Ex COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT 23
By: Lt Bear
On 12 October, 2023, 3rd Canadian Division supported Exercise COLLABORITAVE SPIRIT 2023 (Ex CS 23). The event aimed at providing fifty civilian participants, including business leaders, senior defence officials, and public servants, with a firsthand experience of Army life by involving them in various activities throughout CFB Edmonton. This immersive exercise offered a unique opportunity for the participants to witness the expertise of Canadian soldiers as they showcased skills, techniques, and equipment that is used domestically and abroad.
The day began with a briefing for the fifty lucky participants. They were issued a uniform and fighting order for the day and were then divided into groups of ten. LAV 6.0s and G-Wagons were used to transport participants to their respective stand locations. Throughout the day, participants rotated through six stands which included a live C7 range, the LAV 6.0 driver circuit, a Griffon helicopter display, para sim room experience, an explosive urban operations breach demonstration, Leopard 2 gunnery sims, and a tour of the new Leopard 2 maintenance facility.
During Ex CS 23, A Squadron showcased the effectiveness of the Leopard 2 gunnery simulation centre and demonstrated the utility of the Leopard training equipment. The armoured soldiers provided an impressive display of weapon familiarization and vehicle operation to the attendees. Additionally, A Squadron held a competition between the civilian participants to determine the best gunner at the Leopard 2 simulators. The winner, an eager young man named Noah, received an LdSH(RC) cap badge and an “LS” hat from the Regimental Kit Shop. This event helped the civilian participants better understand the capabilities of the Leopard 2, the simulation centre, and the importance of proper equipment maintenance.
It can be concluded that Ex CS 23 was a great success. A Squadron's main objective was to ensure maximum participation of the fifty civilian participants while providing them with valuable insights into the training, equipment, and capabilities of LdSH(RC). The entire A Squadron team worked tirelessly to make this exercise happen, and with the support of the Regimental Gunnery Warrant Officer, the HQ Squadron Maintenance team, and the rest of the Regiment, delivered a true Strathcona experience for the lucky participants.