VALCARTIER GARRISON, Jan. 18, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - With the end of the combat mission in Afghanistan last July, the soldiers of 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5 CMBG) are preparing a comeback in Chaudière-Appalaches, where they will train from January 31 to February 9, 2012.
Entitled "RAFALE BLANCHE", this winter exercise is the first milestone of returning to a conventional training for troops from Valcartier. Despite what people may believe, the soldiers are no longer used to working in a winter environment. In cold weather, everything is slower, and it is crucial to ensure that the operational and tactical maneuvers are well performed in the field.
On a scale not seen since 2006 for 5 CMBG, this deployment will include more than 3 000 soldiers and 700 military vehicles scattered in 6 regional county municipalities (RCMs). Soldiers will be present in RCM Beauce-Sartigan, La Nouvelle-Beauce, Les Appalaches, Les Etchemins, Lotbinière and Robert-Cliche.
EXERCISE RAFALE BLANCHE presents a level of complexity not seen in the last 15 years for 5 CMBG. The general idea is to perform combat maneuvers in winter in an unfamiliar place, where it will be possible to interact with people and use the equipment and military vehicles.
In vehicles of all kinds and snowmobiles, snowshoes and skis, soldiers will then ensure to well perform tactical and operational maneuvers. They will accomplish, for example, reconnaissance patrols in armored vehicles and on foot, the setting up of traffic checkpoints and the establishment of helicopter landing sites.
During training, Air Force will also provide helicopter transport of personnel and equipment, and parachute jumping. Therefore, citizens could sometimes see Griffon helicopters, as well as a Hercules aircraft and Alpha Jets flying over their locality.
On February 4 and 5, soldiers will take a break and greet the community of visited RCMs to discuss, answer questions and expose the equipment used. Military personnel also want to thank in advance people for their hospitality.
Reporters, press photographers and radio presenters who want to brave the cold and jump into the adventure will be able to accompany the soldiers in action. Whether for an hour, a day or a week, media representatives are invited to see firsthand the military know-how. Contact Captain Dennis Noël at the number listed below no later than January 26, 2012.
For more details on RAFALE BLANCHE, visit: http://www.armee.gc.ca/5gbmc/qg-hq/exercices-eng.aspx.
Captain Dennis Noël, 5 CMBG Public Affairs Officer
Phone: 418 844-5000, ext 4688 or Pager: 418 260-3082
www.army.gc.ca/5gbmc ● www.facebook.com/5gbmc ● www.flickr.com/valcartier
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