From the Commanding Officer.
1. *General*. The Regiment has concluded change of command and
block leave and is about to embark on a busy training period in the fall
focused on Squadron level operations.
2. *Command Teams*. Lieutenant-Colonel Andrew Atherton assumed
command of the Regiment on 6 July 2012. Chief Warrant Officer Bill Richards
continues to serve as the Regimental Sergeant Major. Major Clark continues
as the Regimental Second in Command while Master Warrant Officer Beckett
has assumed the renewed role as Technical Quarter Master Stores (TQMS).
Squadron command teams are as follows:
a. A Sqn - Major Goela and Master Warrant Officer Nykorak;
b. B Sqn - Major Popowych and Master Warrant Officer Herbst;
c. C Sqn - Major Sean Pires and Master Warrant Officer Doiron;
d. D Sqn - Major Morin and Master Warrant Officer Olsen; and
e. HQ Sqn - Major Marois and Master Warrant Officer Hebert.
3. *Operations*. The Regiment remains involved in deployed
operations. Our small team has returned from Op LOBE in Libya. They were
part of a very busy and exciting mission and we are very proud of their
achievements. Over twenty Dragoons from C Squadron are serving in
Afghanistan training the Afghan National Army in Afghanistan. They are
joined by a number of Dragoons on Extra Regimental Service who are serving
in Afghanistan. Of note, Major General Ferron is the commander of all
Canadians in Afghanistan and he is accompanied by a number of Dragoons in
his personal staff.
4. *Training*. The Regiment conducted a full slate of courses in
June and July to prepare the Regiment for the coming training year. Key
points of the coming year are:
a. September will be focused on squadron level training on Ex
WALKING DRAGOON;
b. October will see troop level live fire conducted within a
squadron context on Ex SABOT DRAGOON;
c. C Squadron will conduct tank courses in October and squadron
level tank field training in November;
d. The Regiment will conduct the Armoured Reconnaissance Squadron
Commander Course in November. This will culminate in Ex CHARGING DRAGOON
with all three reconnaissance squadrons exercising under the control of
Regimental Headquarters;
e. The Regiment will conduct winter warfare in the January/February
2013 period;
f. C Squadron will support the Combat Team Commander’s Course in
the spring of 2013; and
g. The Regiment will participate in Ex SPARTAN BEAR in April/May
2013. This will be Brigade level exercise in preparation for entering the
road to high readiness.
5. *Leopard*. C Squadron has completed its initial conversion from
reconnaissance to the Leopard C2. They have completed a collective training
period on tanks and are about to embark on conversion to the Leopard 2. C
Squadron has also fully integrated soldiers and officers from 12e RBC into
the Squadron.
6. *Leliefontein*. The Regiment will conduct the annual
Leliefontein celebrations over the week of 29 October to 3 November 2012.
An outline of the week is a follows:
a. Harrier Race – 30 October 2012;
b. Drill Competition – 31 October 2012;
c. Sports Day – 1 November 2012;
d. Officers Mixed Dining In – 2 November 2012;
e. Senior NCOs Mixed Dining In – 2 November 2012;
f. Leliefontein Parade – 3 November 2012;
g. Guild Meeting – 3 November 2012; and
h. All Ranks Dance – 3 November 2012.
7. *Last Post*. The Regiment said farewell to Charlene Atkinson at
moving service in August. Charlene lost a courageous battle with ALS and
she will be sorely missed but fondly remembered. The Regiment also said
farewell to Warrant Officer Kevin Malott who was tragically killed in a
vehicle accident while cycling to work on 10 September. The Regiment
conducted the funeral on 17 September
8. *Guild Activities*. The Guild of The Royal Canadian Dragoons has
been busy with both fundraising and activities related to our thrust lines.
The Guild announced the two winners of the Leliefontein Memorial Bursary:
Brittany Stewart and Dawn Bride.