Ottawa

Approximately 350 Canadian Army soldiers from 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5 CMBG) are taking part in Exercise COLD RESPONSE (EX CR14) in Harstad, Norway, from March 10 to 22.

This Norwegian-led international military exercise includes approximately 16 000 troops from 16 nations.  EX CR 14 offers an extremely challenging cold-weather environment and a scenario that exercises the vitally important capability of operating in cold-weather conditions. As such, it improves the Canadian Army’s ability to effectively fight and survive in an Arctic environment.

During the exercise, 5 CMBG is contributing an infantry component as well as senior staff officers for the headquarters. Lieutenant-Colonel Steve Jourdain, from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal 22e Régiment, is leading a Multinational Battalion Group consisting of Canadian and Norwegian Infantry troops. Major Bruno Turmel, also from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal 22e Régiment, is directing the current operations in the Multinational Brigade. 

Sponsored by NATO, EX CR14 is a multi-national, joint exercise featuring land, air and sea elements. It provides an arena for participating forces to enhance war-fighting skills and to exercise all aspects of operations at the tactical level. 

Quick Facts

• EX CR14 is Norway’s largest live-fire exercise;
• EX CR14 is taking place in the Harstad region, in the Norwegian High North, more than 1 400 kilometres north of the capital, Oslo;
• NATO’s Connected Forces Initiative, part of the Alliance’s transformation doctrine post Afghanistan, helps maintain NATO’s readiness and combat effectiveness through expanded education and training and increased exercises in order to continue improving NATO’s agreed levels of interoperability;
• During the exercise, 5 CMBG soldiers conduct winter war-fighting activities at the tactical level including offensive and defensive operations, patrols, surveillance, reconnaissance, and battle space management; and
• 5 CMBG is headquartered in Valcartier, Quebec and consists of almost 5 000 members.

Quotes

“Canadian Army participation on Exercise COLD RESPONSE 14 is an important aspect of our Government's engagement with our NATO Allies. This exercise further promotes our excellent relations with Norway, and it is vital that we take advantage of available opportunities to train with our allies to further strengthen these relationships."

Honourable Rob Nicholson
Minister of National Defence

“During Exercise COLD RESPONSE 14, Canadian Army soldiers respond to various challenges with speed, precision, and flexibility. Training is the centre of gravity for Army readiness and it is constantly being tested, adapted and refined to reflect our evolving operating environments. I commend the soldiers taking part in this physically and mentally demanding exercise for their continued dedication in ensuring we fully achieve our goals, both today and tomorrow.”

Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse
Commander of the Canadian Army

“This high-calibre exercise allows us to train with our allies in a winter warfare setting. Exercise RAFALE BLANCHE, held in Beauce, Quebec, in February 2014, served as preparation for 3rd Battalion Royal 22e Régiment. All members of the Battalion are ready and anxious to take up the challenges.”

 

src:news.gc.ca