Canadian Armed Forces Strengthen Ties in Alaska
Over 350 Canadian Army soldiers, primarily from the 3rd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI), are gearing up to demonstrate their cold-weather combat skills in Alaska. This exercise, occurring at the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC), Fort Wainwright, will run from February 13 to 22, 2024.
Teaming Up with Allies
In what promises to be a powerful demonstration of international cooperation, Canadian soldiers will collaborate with their American counterparts from the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 11th Airborne Division. Soldiers from Mongolia and the Republic of Korea will also partake in this exercise. This collaboration is an opportunity for the Canadian Armed Forces to strengthen inter-army relations within the Indo-Pacific region.
Air Force Participation
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is not left out of this exercise. With about 165 personnel from 1 Wing set to participate, the RCAF will deploy three CH-147 Chinook and six CH-146 Griffon helicopters. Approximately 100 other Canadian Armed Forces personnel will support the exercise in various ways, bringing the total Canadian contribution to about 600 personnel.
Global Resolve: A Test of Readiness
Exercise GLOBAL RESOLVE 24 is an annual event that tests the readiness of the Canadian Army’s light infantry battalions. Being a part of the Global Response Task Force (GRTF), these battalions go through rigorous training and experiences in diverse environments.
Commanders Speak
Lieutenant-General Jocelyn Paul, Commander, of the Canadian Army said:
“Exercise GLOBAL RESOLVE 24 ensures the Canadian Army can conduct combat operations in challenging cold weather conditions and in the Arctic, but also serves as an opportunity to strengthen ties with crucial partners in the Indo-Pacific – especially our hosts: the 11th Airborne Division of the US Army Pacific.
As we face an increasingly volatile security environment around the globe, I am incredibly proud to see our soldiers train together and sharpen their skills. The Arctic is experiencing growing competition, and the Canadian Army must remain ready to support the Government of Canada’s strategies in this important region.”
Major-General Roch Pelletier, Commander, of the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre said:
“The training conducted at the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center alongside our American allies and Indo-Pacific partners shows the Canadian Army’s commitment to maintain individual and collective proficiency in Arctic and Cold Weather operations.
Thanks to the relationship that exists between the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre and the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, US, Canadian, and Indo-Pacific partner nation soldiers will prove their combat readiness shoulder-to-shoulder during the same exercise.”
Prepared for Global Challenges
Lieutenant Colonel Ben Schmidt, Commanding Officer, of the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, emphasized that such high-level training demonstrates the capability of a light infantry unit and prepares them to operate in various global environments.
Exercise GLOBAL RESOLVE 24 will affirm the Canadian Armed Forces’ readiness and strengthen ties with key allies and partners.
Sources: THX News & National Defence.
