Dear Dragoon,
Over the course of the past few months the Regiment
has grown to something close to full strength with the return of A
Squadron and the OMLT from Afghanistan. It is timely therefore to update
the entirety of the Dragoon family, wherever they may be serving or from
wherever they may be currently hanging their hats in retirement from the
Canadian Forces.
2011 kicked off with a return to the basics,
featuring winter warfare training with a deployment to Ramore, Ontario,
some 100 km from Timmins. The austerity of the environment and - 47° C
temperatures enabled all involved to either refresh some long forgotten
skills or to learn some new ones quickly in the school of hard knocks.
In February, the troops of TF 1-10 were welcomed back to work both
unofficially and officially during the CFB Petawawa wide Homecoming
Ceremony. We also paused to reflect on our nine fallen comrades from the
tour, among them Tpr Larry Rudd, who was killed in an IED blast early in
the tour on 24 May 2010. Tpr Rudd's Mother Helen, Grandmother Toni and
many family and friends were hosted by the troops of A Squadron who
clearly went out of their way to honour the memory of a brother soldier.
Also in February, the Regiment commenced a directed physical training
program that includes a mix of cross fit, weight load bearing and
aerobic endurance activities that have been designed to ensure
achievement of the Army Fitness Level III standard and the LFCBFT
through incorporation of existing, albeit limited, Regimental resources
while respecting the Regimental training plan. The troops have well
received this program that has been made possible by the Guild and
executed by Leadership Excellence Athleticism Passion, a local physical
fitness training company. The month ended with a Regimental ski-week, a
Brigade-wide competition of sport that incorporated eight events and a
deployment to Fort Knox Kentucky by C Squadron to train on the Close
Combat Tactical Trainer - the pre-eminent collective training simulator
for tankers.
March saw a concentrated maintenance period, completion
of some individual training, a well deserved break with families, and
preparation for Exercise Charging Dragoon that will see B & D Squadrons
supported by HQ Squadron and being exercised by RHQ in an Area Recce
from Meaford to Petawawa. Our Primary Reserve Counterparts and Brigade
enablers will provide for a very dynamic and rewarding training
opportunity out to mid April. Concurrent with this exercise, A Squadron
will relearn the basics of the conventional fight in a dismounted
exercise within the confines of the training area.
Leeuwarden this
year will be celebrated 14 April with a combined and mixed dining-in at
the Reichewald Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess. Dress will be jacket
and tie. Details will already have been distributed . Concurrent with
the celebration the Regiment will plant 12 trees in Dragoon Park to
honour our fallen from the Afghan War in what is essentially a living
memorial to them and their ultimate sacrifice.
On 5 May and again on
23 June, the Regiment will host a "Friends of the Regiment" event
designed to showcase our soldiers, their training, vehicles and
equipment through a series of static displays and dynamic participatory
events. These undertakings are collectively referred to as Operation
COHORS ANICORUM (or group of friends) and have proven to be exceptional
in terms of our capacity to connect with influential and proactive
leaders within the business community.
In late May and early June the
Regiment will participate in a Brigade directed force on force exercise
in the Petawawa training area. Finally, the 2010/11 training year will
end in June with the Regiment coordinating and executing CF support to
Expo 150, an Upper Ottawa Valley history and heritage celebratory event.
The early part of 2011 has been notable for the loss of leadership
with the passing of Lieutenant-General Gutknecht, Brigadier-General
Wattsford, Brigadier-General Amy, and Major Hook. The celebration of
their lives was an honour to have been a part of as these leaders
provided inspiration even in their passing. We watch with pride as
Brigadier General Dean Milner, our 49th Commanding Officer, carries on
the tradition of their excellent in leadership in Command of Canadian
Operations in Afghanistan. We look forward to his return this summer,
and that of the entirety of his staff, amongst whom is included a fair
number of Dragoons.
In closing, the RSM and I look forward to
meeting Dragoons across this great country during our travels and
likewise invite those from abroad to stop in for a coffee if ever they
should find themselves in or near Petawawa. We thank the Association
profusely for keeping the bonds of friendship well and truly strong.
Bold and Swift