By Capt Kim
3 September 2009
Upon returning from summer block leave on 10 August, B Squadron, as part of Task Force 3-09, continued with Individual Battle Training Standards that would bring the squadron to the gradual closure of its “Road to War” campaign. That the squadron had been running ever since it constituted in January 2009 would be somewhat of an understatement, as soldiers were busy with taskings, courses, and administration even during its time off- for example, even during summer leave, members of the squadron were involved with Calgary Stampede and Spruce Meadows as well as leopard 2 maintenance qualification course and leopard 2 gunnery refresher training in Germany.
In the last two weeks, B Squadron completed Minimum Level Of Capability on M203, M72, grenades, and C7/8 weapon systems. A chalk range on M203 was completed on 27 August while the remainder of the squadron members conducted the Battle Fitness Test for the current fiscal year on 28 August. The squadron was also blessed to have members of A Squadron from Task Force 3-08 conduct lectures on their experiences and lessons learned from their tour. These very informative presentations were accompanied by a Conduct-after-Capture brief by Squadron Sergeant-Major, Master Warrant Officer Holland. As if this were not enough, members also completed Tactical Combat Casualty Care and combat first-aid courses in the last two weeks.
That all this training was completed in the midst of final Deployment Assistance Group requirements before a squadron is deemed deployable is a testament to the quality of soldiering and leadership embedded within the squadron. With embarkation leave rapidly approaching and very final course requirements, such as Remote Weapons Systems qualification for members of administration troop, B Squadron can confidently and proudly say that it is ready to continue where C Squadron, as part of Task Force 1-09, is leaving off. The deployment of B Squadron, as part of 1 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group, will be marking the third cycle in which the squadron will be returning into the theatre of operations in Afghanistan. The Squadron, led by Officer Commanding, Major Rob Hume; Second-in-Command, Captain Mike Gough; and Battle Captain, Captain Peter Beitz, will proudly carry on the tradition of excellence on Operation ATHENA, Roto 8. Perseverance!
