Roughly 100 members of the Algonquin Regiment, Army Cadets and members of the 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group took part in Exercise MOOSE SURVIVAL over the weekend in Cobalt.
During this exercise reserve soldiers and Army Cadets from Timmins, North Bay and areas had the opportunity to learn from Canadian Rangers about how to survive in harsh winter conditions.
Participants, who included learned how to build a fire, construct an emergency shelter, snare animals, ice fish, and what to do when you fall in frigid water.
Winter survival skills, such as these, allow members of the Canadian Armed Forces to live and fight in cold conditions.
“This exercise was an excellent opportunity for the Algonquin Regiment to learn from subject matter experts, the Canadian Rangers, and to strengthen the bonds with the northern cadet corps. As soldiers and citizen of the North winter survival skills are not only vital for our ability to operate and fight in the winter, but are helpful in our civilian lives as well,” explained Lieutenant-Colonel Pat Bryden, Commanding Officer, The Algonquin Regiment.
Corporal Andrew Bell, Alpha Company (North Bay), added, “The combination of Cadets, Rangers and us [the Algonquin Regiment] was a benefit to all involved. It was really great training and the Rangers taught us a lot. We got a lot of experiences that we wouldn’t otherwise have, such as: ice fishing, ice water rescue, fire starting, and improvised shelters. I feel that our opportunity to mentor the Cadets was really good for us. Although, we did learn from them as well."
Army Reservists are members of the community, most of whom have full-time jobs or go to school, and choose to serve the Canadian Armed Forces part-time.
Canadian Rangers are a specialized component of the Canadian Forces Reserve Force who provide a range of service to the people in their area, including humanitarian assistance, local search and rescue, rapid response for disaster situations such as air plane crashes, forest fires, and floods.
The Algonquin Regiment is one of the most northern regiments in Ontario.
Get more intel here:
• 33 CBG website
• 33 CBG Facebook
• Algonquin Regiment website
• 3rd Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Website
• Cadets website
(PHOTO: Canadian Ranger Mcpl Peter Goodman (in red) demonstrates to members of The Algonquin Regiment how to start a fire to survive in the cold. Standing in the background with the balaclava on is Private Recruit Zachary Bangs and wearing the white toque is Corporal Alex Levis. Stoking the fire is Corporal Kiefer Patriquin. Photo supplied)