EXERCISE RAFALE BLANCHE 2016-Armoured Troops Training in Centre-du-Quebec

VALCARTIER, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Feb. 4, 2016) - Some four hundred soldiers of 12e Régiment blindé du Canada (12 RBC) are participating in Exercise RAFALE BLANCHE in the RCMs of Nicolet-Yamaska and Bécancour as of today until February 9, 2016.

The soldiers of 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, of which 12 RBC is a part, need to practice in a variety of environments in order to be ready for any mission. That is the goal of Exercise RAFALE BLANCHE, during which troops will face various physical, psychological and logistical challenges posed by the harsh winter climate.

During Exercise RAFALE BLANCHE, troops will be dressed in camouflage and carrying their personal weapons, and will occasionally use blank ammunitions. Certain scenarios will require the use of pyrotechnics, such smoke grenades. The safety of citizens will of course be a top priority for military authorities.

At the end of the exercise, members will take advantage of their presence to show citizens their weapons and vehicles, on Saturday February 6, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the École nationale de police du Québec, in Nicolet. All are welcome to this free family event.

Quick facts

• Most of the troops will be stationed at the Munitions Experimental Test Centre (METC) - Nicolet Detachment, at the Grey Nuns' convent in Nicolet and at Mont Bénilde in the Sainte-Angèle sector of Bécancour.
• Some fifty wheeled military vehicles, such as light armoured vehicles, G-Wagons and wheeled light support vehicles, as well as snowmobiles, will be used for travel.
• The scenarios practised will include foot and vehicle-mounted patrols, defensive and offensive operations and road convoy escorts.
• Military colleagues from the Reserve and Regular Forces will support the armoured troops. Members of 5 Field Ambulance, Valcartier, will provide medical expertise, and aircrews from 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, Valcartier, will provide air support, transporting troops and equipment on Griffon helicopters.
• Civil authorities, including personnel from the École nationale de police du Québec and the Société du parc industriel et portuaire de Bécancour, will be invited to take part in certain scenarios.

Quote

"Exercise RAFALE BLANCHE is aimed at maintaining 12e Régiment blindé du Canada members' winter warfare skills. For the 2016 edition, we decided to integrate Reserve units and other Regular Force units, as well as personnel from the École nationale de police du Québec, in our training. I attach great importance to this type of combined-arms work, which allows everyone to not only acquire valuable experience, but also to learn how to work collectively, which can be an asset in a variety of operational contexts."

Lieutenant-Colonel Eric Landry, Commander of 12e Régiment blindé du Canada

Related link

RAFALE BLANCHE photos : www.facebook.com/5gbmc