Headquarters Squadron began the month of September, believing that it would be business as usual. We would do some individual training, partake in a Brigade JANUS exercise and prepare for the fall exercise in CFB Suffield. However, to our dismay, as well as the rest of the world’s, the attack on September 11^th changed everything. Headquarters Squadron began a very hectic pace, which would not slow for what seems an undetermined period. We successfully participated in the Brigade JANUS exercise, which allowed us to establish some SOPs and shake the cob webs out of our command posts. The plans to conduct individual training and prepare for the fall exercise were postponed until October.

October began with a flurry of activity. Headquarters Squadron quickly completed all of its required individual training to achieve the Minimum Level Of Capability (MLOC). This demanded, for two weeks, that the personnel within Headquarters Squadron complete NBCW training, grenade training, short range anti-armour weapon training, various small arms training, first aid training, vehicle recognition training, firing personal weapons on a range and marching with our equipment for 13.2 km. All personnel had to complete this training to an established minimum level or else they would practice until they could achieve the level. For many other units, this training would have made for a busy month of work; however, Headquarters Squadron still had to complete its daily tasks. This required our maintainers to prepare and repair vehicles so that the Regiment could deploy to CFB Suffield in November. Transport section busily prepared their vehicles and personnel; as well, they provided vehicle training for the rest of the Regiment. The QM staff equipped the Regiment with all possible commodities for the fall exercise. The UMS under went and prepared for major changes. Foremost, the UMS lost their LdSH(RC) affiliation and subsequently had to trade their black berets for green berets. As well, the UMS learnt that they would be leaving the Regimental lines sometime in the New Year. Undoubtedly this will make the Regiment’s daily operations somewhat more complicated. Headquarters Squadron ended the month by valiantly competing in the Commanding Officer’s competition. The competition included various armour-related tasks. Although the Squadron is primarily comprised of non-armour trades, we faired quite well.

November saw Headquarters Squadron deploy to CFB Suffield for a little over two weeks with the Regiment as a part of a Brigade fall exercise. The Squadron performed to a usual outstanding level. We provided the Regiment with the support they required to make the deployment an over-all success. Amidst the training, hung the impending deployment of Recce Squadron to Afghanistan. The number of soldiers which would augment Recce Squadron, from Headquarters Squadron was not firm, which lead to much anticipation.

Headquarters Squadron took four days of well deserved leave after the fall exercise and returned to work during the first week of December. In a little less than two weeks, Headquarters Squadron managed to finish all required work, and participated in all of the Christmas festivities. The only drawback was that we left for Christmas Holidays as the Brigade’s Immediate Response Unit for the Province. After recent world events, not many of us believed Christmas Holidays would go unmarred by an event. Fortunately we enjoyed a good Christmas holiday.