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Canadian Army Conducts Winter Warfare Exercise in Newfoundland and Labrador

Press Release

March 2, 2017 – Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Army will conduct a large winter warfare exercise in Labrador from March 2 to 10, 2017. Exercise NORTHERN SOJOURN 17 is an annual exercise designed to maintain arctic-capable Regular and Reserve Force soldiers who can deploy on short notice in support of Government of Canada initiatives at home or abroad.

Exercise NORTHERN SOJOURN 17 comprises a full exercise scenario with command and tactical elements. Participants will embark on a snowmobile patrol from Happy Valley-Goose Bay to Makkovik, Newfoundland and Labrador, conducting winter warfare training and community visits along the route.

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Quotes

“Exercise NORTHERN SOJOURN 17 is a valuable training opportunity that provides soldiers an opportunity to hone the skills required to live, thrive and conduct complex operations in the harsh northern environment. This exercise validates the Canadian Armed Forces ability to conduct operations in the North while exercising Canadian sovereignty and protecting our interests.”

– Colonel Alex Brennan, Commander, 37 Canadian Brigade Group

Quick Facts

  • In addition to the more than 300 Canadian soldiers on the exercise, troops from the United States Army and the Polish Army will also participate in Exercise NORTHERN SOJOURN 17. Members of 5 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group will serve as guides and advisors throughout the exercise.
  • During Exercise NORTHERN SOJOURN 17, soldiers will conduct training to maintain the specialized skills required to sustain operations in the north and in the arctic, which includes snowmobile patrol tactics, snow shelter construction, arctic survival skills, arctic security posture techniques and more.
  • Many of the soldiers participating in Exercise NORTHERN SOJOURN 17 are part of the 5th Canadian Division’s Immediate Response Unit, a team that is capable of deploying in support of operations at short notice. During the exercise, the Immediate Response Unit will practice the process of turning over responsibilities with a unit that is capable of sustaining operations for longer time periods.
  • Throughout the long snowmobile patrol, soldiers will visit the communities of North West River, Postville, the Michelin Project mine site, and Makkovik in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Contacts

Lieutenant (Navy) Edward Stansfield
Public Affairs Officer
5th Canadian Division Support Group Public Affairs
5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown
Mobile: 506-260-6124
E-mail: Edward.Stansfield@forces.gc.ca

For more information on a media visit to Exercise NORTHERN SOJOURN contact:

Lieutenant (Navy) Jamie Tobin
Public Affairs Officer, Exercise NORTHERN SOJOURN
Mobile: 902-441-3209
E-mail: Edward.Stansfield@forces.gc.ca

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