The Canadian Army’s largest and most complex annual training exercise is currently happening in and around the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright. The training exercise began on May 10 and will continue until May 22. Ex Maple Resolve has approximately 3,200 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), United States of America, and United Kingdom personnel.
During this time the public could see standard military pattern vehicles (SMP), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and other participating aircraft such as jets, helicopters, and drones, outside the Garrison Wainwright training area during the exercise.
On May 10, a military convoy travelled through Wainwright to Vermilion, Kitscoty, and Paradise Valley to simulate driving into an operational theatre before returning to the Garrison Wainwright training area. Throughout the exercises, participating aircraft were seen flying lower and slower in circular motions to simulate realistic operational scenarios, while adhering to policies and regulations to ensure public safety.
“The Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre designs and executes collective training exercises around the world creating realistic challenges and complexities. The amazing support we receive from our local communities enable our success. I ask that as you see our vehicles moving around that you keep a safe distance, but of course, I encourage you to speak with the troops and show them true western hospitality,” commented Colonel Patrick Robichaud, Commander, Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre.
Most of the soldiers participating in Ex Maple Resolve 22 are from 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2CMBG) that are based in Petawawa, Ontario.
The annual exercise is a key event to practice interoperability with foreign partners, with approximately, 680 U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and National Guard soldiers, 20 U.S. Marines, and 150 members of the British Army participating.
This year's exercise was the first utilization of the DATE EUROPE scenario and focused on creating a scenario centred on a deteriorating security situation in Eastern Europe. It theoretically proposed a situation where the Baltic States were invaded from the east by a fictional force (Donovia) in which NATO was required to respond. Throughout the training, the Royal Canadian Air Force was to provide an Air Task Force to support Canadian Army training operations during the exercise which included six CH-146 Griffon helicopters and approximately 300 personnel. A CP-140 Aurora also participated in the exercise, along with a detachment of five UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the Oregon Army National Guard.
In a statement on canada.ca it said, “Designed and developed by the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre, the exercise provides Canadian Army soldiers, leaders, and other Canadian Armed Forces personnel a unique opportunity to enhance their combat readiness. As outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy, participation in this exercise ensures Canadian soldiers are ready to be mobilized as a brigade to respond to crises throughout the full spectrum of operations alongside Canada’s close allies and partners. This essential event ensures our soldiers are prepared to deploy in support of Canadians in any capacity, including combat operations.”
Col. Eric Landry, Commander Second Mechanized Brigade Group said, “This is a large-scale exercise that we have trained for the entire year.”