Reflections on Operation UNIFIER ROTO 16

February 1, 2024 – Defence Stories

By Major Christopher Daniel, Senior Public Affairs Officer, Joint Task Force-Ukraine

“I’m so grateful to have been chosen to serve in this mission because I’m confident that the training we’re providing the Ukrainian soldiers will have an impact on the battlefield in Ukraine as they defend their country’s sovereignty and freedoms,” said Master Corporal (MCpl) Keith Mayer. An infantry soldier from The 48th Highlanders of Canada in Toronto, Mayer was deployed on Operation UNIFIER Rotation 16 as part of Joint Task Force – Ukraine’s United Kingdom Training Element (UKTE).

MCpl Mayer said that the progression of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) trainees from the beginning to the end of the course was outstanding. “I am confident that what they are learning will increase their survivability and lethality,” he said.

The main role of the infantry is to engage in ground combat, seize and hold ground and to close with and destroy the enemy. Key components of the infantry are marksmanship and weapons drills, conducting fighting and reconnaissance patrols and living in, as well as fighting from defensive positions. What MCpl Mayer likes the most in the infantry is that there is always something new to learn. Tactics and procedures are constantly evolving and there is always a new skill or drill to pick up on.

“I had always wanted to be in the military since I was young,” shared MCpl Mayer. “Many members of my family have served in the military and it always seemed like an exciting and rewarding career. I chose the infantry because I wanted the most challenging job that the Army had to offer. I also enjoy being outdoors, being physically active and working with my hands.”

Operation UNIFIER was MCpl Mayer’s first international deployment. He was deployed domestically a couple years ago on Operation LASER to assist with COVID-19 relief in a long-term care home.

“My role early on in the mission was to assist as a liaison between the Canadian and Lithuanian training elements. More recently though, I have been responsible for the training of a section of the AFU,” he said. “My experience working with the AFU has been very positive, they are hardworking and eager to learn. Some of the more experienced AFU members are also open to sharing their experiences from the frontlines which adds an even higher level of training value. It is also quite apparent that the AFU members we are teaching are extremely grateful for the knowledge and skills we are providing them.”

MCpl Mayer’s advice for those aspiring to join the CAF is to show up with a positive attitude, put in a hundred per cent effort and be a team player.

“The infantry may not be for everyone but if you’re fit and mentally resilient then it may be the career for you. It will test your limits and push you farther than you thought possible,” he said.