Winter Indoc 2005

Lt Nick Arakgi with Capt Tim Fletcher, Photos by Lt Arakgi

Living in the field in the winter calls for special skill sets. Just bunking down at night calls for a whole different tent routine. The weekend of 14-16 January proved a good one to introduce our newer soldiers, and several cadets from our two Regimental corps, to those skills. It was also good to refresh skills for more experienced soldiers. More than 70 all ranks total took part on the ex.

The –10 C temperatures lead to continual snow squalls, which quickly replaced snow melted during a warm spell just prior to the ex. The composite company formed from “B” and “C” Coy soldiers had the perfect environment to work in. First came the drills – tent up, tent down; lighting stoves and lanterns and using them in a tent safely; how to maintain them, and being shown just how comfortable you can be even snow-bound.

Then came the patrols. Even without ammo, it's useful to manoeuvre in snow, under adverse conditions with weapons, following battle procedure, moving tactically, conducting orders groups and all that goes with military activity. A night-stalking patrol added extra interest.

No exercise ever goes according to plan, but usually it's better than being in the armoury!

	Winter Camouflage Pte Drew Nagtegaal, in whites, and Pte Lloyd Vermeer demonstrate camouflage and concealment. The photo has been enhanced for clarity – the low light at the time meant some blurring of the image. View Photo
	Winter Brief It's the army – you don't do anything without a briefing! Some ban ked-up earth beside a road made a perfect location for Sgt Sean Flet cher's briefing on Camouflage and Concealment . View Photo
	Tent-up Tent-down Putting up a tent and taking it down in an armoury is a lot different than it is out in the cold and snow! Tent-up tent-down drills Saturday afternoon brought rapid familiarity with the process and showed how it was possible to work while dressed in proper winter gear. Photo 1 Photo 2
	Moving in Snow Moving in snow with a full pack in winter cam – it's a challenge that can only be taken up by doing it. Pte Lloyd Vermeer moves through the woods to demonstrate how it's done. Canadian soldiers have made winter warfare a “corporate skill” which few other nations can match, and the RHLI are making sure the skills are passed on to our new soldiers. View Photo