NR - 10.001 - January 13, 2010
OTTAWA – A Canadian soldier sustained a non life-threatening gunshot wound during a live-fire training exercise at the National Training Centre (NTC) at Fort Irwin, California, yesterday at approximately 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
The soldier received immediate medical attention on the scene and was evacuated by air to hospital facilities at Fort Irwin. The soldier has subsequently been transferred to a local medical facility for further treatment and is accompanied by a Canadian Doctor.
The soldier personally notified his next of kin and his identity will not be released.
The incident is under investigation by both Canadian and U.S. Military authorities and no further details will be released at this time. The Canadians Forces takes weapons safety very seriously and works to ensure all members of the CF receive safe and effective training.
This incident occurred during Exercise Maple Guardian, the final two-month preparatory training event for the soldiers of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group who will deploy to Afghanistan later this spring. Exercise Maple Guardian is being held at Fort Irwin's state-of-the-art training facilities in the Mojave Desert.
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For more information: Captain Ron Kronstein, Land Forces Central Area Public Affairs Officer
Tel: (760) 380-8807, Cell: (760) 628-5037
E-mail: Ron.kronstein.@forces.gc.ca
