickly and skillfully re-established his safe working position, ending the demonstration. With that complete, the “Gaff Out” was given a second time for the MGen to attempt the move. Somewhat uncertain but trusting the equipment; MGen Jayne executed the move, completing his drills safely and returning to the working position. After confirming they were both good with an enthusiastic thumbs up, both members climbed down to rejoin the group.

The COS(IM) command team concluded their visit by conducting a town hall with all members of 77 Line Regiment, both in person and virtually from across the country. Some very pointed questions were asked and answered, and command coins were presented in recognition of the accomplishments of members both on duty and off.