French and Polish soldiers join Canadians for winter combat training

News Release

January 20, 2015

OTTAWA – Approximately 2,800 soldiers from the Canadian Army, most of them from 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5 CMBG), will take part in winter combat operations training at 2nd Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier and in Quebec City and surrounding region from January 19 to 27, 2015.

This annual Exercise will include participation of a platoon from the 4e Régiment de Chasseurs from France and 20 members of the Polish Army’s 6th Airborne Brigade.

This training is an important component in the operational preparation of Valcartier military personnel.

Quick Facts

5 CMBG’s eight units will take part in Exercise RAFALE BLANCHE 2015, as will its affiliated units 5 Military Police Regiment, 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron and 5 Field Ambulance.
Additional participating units include 436 Transport Squadron (Trenton) with one CC-130J Hercules aircraft, 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron (Petawawa) with two CH-147F Chinook helicopters, and 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron (Bagotville) with two CF-18s.
During Exercise RAFALE BLANCHE, the soldiers will review various winter operations concepts such as practicing winter survival skills, conducting offensive and defensive operations, and patrolling rural and urban areas.
The Exercise will be carried out in the regional county municipalities of La Jacques-Cartier and Portneuf, as well as in 2nd Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier’s training areas.
Starting in July 2015, 5 CMBG has been identified to constitute two high readiness task forces (TFs), namely TF 1-15 and TF 2-15, ready to intervene in any type of emergency, at home or abroad, in accordance with the needs of the Government of Canada.

Quotes

“Canada remains firmly committed to ensuring the Canadian Armed Forces are effectively trained and well equipped to provide safety and security when called upon, both at home and abroad. The presence of French and Polish forces strengthens the relationship and interoperability between our nations and allows all participating troops to hone their skills in realistic and challenging conditions. ”
The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of National Defence

“Exercise RAFALE BLANCHE gives our soldiers from the 2nd Canadian Division rigorous preparation for winter combat demands, while also allowing us to collaborate and build relationships with our French and Polish allies. I am proud that our soldiers are ready to answer the call of duty in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world.”
Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander Canadian Army

“Members of 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group will be training to maintain and enhance their military capabilities in winter conditions and complex terrain. Allowing Valcartier soldiers to train in civilian sectors considerably enhances the value of their training and helps maintain a multi-purpose, capable force. That is why I greatly appreciate the cooperation of the people and municipal authorities of La Jacques-Cartier and Portneuf.”
Colonel Dany Fortin, Commander 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group

Contacts

Captain Mathieu Dufour
Public Affairs Officer
5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
Phone: 418 844-5000, ext 4688
affairespubliques.valcartier@forces.gc.ca

Media Relations

Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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French and Polish soldiers join Canadians for winter combat training

News Release

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