Canada hosts international Explosive Ordnance Disposal exercise

News Release

May 22, 2015 - Ottawa, Department of National Defence

Approximately 220 personnel from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), 10 partner nations and civilian law enforcement agencies will conduct Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER 2015 at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt and throughout the Greater Victoria, BC, region from May 25, to June 5.

Held annually, Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER improves participants’ readiness to counter explosive threats, including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The training simulates a complex contemporary operating environment and enhances linkages with allies and civilian law enforcement partners as they practise response protocols.

Quick Facts

As the organization responsible for assessing explosive threats on behalf of the CAF, the Joint Counter Explosive Threat Task Force, based in Ottawa, is responsible for planning and conducting Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER 2015.
In addition to Canada, participating nations include Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States and the United Kingdom. Colombia, Mexico, New Zealand and Poland may send observers.
Civilian agencies and first responder participants include Emergency Management BC, provincial and local community leaders, BC Transit, BC Ferries, the Victoria International Airport, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and local police agencies.
Participants will emphasize safety and environmental protection throughout the exercise. All exercise devices will be inert and environmental remediation will occur at all sites if necessary.
Nearly all scenarios will occur during daytime business hours. Some may involve unusual sightings of troops and vehicles in urban areas and brief, minor noises due to simulated activities. These activities will be communicated in advance to local media and posted on the Maritime Forces Pacific website and Facebook page as Public Service Announcements. Exercise “sandwich boards” will also be placed visibly near the sites. Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER 2015 is the third annual international Explosive Ordnance Disposal exercise held in Canada, involving partner nations and civilian law enforcement agencies.

Quotes

“It’s a core government responsibility to make sure that the Canadian Armed Forces are effectively trained and well equipped to provide safety and security, both at home and abroad. When our military exercises with the forces of our friends and allies, along with civilian agencies in Canada, it strengthens relationships, interoperability, and effectiveness.”
The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence

“Experience shows that Improvised Explosive Devices represent a serious and ever-evolving threat to our personnel and our allies in theatres of operations. I am proud of the forum that Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER provides for sharing best practices and lessons learned with our international guests, and our domestic civilian partners.”
Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander Canadian Army

“Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER represents an important opportunity for the Canadian Armed Forces to train alongside allies and partners to advance our understanding of Improvised Explosive Devices and improve our ability to counter them if required. I am immensely proud of all of the participants and thankful to provincial and local leaders in British Columbia for supporting this important training event.”
Rear-Admiral Bill Truelove, Commander Joint Task Force Pacific

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Contact

Major Dan Thomas
Canadian Army Public Affairs Officer
Phone: 780-616-1929
daniel.thomas@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
Lauren Armstrong
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
lauren.armstrong2@forces.gc.ca

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Canada hosts international Explosive Ordnance Disposal exercise

News Release

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