RHLI Exercises

National Defence and the Canadian Forces

Joint Task Force Central & Land Force Central Area

31 Canadian Brigade Group

Exercise Trillium Sceptre, Jan 24-25, 2003

Capt Tim Fletcher

Capt Stepaniuk plots next moveIt was the largest computer-based exercise ever run on the Army's new JCATS - "Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation" system, and the RHLI were part of it. Picture 120 high-powered Pentium IV computers networked together in a drill hall at CFB Kingston, providing complete details of a massive armoured engagement. , OC "B" Coy, was able to maneuvre his troops with the click of a mouse, gaining valuable knowledge of his role later this summer.

The scenario being played out will be reflected this August during Ex Stalwart Guardian in CFB Petawawa. It was designed to get all the key appointments up to speed without the expense of deploying all the troops. The $500,000 JCATS computer program from the Army Simulation Centre (ASC), part of the Land Force Doctrine 3D graphicsand Training System, was up and running. The screens displayed maps of actual terrain at CFB Petawawa, overlaid with the Stalwart Guardian scenario. Other screens used by the command elements were able to display detailed 3-D views right down to the soldier level. "Interactors" - civilian specialists (most retired military personnel with decades of experience) -manoeuvred the electronic symbols in response to orders from the "battlefield".

LFCA Commander BGen Andrew Leslie pointed out to the ex participants that "You're here for professional development, to show me that you know your job and to show yourself that you can do it." Noting the primary training audience for the CAX, BGen Leslie said, "Reservists have to keep pace with the regulars."

"This is meant to practice and evaluate designated unit commanders in Level 6 Defensive Ops within a Level 7 context" using computer simulation, Colonel Gary O'Brien, Commander, 31 CBG and exercise commander for Stalwart Guardian told the audience. Stressing the purpose of the exercise - to prepare for the summer - Col O'Brien told the participants: "Don't worry about making mistakes but learn from them and move ahead".

Ex Stalwart Guardian runs from August 15-24th at CFB Petawawa. It's the first Area-wide militia concentration in several years.