The RCR Association Documents
CHARLES COMPANY BLOOMS IN WILD ROSE COUNTRY
By: Lt Steve Desotti, 7 Pl Comd
Charles Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment, was deployed to Wainwright, Alberta for Ex MAPLE RESOLVE from 25 Sept - 28 Oct. While in Wainwright, Charles Company was tasked with building and conducting live-fire ranges for units of 2 CMBG, and then acted as the local militia during the force-on-force portion of the exercise. Although Charles Company was primarily focused on its primary tasks, it still had time for a bit of fun. Members of Charles Company competed in a moustache growing competition and was able to raise $500.00 which will be donated to the Soldier On fund.
The first portion of Ex MAPLE RESOLVE was occupied by the building and conduct of live-fire ranges. The ranges that Charles Company conducted were complex and were meant to reflect a realistic atmosphere for the Training Audience (TA). Charles Company was tasked with conducting a level 3, platoon live-fire range, as well as a level 4.5 live-fire company range. Overall the ranges were well received by the TA, challenging the platoon and company commanders to adapt to increasingly difficult tactical situations.
The live-fire ranges occupied the first three weeks of Charles Company's time in Wainwright, while the last 2 weeks was occupied by a force-on-force exercise with units from 2 CMBG. This portion of the exercise saw Charles Company embedding in local villages of the Wainwright training area and acting as the local military force. Our task was to challenge units of 2 CMBG by representing the position of the local government. At times, Charles Company was cooperative with 2 CMBG and at other times our task was to frustrate their efforts. Although Charles Company was not the TA our task during the force-on-force portion of the exercise was to provide a realistic scenario for what Canadian soldiers would face when deployed in different countries.
Charles in Action... well kind of!
Even though Charles Company made a substantial contribution to the success of Ex MAPLE RESOLVE, this could not have been accomplished without the unwavering support of CMTC (Canadian Manoeuvre Training Center), specifically the COEFOR (Contemporary Operating Environment Force) Company. The military part of COEFOR is led by approximately 100 highly trained soldiers stationed at CFB Wainwright. This core group is supplemented by about 300 soldiers who arrive weeks ahead of each exercise to be instructed in their roles and duties. The members of COEFOR's military portray insurgents and security forces, as was the role played by Charles Company. A huge debt of gratitude is owed to the permanent members of COEFOR who supported our company at every turn and made Charles Company's time in Wainwright significantly more enjoyable.
Throughout the exercise, Charles Company competed in a moustache growing competition. In addition to raising the morale of soldiers, the primary purpose for this competition was to raise money for Soldier On, which is a charity that donates funds to and provides resources for injured soldiers. In order to take part in the competition every soldier had to donate some money to participate; and Charles Company as a whole raised $500.00. There were two winners of the competition for best moustache and best beard: Cpl Lindsey and Pte Page respectively. For their efforts, the Officer Commanding of Charles Coy, Major Darryl Cathcart, and the Company Sergeant-Major, Master Warrant Officer Grant Mason, gave these soldiers 2 days of short leave.
Pte Page, Winner of the Moustache contest!
Although Charles Company was primarily in a supporting role throughout Ex MAPLE RESOLVE, its efforts were nonetheless integral to the overall success of the exercise. Whether Charles Company was building ranges or frustrating the efforts of 2 CMBG, the soldiers demonstrated their professionalism, dedication, and competence every step of the way.
Charles Coy, 1 RCR ~ Ex MAPLE RESOLVE 2011