Once again Reserve Engineers concentrated for intensive training during the Christmas – New Year break. This exercise has been conducted for some 30 years at Chilliwack, Wainwright, and Gagetown and formerly has been known as exercise Quarrel Jump.
This year the exercise was attended by 186 soldiers from the CERs:
- 31 CER (St Thomas) - 10
- 32 CER (Toronto) - 10
- 33 CER (Ottawa) - 12
- 34 CER (Montreal) - 19
- 35 CER (Quebec) - 15
- 36 CER (Halifax) - 6
- 37 CER (St. John's) -14
- 38 CER (Winnipeg) - 9
- 39 CER (Chilliwack) - 6o
- 41 CER (Edmonton) - 31
The exercise was also supported by 61 soldiers from other units:
- Engr Eqpt Tp (Wainwright) - 4 + 1 civilian
- CFSME - 3
- 39 Sig Regt - 13
- 39 Svc Bn - 16
- 39 CBG HQ - 1
- 11/12 Fd Amb – 8
- Royal Canadian Navy – 6 RHIB safety boats)
- Other - 6
The training was conducted at four locations in the Chilliwack area and consisted of:
- Two configurations of the Acrow Bridge
- Two configurations of the Medium Girder Bridge
- Medium Raft
- Assault Boats
Also included was the basics of rigging and erection of a Sling Bridge. In addition, with the help of 39 Sigs Regt, communications procedures were practiced.
Visitors to the training on 29 December included the Deputy Commander of 3 Cdn Div, the acting Comd and the RSM of 41 CBG, the Comdt of CFSME, a former Col Comd and Hon Cols of 39 CER and the Royal Westminster Regt.
The 2019 exercise was smaller than in some previous years but was deliberately limited to 250 participants. In future years it is hoped to once again conduct serials for advanced training and the Deputy Division Commander seemed supportive of continuing future Paladin Response exercises.
See Videos:
Floating Bridges: https://www.facebook.com/39CBG/videos/630067991096973/
Ponts flottant https://www.facebook.com/39CBG/videos/464485270883386/
Related News Article:
Chilliwack Progress Canadian Army reservists build bridges over the holidays in Chilliwack
