B Squadron Stands Up for Strike Force 3-09

By Trooper Graham Trude
30 Jan 2009

 

B Squadron Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) stood up as of 5 January 2009 for Strike Force 3-09. Now in early stages of pre-deployment training, we have commenced the required courses such as Leopard C2 105mm Gunnery, Standard First Aid, Medium Logistics Vehicle Wheeled (MLVW), and Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). Times have also been set for practicing our basic soldiering skills which include C8 Carbine, C7A2 Assault Rifle, C9 Light Machine Gun, C6 Heavy Machine Gun, M203 Grenade Launcher, and M72 Locket Launcher. While these courses have been taking place the other members of B Squadron have been put through continuous work on the preparation and maintenance for the wellbeing of our tanks in future exercises. Working with the B Squadron mechanics has been a very positive learning experience and has undeniably expanded the knowledge of those already Leopard C2 qualified.

 

After the Christmas holidays, spending time with our friends and family has reenergized the soldiers into putting forth a major effort for the months of training we have in preparation for an expected September deployment to Afghanistan. Some individuals from the squadron are now getting ready to go to Germany on conversion courses for the Leopard 2 driver, gunner, loader and crew commander for the month of February. The other members of the squadron at this time will be preparing the tanks and completing various courses for our first field portion of the work-up training which is Exercise STEELE BAYONET (16-20 March). The other field portions of our training will be shortly coming after the first exercise into the months of April, May and June with Exercise DESERT RAM (6 April-10 May), and Exercise MAPLE GUARDIAN (25 May-17 June). The training is coming fast and furious and will become more intense as the months continue to September 2009. With hard work, dedication, and determination, there is no reason why B Squadron Strike Force 3-09 should not be a success.

Perseverance!