VALCARTIER, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Feb. 22, 2016) - A second group of Valcartier military members left Quebec City today for Poland to take part in Rotation 5 of Operation REASSURANCE. The 95 or so soldiers, primarily from 1 Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, will join their colleagues who left for Europe a few weeks ago, bringing the number of soldiers in the Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force to around 220.
Quick facts
- Operation REASSURANCE shows Canada's unwavering commitment to its Allies in Central and Eastern Europe. The operation refers to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) activities supporting NATO Reassurance Measures implemented in April 2014, including military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations and assigned NATO tasks.
- During Rotation 5 of the Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force, soldiers will participate in various training activities to develop and enhance interoperability, readiness, joint operations capabilities and multinational responses to potential crises. The CAF response in support of NATO's request helps maintain security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.
- The Canadian Army benefits from these training opportunities in Europe, which help military members improve interoperability with their NATO Allies, showcase their capabilities and demonstrate their leadership abilities.
- Canada is a strong NATO supporter and is committed to doing its part as a member of the Alliance. CAF members have been in Central and Eastern Europe since May 2014 as part of Operation REASSURANCE.
Quotes
"The men and women who left for Europe today are seasoned soldiers. I am especially proud of their leadership and their strength and determination. These qualities will be a major benefit for joint training with our Allies."
Colonel Michel-Henri St-Louis, Commander of 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
"With the arrival in Europe of the last soldiers from our contingent, our team is complete. Operation REASSURANCE demonstrates Canada's commitment to NATO countries, and we will work with our Allies to strengthen our collective security."
Major Eric Beauchamp, Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force Commander
"It is always hard to leave our loved ones in Canada, who make major sacrifices to support us. However, the soldiers who are leaving today are eager to join their colleagues already in Europe because they want to accomplish the mission for which they have been training for many months."
Master Warrant Officer Martin Higgins, Land Task Force Sergeant-Major for Operation REASSURANCE
Related links
- Information concerning Operation REASSURANCE: www.forces.gc.ca/en/operations-abroad/nato-ee.page
- Photos of Operation REASSURANCE: www.forcesimages.ca
Contact Information:
Public Affairs Officer, 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
418 844-5000, ext 4688
mathieu.dufour@forces.gc.ca