Canadian Army contribution to NATO assurance measures are completed for 2014

News Release

December 19, 2014 - Ottawa

Canadian Army soldiers in Poland as part of Canada’s contribution to NATO assurance measures in Central and Eastern Europe have completed activities for 2014 and returned to Canada last week.

The Land Task Force (LTF) deployed to the Republic of Poland following the Government of Canada’s announcement on April 17, 2014, in response to Russia’s military aggression towards Ukraine. The Canadian Armed Forces is currently in the planning phases for potential future training opportunities.

Quick Facts

The LTF was in Poland as part of Operation REASSURANCE, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) support to NATO assurance measures through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations and assigned NATO tasks. The CAF’s response in support of NATO’s request promotes security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe, and demonstrates Canada's steadfast commitment to our allies in the region.
The latest LTF consisted of more than 120 soldiers drawn largely from 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canada Regiment (3 RCR) based in Garrison Petawawa, Ontario. They participated in multilateral and bilateral security cooperation training exercises since September 2014 in Poland, Germany and Lithuania.
This is the third group of soldiers to form the LTF. Previously, other members from 3 RCR and a company from 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry deployed as the LTF. Since the initial deployment in June 2014, approximately 360 CAF members have participated in exercises in Poland, Germany, Lithuania and Latvia.
In addition to the LTF, the CAF also have a Maritime Task Force (MTF) and an Air Task Force (ATF) in Europe. As part of the MTF, Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Toronto is tasked with locating, tracking, reporting and boarding vessels that are suspected of involvement in or support of terrorist activities in the Mediterranean Sea. The ATF, comprised of 135 personnel and four CF-188 Hornet fighter jets, is participating in the NATO Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission based in Siauliai, Lithuania.

Quotes

“The leadership role undertaken by Canada’s Armed Forces at training exercises during Operation REASSURANCE exhibits our ongoing commitment to strengthening our international military partnerships and interoperability. Our men and women in uniform have demonstrated their professionalism and remain ready to provide safety and security when called upon, both at home and abroad.”
Honourable Rob Nicholson, PC, QC, MP for Niagara Falls and Minister of National Defence

“Participation by the CAF in multinational training exercises offers our soldiers additional opportunities to enhance their warfighting skills and increase interoperability with our international partners. In coordination with its NATO partners, the CAF is continually looking for opportunities to contribute to peace and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.”
Lieutenant-General Jonathan Vance, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command

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Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
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Canadian Army contribution to NATO assurance measures are completed for 2014

News Release

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