I ~a. ~u0~ THE CANADIAN GUNNER L ARTILLEUR CANADIEN

Transcription

1 I ~a. ~u0~ THE CANADIAN GUNNER L ARTILLEUR CANADIEN

2 Volume 39 THE CANADIAN GUNNER L ARTILLEUR CANADIEN February 2005 Février 2005 Captain-General, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Colonel Commandant, The Royal Regiment Of Canadian Artillery Major General J.A. MacInnis, CMM, MSC, CD Senior Serving Gunner Major General J. Arp, CD Director of Artillery Colonel R.D. Gunn, CD Commander Home Station Lieutenant-Colonel T.A. Doucette, CD Editor Major M. George, CD Advertising Editor/Circulation Captain T.K. Michelsen, CD Production The Shilo Stag Printers Leech Printing Ltd. Capitaine-général, le Régiment royal de l Artillerie canadienne Sa Majesté Reine Elizabeth II Colonel commandant, le Régiment royal de l Artillerie canadienne Major Général J.A. MacInnis, CMM, MSC, CD Artilleur en service principal Major Général J. Arp, CD Directeur de l Artillerie Colonel R.D. Gunn, CD Commandant de la garnison Régimentaire Lieutenant-colonel T.A.Doucette, CD Rédacteur Major M. George, CD Rédacteur publicitaire/distribution Capitaine T.K. Michelsen, CD Production The Shilo Stag Imprimeurs Leech Printing Ltd. The Canadian Gunner is published annually and is financed by the RCA Regimental Fund and subscriptions. The views expressed by the authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect official policy. All copy and photos submitted become the property of The Canadian Gunner unless accompanied by a statement that they are on loan and are required to be returned. Scholars may feel free to quote from articles in The Canadian Gunner in whole or in part, provided that normal source acknowledgement is made. The editors, in this respect would appreciate a copy of all works using The Canadian Gunner as source material. L Artilleur canadien est une publication annuelle fiancée par le Fonds régimentaire de l ARC et a bonn ement. Les auteurs expriment leur propre opinion et il ne s agit pas nécessairement de la politque offcielle. Tous les textes et les photos soumis deviennent propriétés de l Artilleur canadien, à moins qu ils ne soient accompagnés d un avis indiquant qu ils ne sont que prêtés et qu ils doivent être retournés. Les étudiants peuvent citer en tout ou en partie des articles de l Artilleur canadien, à condition d en citer la source. Dans ce même domaine, les rédacteurs aimeraient recevoir un exemplaire de tout travail citant l Artilleur canadien comme ouvrage de référence. 1 Canadian Gunner

3 Table of Contents Mot du Colonel Commandant/ Message from the Colonel Commandant... 4 Mot du Directeur de L Artillerie/ Message from the Director of Artillery st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery é Régiment d artillerie légère du Canada th Air Defence Regiment, RCA Field Artillery School, RCA/ École d artillerie de campagne, ARC Royal Canadian Artillery Band st (Halifax-Dartmouth) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA nd Field Artillery Regiment, RCA... Article not submitted/aucun article soumis 3 rd Field Artillery Regiment, RCA... Article not submitted/aucun article soumis 5 th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA... Article not submitted/aucun article soumis 6 e Régiment d artillerie de campagne, ARC... Article not submitted/aucun article soumis 7 th Toronto Regiment, RCA th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA... Article not submitted/aucun article soumis 11 th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA... Article not submitted/aucun article soumis 20 th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA... Article not submitted/aucun article soumis 30 th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA... Article not submitted/aucun article soumis 49 th (Sault Ste Marie) Field Artillery Regiment, RCA th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA e Régiment d artillerie de campagne, ARC... Article not submitted/aucun article soumis 84 th Independant Field Battery, RCA th Independant Field Battery, RCA... Article not submitted/aucun article soumis 2 L Artilleur Canadien

4 1 st Air Defence Regiment (Lanmark & Renfrew Scottish), RCA th Air Defence Regiment, RCA e Batterie d artillerie antiaérienne, ARC...33 RHQ RCA/QGR ARC...34 RCA Heritage Campaign/ La Campagne d heritage de l ARC...35 Concours de Photo D ARC/ RCA Photo Contest Rules...36 Règlements du Compétition pour L essai en Mémoire du Colonel Geoffrey Brooks/ Brooks Essay Rules and Submission Deadlines...37 Regimental Fund Financial Statement 03-04/ État de Compte de Fond Régimentaire Regimental Fund Financial Statement 04-05/ État de Compte de Fond Régimentaire The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Listing by Rank (Regular)/ Liste par Grade Le Régiment royal de l Artillerie canadienne...40 Proud Supporters of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery/ Les supporters fier de Le Régiment royal de l Artillerie canadienne...56 Canadian Gunner 3

5 Message from the Colonel Commandant Fellow Gunners, The Royal Regiment has again proven its versatility and professionalism in the face of challenges and change. From fielding guns and locating assets in Afghanistan to battling forest fires in BC, the Gunners were always there living up to our motto UBIQUE. Enjoy this record detailing the accomplishments of the past two years by the men and women of our Regiment. You all continue to leave a proud record. To all Gunners regular, reserve, serving or retired as always, I wish you continued Good Shooting. Mot du Colonel Commandant Camarades artilleurs, Le Régiment royal a encore démontré sa polyvalence et son professionnalisme face aux défis à relever et au changement. De l établissement de postes d artillerie et de ressources en Afghanistan à la lutte contre les feux de forêt en Colombie-Britannique, les artilleurs ont toujours su faire honneur à leur devise : UBIQUE. Vous trouverez certes plaisir à lire ce recueil des accomplissements des hommes et des femmes de notre régiment au cours des deux dernières années. Et vous continuez tous à enrichir notre glorieuse histoire. À tous les artilleurs en service actif ou retraités de la Force régulière et de la Réserve, je vous souhaite, comme toujours, de «continuer à bien viser». 4 L Artilleur Canadien

6 Message from the Director of Artillery The last two years have been challenging for The Royal Regiment. As Director I have been privileged to work with many of you in moving the Artillery forward. It has been exciting to see the changes taking place. The retirement of some of our weapon systems will pave the way for new roles for many of us. The past two years have seen the deployment of the Arthur Counter Mortar Radar and UAV in Afghanistan, the trialing of the 105mm C3 on a wheeled chassis and the firing of the CRV7 rockets from the ADATS. These changes will result in a much more flexible and lethal Artillery for the Army of the future. I look forward to further service as the Director of Artillery as we move ahead. Our success continues to be based upon the professionalism and dedication of all serving Gunners. Your continuing efforts are keeping The Regiment vibrant and relevant. I know you will continue to succeed as we move forward. I hope you will now pause and look back with pride on what you have done in the last two years as chronicled in these pages. Mot du Directeur de L Artillerie Les deux dernières années du Régiment royal ont été remplies de défis. En qualité de directeur, j ai eu le privilège de collaborer avec plusieurs d entre vous dans ce contexte de revitalisation. Nous avons assisté à l évolution des travaux avec grand intérêt. La mise au rancart de certains de nos systèmes d armes ouvrira la voie à de nouveaux mandats pour bon nombre d entre nous. Au cours des deux dernières années, nous avons déployé le radar anti-mortiers Arthur et le véhicule aérien sans pilote en Afghanistan, mis à l essai le C3 105 mm sur un châssis à roues et exécuté des tirs de roquettes CRV7 à partir du système d arme antiaérien et antichar. Grâce à ces changements, l Armée de terre bénéficiera à l avenir d une artillerie beaucoup plus souple et encore plus redoutable. Je me réjouis à la perspective de poursuivre mon mandat de directeur de l Artillerie à mesure que nous avançons. Notre succès repose toujours sur le professionnalisme et le dévouement de tous nos artilleurs. Vos efforts permanents sont le fondement de la vitalité et de la pertinence du Régiment. Je sais que vous continuerez de déployer des efforts en ce sens. J espère que vous ferez maintenant une pause pour repenser avec fierté aux réalisations accomplies au cours des deux dernières années, lesquelles sont relatées dans le présent ouvrage. Canadian Gunner 5

7 1 st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery Live every day like it s your last One day you ll be right. The Regiment was officially in the Reconstitution Cycle of the Army Operations and Training Framework (ATOF) at the start of In March of 2003, several Officers and Senior NCOs traveled to Normandy France for a Battlefield Tour on Exercise MINERVA GUNNER. Activities included: visiting the landings of several famous Allied battles (such as Dieppe and D-Day); walking among Canadian Cemeteries. In June of 2003, 1 RCHA saw a change in three different areas. Major Johnstone relinquished command of A Battery to Major Reiffenstein. Major Ouellette handed command of Headquarters and Services Battery to Major Molaski. LCol Chamberlain passed command of 1 RCHA to LCol Miezitis. He also gave his heartfelt appreciation to his right-hand man and fellow outgoing Senior Officer, the 2IC of the Regiment, Major Kevin Doyle, who was replaced by Major Peter Brown, fresh in from Kingston. It will standout in many soldiers minds the reassuring words that the outgoing CO said with respect to the new changes coming to the Artillery in terms of new guns and training models and new technologies. There will always be the need for firepower, it will just be a question of how we deliver it. Therefore, there will always be a need for the Artillery. LCol Miezitis also made a good first impression by stating he will maintain the aim of Mission first. Soldiers Always. He also alluded to the challenges that were facing the Regiment during the Reconstitution Cycle, wherein Batteries would take on several independent roles. He maintained that he would keep a Regimental focus as opposed to four batteries. One Regiment many missions. OPERATIONS Operationally, 1 RCHA provided primarily individual augmentation to most operations including Operation PALLADIUM Roto 11, 12 and 13, Op ATHENA and Op DANACA. Formed groups were provided for two rotations of AVCON at Rogers Pass, B.C., and the Defence and Security Platoon for Camp Mirage in support of Op APOLLO and Op ATHENA. As a Regiment, the greatest commitment was to Operation PEREGRINE, which was LFWA s support to fighting the forest fires in BC. OPERATION PALLADIUM Between Op PALLADIUM Rotos 11, 12 and 13, the Regiment deployed 35 personnel. It says a lot about the esteem other nations and units have for 1 RCHA when we are asked to fill such vital roles as Psychological Operations, Cantonment Site Inspectors and Observer Parties overseas. Sergeant Oftedal who was deployed as a Forward Air Controller in assistance to the American, Italian, Spanish and French Forces compared and contrasted the experience of calling in Fast Air for our Allies. 6 L Artilleur Canadien

8 OPERATION AVALANCHE CONTROL As usual the Regiment provided support to the Trans Canada Highway in the area of Roger s Pass for Avalanche Control (AVCON). There is a great deal of maintenance and waiting on the unpredictable weather that can cause this to be a demanding duty. OPERATION PEREGRINE Although Operation PEREGRINE was an Area Operation, make no mistake about it, when it came right down to it 1 RCHA was there all the way, from start to finish. From the initial commitment of B Battery to the commitment of A Battery and RHQ Bty throughout the extensive Area of Operations from August to mid-september 2003, 1 RCHA was there for it all. RHQ deployed to join B Battery at the Barriere Fire Camp and soon commanded companies from 3 PPCLI, LdSH (RC) and a Reserve Company in whole totaling 403 personnel. A Battery deployed under command of LdSH (RC) HQ and was the last to return to Shilo. It was not uncommon to see our soldiers working well into the evening when civilian firefighters were going home. 1 RCHA had committed 376 soldiers to fire fighting. OPERATION APOLLO A Bty deployed a Defence and Security Platoon to the Middle East during the summer months, in support of Op APOLLO. Under Captain Nelson, the Platoon provided local defence to an Air Base in the heart of a certain Middle Eastern city. Says Section Member/2IC Bdr Engram of the experience, It was hot! We conducted a gate guard with routine ID checks, patrols in town, and escorts to administrative vehicles. We also got a chance to do practice shoots with the new NVGs and lasers. EXERCISES 2003 started with Exercise STRONG CONTENDER in January. This Brigade sports competition in Edmonton had several ups and downs for the Regiment, however, heart and dedication were apparent throughout. 1 RCHA finished third overall. Highlights from the event included 1 RCHA taking first in Broomball and second in ball hockey. In February, the Regiment divided into Batteries and deployed to different locations of Manitoba to conduct Basic Winter Survival training for Exercise COLD SURVIVOR. Temperatures often went as low as 50. Ice fishing, snaring and construction of basic shelters were covered. March also saw the Regiment deploying for its staple Spring Exercise, PRAIRIE GUNNER. Throughout the summer, individual Batteries, in addition to manning taskings for WATC Shilo and Wainwright, refreshed their basic soldiering skills. C Battery conducted patrols in early June. B Battery really drove the body when it conducted pair/section live fire training during Canadian Gunner 7 Exercise BEE AWARE, Patrols during Exercise SILENT WARRIOR, and Fieldcraft and Watermanship Training during Exercise PATHFINDER. Even HQ Battery got in the action during Exercise RUGGED RAIDER when it did training up on Fieldcraft. Due to the commitment to the fires, 1 RCHA could not commit an entire team for Exercise MOUNTAIN MAN. However, the five persons who did go did the Regiment proud, with Bdr Rodgerson winning the Ainsworth Dyer Trophy for most improved ended with 1 RCHA s standard Hockey tournaments The Kingston and Hugsweir cup which A and HQ Batteries won respectively. In an act of gracious generosity, the Officers of 1 RCHA allowed the Senior NCOs to beat them mercilessly for 3 periods. 1 RCHA 2004 A year of change You will be ordered to go one direction one week but then the complete opposite the next. -- LCol Miezitis Regimental Parade 2004 The CO s words aptly described the change that was coming to the home station for With the move of 2 PPCLI, the upcoming decommissioning of the beloved M109s, and the taskings that were or were not coming from brigade, 1 RCHA demonstrated the ability to adapt and overcome. As 1 RCHA moved from the Reconstitution Cycle to the Training Cycle, many in Regiment were uncertain as to what would be needed from 1 RCHA but the Batteries reinvented themselves, as necessary, to meet whatever requirement was needed. One week as a 105mm battery, the next a 155mm, or 81mm Mortars, it didn t matter Gunners stepped up and did what was necessary to support the Supported Arms. If this does not sound out of the norm, this was just within one battery! Along with a possible UAV tasking, many gunners were wondering what the Regiment would look like or be doing in the coming years. In May, C Battery s Major Liam McGarry took the reins from Major Craig Dalton and, in June, B Battery saw Major Smokin Joe Pospolita hand over to Major Craig Landry. There were of course the standard promotions but seeing MWO Andreola taking his commission to become a Captain and WO Mattson being promoted to MWO were pleasant surprises. OPERATIONS 2004 was a relatively slow year for operations, the Regiment made many contributions to support the Brigade. Operation Athena had eleven 1 RCHA personnel, including a FOO/FAC, Captain Lefler in support. It also included two personnel who were sent to Turkey as intermediate staging support. Along with Op Athena, the Regiment also augmented Op Bronze and deployed both A and C Battery to Avalanche Control.

9 EXERCISES The year kicked off with Ex STRONG CONTENDER to which 1 RCHA sent a team for every sporting event. Only one team was able to achieve glory. With a strong first place finish, the Floor Hockey team defeated all challengers and brought home victory. The Broomball team placed second. Every battery also conducted a weeklong winter survival training exercise in February. A Battery deployed to Grass River Provincial Park,. B Battery deployed to Kenora, Ontario, C Battery deployed to Duck Mountain, Turtle Mountain, and Westman, SK and HQ & Svcs Battery also deployed to Turtle Mountain. The Regiment moved into the traditional spring exercises in April with Exercises PRAIRIE GUNNER I and II. This was an excellent opportunity for the batteries to practice both their infantry skills as well as gunnery. It was definitely a sight to see - a LAV parked at the North gate, using the stonewall sign of the Home Station as hull down cover, guarding the entrance into Shilo with it s 25mm cannon. Following Ex PRAIRIE GUNNER, the Regiment was called upon to support to Battery Commander s Fire Planning Course. The month of May saw the batteries move out to the training area, to fire some of the most technically challenging fire plans in a long time, in support of the BC s fire plans. Regimental school kicked up in full swing with courses like the AVGP/Bison Course, Basic Tech Course, and others. Not much later Exercises WALKING RAM and MOUNTAIN MAN took place and they coincidentally fell during the same time frame which allowed the 1 RCHA to have an unusually large amount of support for our MOUN- TAIN MAN Shilo team. Ex PRAIRIE RAM, the Brigade exercise, was picking up momentum. The exercise, planned for October, was a month long exercise taking place in Camp Wainwright with A and B Battery deploying to provide support for the Combat Teams. While the firing was slow initially, it picked up and some impressive methods were fired. When 20 Round Fire for effects were being ordered, it literally obliterated some of the targets and reminded the Combat team how devastating the Artillery could be one of the major aims from an artillery point of view. Along with ATI and Staff Assistance Visit, the home station prepared itself to host the Junior Officer s Course. It must have been either a really excellent event because somehow the 2 RCHA contingent left behind the Korea Gun when they left to return to CFB Petawawa. There was the traditional hockey tournament with B Battery winning the Kingston Cup and HQ Battery winning the Hugsweir Cup was a tumultuous year for the 1 RCHA but the Regiment overcame all obstacles with flying colours. When the weapon systems were changing like a pair of dirty socks and when the training was fast and furious, 1 RCHA gunners showed a great deal of fortitude and patience. Humping mortars and dropping bombs, pulling a lanyard on a light gun, or digging in an M109, it didn t matter 1 Horse demonstrated that it is ready for anything and for any job. The future may hold a lot of change for the Artillery but it doesn t matter, 1 RCHA is ready for it. 8 L Artilleur Canadien

10 2 nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery The strength of any unit has always been its soldiers and the 2nd Regiment is certainly no exception to this maxim. The Regiment is blessed with a large number of exceptional soldiers with every kind of personality and background. It is this diversity which is at the root of the Regiment s success. Rather than have you read about it, we would rather you saw our 2004 story in pictures. Merlin Helicopter being directed by MBdr Turner and Bdr Clarke on OP PALLADIUM. G31 conducting resupply during OP ATHENA. Gun Det preparing ammunition for final M109 Shoot. Final M109 Deployment. Radar Troop s Arthur Radar System. Canadian Gunner 9

11 (below) MBdr Philpott s gun det on EX FINAL HURRAH. (above) MBdr Todd instructing on the LG1 OP ATHENA. (below) UAV preparing to launch. (above) Radar deployment on OP ATHENA. 10 L Artilleur Canadien

12 (right) E Bty Tac Groups preparing for IBTS Training. (above) Capt Brassard conducting a FAC mission in FT DRUM, NY. (above) Bdrs Trekofski and Bailey sending a digital fire mission during ALIX 04. (below) F Bty conducting an Airmobile during OP ATHENA. (right) G22 and RAF Regt FACs during ALIX 04. (below) E Bty On the Ranges during IBTS Training. Canadian Gunner 11

13 (top left) Capt Pellerine during FAC Training in California. (above) CWO Moretti inspects an F Bty Gunner prior to the rappel tower. (left) Capt Hampton, MBdr Querques, and Bdr Madore on OP PALLADIUM. (above) M109 pull during CO s Challenge (right) From the hatch of the PzH L Artilleur Canadien

14 5 e Régiment d artillerie légère du Canada Canadian Gunner LE 5e RALC ANNÉES 2003 ET 2004 Rome ne s est pas bâtie en une journée mais bien en plusieurs années cependant il a fallu une seule année pour que nos troupes déployées en Afghanistan montre encore une fois leur professionnalisme et leur expertise en terrain opérationnel. Les membres du 5 RALC ont démontré une fois de plus leurs habiletés en tant qu artilleur et soldat lors de conflits asymétriques qui sont l apanage des guerres modernes. En 2003, nous avons «bâti» la Batterie Athéna qui allait se déployer prochainement et en 2004 nous avons démontré que l effort amène le succès. Même si les années 2003 et 2004 ont été profondément marquées par le déploiement, la rétrospective historique de ces années ne se limite pas seulement au fait d arme de nos troupes en Afghanistan mais à plusieurs éléments qui ont marqué la continuité comme la nouveauté au sein du 5 RALC La préparation Pour bâtir une équipe qui a du potentiel, il a fallu commencer l année 2003 par une école régimentaire. De janvier à mars, le Régiment s affaira à développer les aptitudes et les connaissances de tous en vue du futur déploiement en Afghanistan, Roto1 et de quelques éléments en Bosnie. La confirmation de l école régimentaire, l exercice BOMBARDE BORDÉE, du 20 au 24 janvier, a permis au 5 RALC de faire un exercice impliquant toutes les batteries. Sur le même air d aller, le régiment au complet a participé à l exercice de poste de commande CHEVAL ERRANT III le 28 janvier afin de mettre à jour les procédures et techniques de tir ainsi que les communications d artillerie au niveau régimentaire. L exercice PIED GELÉ, du 10 au 11 février, a permis à tous de parfaire leurs techniques de guerre 13 hivernale et l exercice PIÈCES MOBILES, du 17 au 25 février, en a fait tout autant en permettant à tous de mettre leurs aptitudes à l épreuve lors du tir réel. Durant cette même période, la Batterie R a été sollicitée par la préparation de l OP GAUNTLET. Les artilleurs de la R se sont préparés de fond en comble pour aller à Wainwright dans le but de supporter la FRI(T) et le 3e R22R. Cependant, l exercice fut annulé à la réception de l ordre d avertissement de déploiement pour l Op ATHENA en janvier Les mois d avril à août se sont avérés tout aussi occupés. Le régiment a conduit une autre école régimentaire afin d entraîner et de qualifier son personnel qui irait remplir les tâches opérationnelles. Après des vacances bien méritées, l automne 2003 marque le début de l entraînement pour l Op ATHENA niveau 3/4. Les exercices se sont succédés à un rythme effréné afin d obtenir le niveau de compétence collective requis lors d un déploiement opérationnel. Du 30 septembre au 5 octobre, le Régiment s est déployé dans les secteurs de Valcartier pour supporter le cours de technicien de poste de commande avancé qui avait débuté au courant de l été. Du 6 au 10 octobre, le Régiment a participé à l exercice ATHENA AGUERRI I et du 18 au 22 octobre à l exercice ATHENA AGUERRI II tous deux des exercices validant les compétences de la Batterie R en vue du déploiement. En plus de faire de l artillerie, nos troupes ont été confrontées à des simulations d événements possibles en théâtre opérationnel comme l attaque de belligérants et des interactions diverses avec la population civile. Cet entraînement, créé pour faire face aux défis que représentent les guerres asymétriques, était un élément crucial dans le développement des compétences de nos officiers et soldats se déployant en Afghanistan.

15 Le mois de novembre fut empreint d effort pour la Batterie Athéna qui s est déployée du 3 novembre au 8 décembre. L exercice ATHENA MOBILE qui s est tenu à Valcartier, du 3 au 9 novembre, fut un exercice régimentaire d envergure durant lequel les M109 se sont déployés «régimentairement» pour la dernière fois. La Batterie Athéna en a profité pour peaufiner ses habiletés avant le grand déploiement de Brigade. Bien rôdée, la Batterie Athéna s est déployée du 15 novembre au 8 décembre avec la Brigade. Elle a débuté l exercice pré-déploiement de grande échelle avec LION RÉSOLU à Fort Drum où était recréé l organisation qui se trouvait à Kaboul soit deux camps : Julien et Warehouse. Divisée en deux, la batterie a effectué plusieurs manœuvres de tir à sec ainsi et que des exercices de simulation de guerre en zone urbaine ou encore de déploiement dans un aéroport. Une étape majeure de pré-déploiement qui fut profitable à tous mais qui était davantage un exercice pour l état-major qu un exercice pour l artillerie à proprement parler. Ensuite, la batterie s est déplacée à Sherbrooke pour l exercice LION ROYAL afin de recréer la situation géographique de Kaboul et ainsi y implanter les camps de base Julien et Warehouse dans un contexte d agglomération montagneuse comme ce sera le cas en Afghanistan. Encore une fois, cet exercice n était et plusieurs spécialistes. Le camp Julien, base de l élément de soutien national, regroupait lui aussi deux canons mais également la moitié de la troupe de radar, le CCFA de batterie, les UAV et plusieurs spécialistes, soit environ 150 personnes. Ce fut, aux dires de la grande majorité, un très beau tour. Les anecdotes ne cessent d inonder ceux qui n ont pas eu la chance d y aller. Pourtant, l arrière-garde n a pas chômé pendant l absence de la moitié du Régiment et a vécu elle aussi son lot d aventures. La Batterie Q et des éléments de la Batterie C&S ont ainsi participé à l exercice PIEDS GELÉS du 9 au 11 février et l exercice CHEVAL GELÉ du 24 au 26 mars mettant à jour les qualifications de guerre hivernale. En plus des exercices, ils ont conduit des cours de conversion M109 et de conversion LG1. Au mois de juin, c est avec entrain que l arrière-garde a participé à un exercice d aventure expédition à Sept-Îles où ils ont fait de la plongée sous-marine et du kayak. Les mois de juillet et août ont marqué pour quelques-uns le dur retour à la réalité et au Régiment. L automne calme de post-déploiement que tout le monde imaginait n était en fait que le pâle reflet de ce qui allait se passer. En effet, l automne au Régiment fut plus que mouvementé. En plus de conduire une école régimentaire, le Régiment a supporté des cours, envoyé plusieurs personnes sur des cours à l extérieur, participé à la course Walen de 5 km le 15 octobre, participé au défi du ccmdt le 5 novembre courant 5 km suivi de 25 push-up, des 5 chin-up et 40 redressements assis et surtout s est doté d un horaire d entraînement physique à la hauteur de ses ambitions, c est-à-dire, faire un demi-marathon à la fin juin Les temps de paresse sont derrière l effort et le succès sont devant! pas un exercice d artillerie proprement dit mais bien un entraînement général de pré-déploiement afin que tous soient prêts. L allure de l entraînement était au niveau des attentes et à la fin de ce mois d entraînement, le standard était élevé. Tout le monde était prêt à partir. Parallèlement aux déploiements des canons, du mois d octobre à janvier 2004, la troupe de Radar et de UAV de la Batterie X s affaira à développer son personnel et améliorer ses compétences dans le but également d être fin prête pour le déploiement. La troupe des UAV s est notamment entraînée en France du 8 novembre au 19 décembre. Quant à la troupe de radar, elle s est déployée du 14 au 28 novembre en Norvège Le déploiement Début janvier, le 5 RALC avait bâti la batterie qui agirait en son nom en Afghanistan. Il ne restait plus qu à la déployer. Entre la mi-janvier et la fin février 225 personnes ont quitté Valcartier pour Kaboul, leur destination finale. Le camp Warehouse regroupait 40% de la batterie avec deux canons, la moitié de la troupe de radar ainsi que le CCFA de Brigade Les années 2003 et 2004 furent au 5 RALC une lutte entre le changement et la continuité. Le Régiment a continué à s adapter à la culture d aujourd hui et à la nouvelle façon de faire la guerre. Le 25 septembre 2004, les M-109 ont paradé pour la dernière fois au centre-ville de Québec lors de la parade du Droit de Cité. Les mortiers se sont implantés fermement depuis septembre 2002 au point où deux batteries y sont attachées. Les UAV, quant à eux, font maintenant partie intégrante de notre formation après les avoir utilisés et ramenés d Afghanistan. Et comme toujours, de nouveaux artilleurs courageux et fiers arrivent, fin prêts pour relever les défis du 5 RALC. À l aube de 2005, le 5 RALC possède une batterie de LG1, qui est la Batterie X, une batterie de C3 et mortier qui est la Batterie R, une batterie de UAV et mortier qui est la Batterie Q ainsi que la Batterie C&S fidèle à ellemême: fournissant toujours le support nécessaire au bon déroulement des activités du 5 RALC. Même s il y a eu beaucoup de changement au sein de l organisation, le 5 RALC est devenu l unité unie, composée de soldats polyvalents, professionnels et fiers que le nouveau commandant, lcol Eric Tremblay, espérait tant lorsqu il a pris le commandement le 20 juin Si vous n êtes pas encore convaincus, il vous suffit d attendre sur un coin de rue quand tout le Régiment défile à la course le lundi matin vous en avez pour au moins 5 minutes. 14 L Artilleur Canadien

16 4 th Air Defence Regiment The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery 4th Air Defence Artillery Regiment-2003 The year 2003 was a tremendously hectic and constructive year for 4th Air Defence Regiment, RCA. Many changes occurred during this timeframe, as the ADATS became the primary PME employed by the Regt. The soldiers returned from Christmas block leave in full force, beginning with the ADATS gunner course, which ran from 20 Jan to 13 May 03, training 12 new soldiers on the ADATS. This course was a conversion serial as all candidates were previously qualified as either 35mm or Skyguard gunners. Simultaneously, the Regiment supported the AD NCM DP1 (1 Feb to 15 May), and 6 new Warrant Officers (WO) were trained on the Air Defence WO course from 19 March to 23 April. To add to the list of events, 4 Junior Ranks received qualifications on the Air Defence Technician course, conducted from 17 March to 11 April. Several top student awards were presented to Regiment members. Bdr Jacques Pinard was the top student on the PLQ course, Sgt Tony Meadows was top student on the ADATS Det Comd course and Sgt (now WO) Frank Garnier was the top student on the AD WO course. Well done to all! Canadian Gunner 15 EX RESOLUTE WARRIOR A last minute decision was made to add the Air Defence Artillery to Ex RESOLUTE WARRIOR, the first Brigade Training Event since With only one month to prepare and execute the deployment to Wainwright, Alberta, the Regiment hit the ground running after the March break to get the equipment and personnel prepared and transported out west. With the ongoing Ground Base Air Defence restructure plan, the Brigade Training Event was an important exercise for the Regiment. It provided the opportunity for the ADATS to be recognized as a vital Brigade asset in the air defence role, and demonstrated how invaluable it is on the battlefield for its anti-armour and ISTAR capabilities. The Airspace Space Coordination Centre (ASCC) made its mark as an important instrument in allowing the safe conduct of airmobile assaults, UAV missions, a friendly air support, and securing its deployment on Op ATHENA, ROTO 0 and 1. To support the ISAF mission in Afghanistan the Regt contributed five soldiers on Op ATHENA, Sgt Adrian Miroshnikov, Sgt Frank Vidal, Sgt Larry Scott, MBdr Adam Weaver and MCpl Ian Thompson. 7 Platoon recieves Tim Hortons from their friendly neighbourhood during Op SPLINTER. EX PERFECT KILL Ex PERFECT KILL 03, the12th ADATS live fire camp in Suffield, Alberta. From 12 to 28 May, the soldiers conducted work-up training in Gagetown. The first-time firers obtained 11 kills on 14 engagements, including one direct hit, by Bombardier Mike Burnes, on a Vindicator UAV and the destruction of a Lynx at a distance of 6.9 km. The unit s activities in the West did not stop at the conclusion of Ex PERFECT KILL. We also provided an ADATS for display at the Calgary Stampede. This activity was lead by Capt Clarence Nickerson and WO Kevin Radey who, over the three-day period, briefed thousands of visitors on the ADATS.

17 57 RA VISIT In reciprocation to the hospitality received during our small unit exchange at 57 RA in France last October, 4 AD Regt hosted a delegation of 15 soldiers from 57RA, France in our homeland from 6 to 16 June. Concurrent with Ex PERFECT KILL 03, the French soldiers flew into Calgary in time to see the live fire exercise in Suffield. NOVA SCOTIA INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW Land Force Atlantic Area (LFAA) held its Armed Forces Day (AFD) in conjunction with the Nova Scotia International Air Show (NSIAS) from 6-7 September th Air Defence Regiment coordinated the event for LFAA with the participation of the Armour School, Royal Canadian Artillery School, 4 Engineering Support Regiment, 3 Area Support Group, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, 3 Intelligence Company, and 36 Canadian Brigade Group. This event included static displays of military equipment used by the soldiers of LFAA, a dynamic display of the vehicles and tactics used by the army on the battlefield, face painting for those young at heart, and Light Armour Vehicle rides. OP SPLINTER When Hurricane Juan decided to visit the province of Nova Scotia, it left an atrocious path of destruction in its wake. This abrupt force of nature brutalized the city of Halifax and Dartmouth and surrounding areas. Fault lines stood at angles, knocking out electricity for most of the residents, and trees were literally ripped from the ground, covering roads and destroying much property. When the Canadian Forces Immediate Reaction Unit was called upon, ninety-three members from 4th Air Defence Regiment eagerly reported to work as per IRU recall. The buses departed for CFB Shearwater on the afternoon of 30 September. Upon arrival, the members of the unit were briefed on the situation and dispatched out for the streets of Dartmouth, equipped with only chainsaws, machetes, axes, and a high level of morale. All members on the task were focused on there mission which was straightforward; aid the Halifax Regional Municipality by clearing the roadways and sidewalks of debris, so that Nova Scotia Power could gain access to the city s power lines, and begin restoration. 4th Air Defence Regiment, RCA proved to be a year full of transition and adaptation for 4th Air Defence Regiment, RCA. Though an unit of Land Forces Atlantic Area (LFAA) 2004 saw 4 AD Regiment personnel working with 1 CMBG in the initial stages of the Direct Fire Support (DFS) trials, 4 Wing during Ex WOLF SAFARI, deployed overseas with Op ATHENA and HALO, as well as CFS Alert. In the middle of this, command passed from LCol Michel Lavoie, CD to LCol Dana G. Clarke, CD an occasion marked by the Regiment s first Ball since it was re-established in Capt Douglas Grant briefs BGen Ray Romses, the commander of Land Force Atlantic Area (LFAA) during Ex AGILE ARCHER, the first GBAD Level 4 operational evaluation since the initial acceptance trials in the early 90s. CHANGE OF COM- MAND Command of 4th Air Defence Regiment was turned over from LCol Michel Lavoie, CD to LCol Dana G. Clarke, CD on 16 July Members of the Regiment from Gagetown, Moncton and Cold Lake came together in order to partake in the ceremony. The ceremony was held at CFB Gagetown under the aegis of BGen Ray Romses, Commander LFAA. Also in attendance was BGen Christian Barabé, Director General Joint Force Development, Director of Artillery Col Robert Gunn, former CO s of 16 L Artilleur Canadien

18 the Regiment, Assistant Commissionaire of J Division RCMP Steve Graham and other invited guests. DIRECT FIRE SUPPORT One of the most consuming issues throughout the year was the role of the ADATS within the Direct Fire System concept. The teaming of the fire effects of the ADATS with that of the TOW and Mobile Gun System (MGS) is in early stages, but much of the year has been spent in creating tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs for short) in order to field the concept as part of the Army Transformation has been about DFS. Beginning with Army Experiment 8A in Kingston, during which detachment commanders from the unit exercised the concepts early forms in simulation, through to Ex INITIAL STRIKE where the Regiment deployed a Battery (-) for field manoeuvres with TOW Under Armour (TUA) and Leopard tanks in Wainwright. DFS was also a key feature of the unit s training throughout In April during Ex NIMROD GALE, the Battery Commander s course evaluation field training exercise, dedicated direct fire tasks and skills were practiced at the Troop and Detachment level for the first time. Missile allocations for Ex PERFECT KILL, the annual GBAD range, were directed by the Chief of the Land Staff (CLS) to be fired predominantly at ground targets. ADATS achieved record breaking ground engagements against marginal thermal targets at ranges of up to 7.2 km in conditions of total darkness and 2km visibility in mist and rain. During his visit to the unit on 24 Nov, the CLS, LGen Hillier, spoke candidly of the new role and the place of ADATS soldiers in the future Army. Much has yet to be defined with regards to DFS and ADATS, but one thing that is clear is the motivation and skill of the Air Defenders to the new job and the chance of supporting the Army overseas. GROUND BASED AIR DEFENCE The experiences of Op ATHENA and the increased use of the TUAV in operations have brought the need for situational awareness and control of the airspace in Canadian areas of operations (AO) into the minds of operational commanders at all levels. Several significant exercises involved Airspace Coordination Centers (ASCC) from the Regiment in the last year. The first of these was the Atlantic Littoral Experiment or ALIX for short. 128 AD Bty deployed a number of assets in this Intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition & reconnaissance (ISTAR) exercise in August. Ex WOLF SAFARI, an air force exercise with 4 Wing in Cold Lake, Alberta, reinforced the value of these lessons by tying in army activity and ground based sensors to support air operations. The main aim was to integrate the collection of sensor data from naval vessels, aircraft, ADATS, Coyote recce cars, and TUAVs. The ASCC proved critical in deconflicting the use of the friendly airspace. In March & April of the year the Regiment deployed in en masse to CFB Gagetown for Ex AGILE ARCHER, the first GBAD Level 4 operational evaluation since the initial acceptance trials in the early 90s. The aim of this ambitious exercise was to validate the unit s operational capability for GBAD tasks at the Battery level as well as provide the field experience of bivouac life to the newer members of the unit. A distinct success, the unit managed to conduct all activities from the tactical to the practical deploying the bulk of 210 AD Workshop to the field and capable of superb maintenance support throughout. Commander LFAA, BGen Romses, made a point of touring the deployment on the ground as well as assessing the Battery from above by helicopter. OTHER ACTIVITIES The 2004 Nova Scotia International Air Show (NSIAS) took place on the 11 and 12 September 2004, with a significant army display from LFAA. 128 AD Battery was the LFAA lead for the display involving various primary mission equipment such as a Coyote recce car, an ADATS, two Leopard Tanks, two LAV III s and a BEA- VER armoured bridge layer. The Regiment s detachment in Cold Lake continued the unit s public communications efforts at the Calgary Stampede gathering large crowds of interested citizens during the LFWA display as well. The annual Regimental Rendezvous, or RV, took place from 2-4 December. A combination of sports day, seasonal parade and soldier s dinner and celebration of Saint Barbara drew the unit together in Gagetown from across Canada. The annual awards of Soldier of the Year went to Bdr Michel Allain from 119 AD Bty while the 4 AD Regt Athlete of the Year was WO Richard Desjardins, CD from HQ & Svcs Bty. CONCLUSION 2004 was a big year. It was a busy year. Nevertheless, it was a year full of transition and promise for the future. The ascendancy of the Direct Fire Support role and the continued importance of Ground Based Air Defence battle space awareness and management will keep the unit active throughout the year to come. Canadian Gunner 17

19 The Field Artillery School The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery THE YEAR 2003 IN REVIEW At the Field Artillery School, 2003 was another exciting and eventful year. The School continued to deliver a wide number of varied courses, while throughout the year, the Instructors-in-Gunnery, Assistant Instructors-in-Gunnery, staff, and students met and overcame many new challenges. The School continued sending Instructorsin-Gunnery Assistance Teams to the Regiments for various exercises and activities, including the Army s 2003 Brigade Training Event in Wainwright, Alberta. Members of Tactics and Maintenance Training Batteries deployed to Afghanistan with Operation ATHENA in target acquisition, targeting, and maintenance roles. The School continued to integrate new equipment, such as the Light Armoured Vehicle III - Observation Post Vehicle (LAV III OPV), the 81mm mortar, and the Tracked Light Armoured Vehicle. The Commandant, Lieutenant-Colonel John Crosman, along with the Regimental Sergeant-Major, Chief Warrant Officer Don Meehan, and other senior staff members contributed to ongoing developments and deliberation on the future of the Artillery and the Army. There were several changes in the senior manning slate within the School in Major Tim Young left the position of Chief Instructor-in-Gunnery (CIG) for National Defence Headquarters, to be replaced as CIG by the School s new United Kingdom Exchange Officer, Major Andrew Southby, RA. Major Gerald Lessard assumed command of 18 Air Defence Regiment, and was replaced as Chief Instructor Tactics by Major Mike Johnstone. Captain Bob Thomas The MOBAT in action ready to fire a round into the Hersey Impact Area. moved from his position as Chief Instructor Maintenance to become the Adjutant of the Combat Training Centre Headquarters and was replaced by Major Johanne Charest. Captain Dave Gillan moved from W Battery to become the new School Adjutant, replacing Captain Dave Buchanan who became the Senior Instructor Tactics before departing for Afghanistan as the Brigade Targeting Officer. Headquarters Battery continued to support The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery by executing its mission to provide Standards, Administrative, Information, Simulation, Operations and Training functions to the School in support of its Centre of Excellence responsibilities. Standards personnel participated in numerous Qualification Standards and Training Plan Writing Boards throughout the year in support of the new Artillery Officer and Non- Commissioned Members career and training structure. Training Plans and courseware were also produced on short notice to ensure that Land Forces Central Area Reserve Artillery units could operate mortars by Christmas This year also saw the creation of an electronic learning position within Headquarters Battery to facilitate the introduction of e-learning technologies and practices into our Military Occupation Classification training and education. During this past year Target Acquisition was reinvigorated within the Army, and resulted in Headquarters Battery providing Target Acquisition and Maintenance personnel to attend various trials and courses. These personnel are facilitating the rapid introduction of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Counter Battery Target Acquisition Radars into the Army to support Target Acquisition on current operations. Headquarters Battery also provided the School s key point of contact to the Army on the transition of the Air Defence Anti-Tank System (ADATS) to the first generation Multi- Mission Effects Vehicle, which is envisioned to provide the Army with a ground based Lowlevel Air Defence and precision direct fire and non-line of sight capability within a single platform. Finally, the Chief Standards Officer, Major Lee Hammond, working on behalf of the Director Artillery on a multitude of future issues, prepared a number of briefs and presentations and participated in a multitude of working groups, boards, and conferences throughout the year on the Artillery s Interim Model Implementation Plan (IMI). This work 18 L Artilleur Canadien

20 covered such topics as Whole Fleet Management, the Artillery Equipment Redistribution Plan, and Establishment Change Proposals for all Regular Force Gun Batteries of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Tactics Battery had a very busy year. The Battery saw the establishment of a Technical Adjutant during the past year. This position is now filled by Captain Mike Wood, who will act as an advisor to the Commandant on new equipment issues. The Battery has supported the Brigade Training Event in Wainwright, Alberta, provided targeting and locating expertise to Operation ATHENA, conducted trials of new equipment, including the LAV OPV and Mobile Artillery Truck System (MOBAT), and has begun to rewrite several Artillery publications, all the while continuing to provide first class instruction to students. At the time of writing, the Battery had six personnel deployed to Afghanistan with 2 Brigade to control the operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Radars. Six more personnel are currently training for the next rotation with 5 Brigade. For Tactics Battery s Targeting Troop, the year began with the Basic Artillery Survey Course. Participation on the Brigade Training Event was the focus of the next few months. During the exercise, the Troop flew a surrogate Canadian Gunner Two Hawker Hunter aircraft over fly the Forward Air Controller Course. UAV, which was a Vindicator target drone with an attached video camera, and many valuable lessons were learned. They have also coordinated support to a variety of trials, notably the MOBAT demonstration, and worked on LAV OPV. Finally, Tactics Troop continued to provide tactics instruction on many courses across the School was an eventful year for Gunnery Training Battery. The primary focus of Gunnery Training Battery continued to be the conduct of national courses. The basic training of all gunner recruits has been centralized at the School under a new Basic Gunnery Training Troop. The introduction of the LAV III OPV has required the modification of teaching and doctrine within the Fire Support Coordination Centre cell. The decision to give the Army s mortars to the Artillery has created a significant amount of work to ensure that Gunners know how to man, operate, train, and fight this weapon. During this past year, Maintenance Training Battery completed a total of nine courses, dealing with Low Level Air Defence Equipment, Land Based Radar Equipment, and the M109A4 self-propelled howitzer. Aside from providing mandated technical training, the Battery also provided a Land Communications and Information Systems 19 Technician for Operation ATHENA in Afghanistan. This year proved, once again, to be an exciting one for W Battery, as it supported no less than twenty-nine Field and Air Defence Courses, not to mention various exercises for other schools and units on Camp Gagetown. Major Lawrence Dufour remained the Battery Commander and Master Warrant Officer Darrell McCormick continued in his position as Battery Sergeant-Major. The Battery was involved with the Base Auxiliary Security Force exercise, which is held annually in conjunction with 3 Area Support Group. In addition to routine tasks and exercises, Field Troop was fortunate enough to conduct a trial on RDM Technology s new Mobile Artillery Truck (MOBAT) system. The MOBAT consists of a 105mm Howitzer mounted on a platform that integrates the gun, electric gun drives, ammunition racks, stabilization system, and a navigation and positioning system was an interesting, challenging, and exciting year for all Canadian Gunners, and especially for those at the School. The Army s focus on its Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities promises a bright future for the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery and for the Royal Canadian Artillery School. THE YEAR 2004 IN REVIEW The School had a challenging and eventful year in The School continued to conduct numerous national and internal courses and it provided Instructor-in-Gunnery (IG) teams to units across the Royal Regiment; all while concurrently improving courseware to meet the requirements of army transformation. The School also continued to produce tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) for new equipment, such as the Light Armoured Vehicle III Fire Effects Vehicle (LAV III FEV), and the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations based on lessons learned from Operation ATHENA. Air Defence Anti-Tank System (ADATS) was also in the Army s spot light this year and the School s experts were directly involved in transforming the concept into doctrine. The School marked a significant accomplishment as the Artillery Transformation position paper was completed. Command of the School also changed hands this past year from Lieutenant-Colonel John Crosman to Lieutenant-Colonel Brian Douglas. The School achieved many successes throughout 2004 and each of the School s five batteries met their respective challenges head on. Headquarters Battery saw new leadership this year with the outgoing BC, Major Lee Hammond, moving to replace