Ex STEELE LANCE ‘23

Lt Ahenakew

Ex STEELE LANCE started on 28 February and lasted until 23 March. The first week started with the Primary Combat Function (PCF) gun camp, granting several members of the Regiment the 120mm crew commander, crew commander upgrade, gunner, and loader qualifications, ending this note with the Leopard 2 driver course. Members of B Sqn LdSH(RC) spent the first 8 days in shacks then moved out full-time onto Range 25. Range 25 warmly welcomed us all on our first night out, it was truly a learning experience.

From 09 March to 14 March, dry and live level 2 training had commenced and went well. Concurrent to this, members of B Sqn who were not actively participating in the dry and live shooting were conducting winter survival training. This training included making shelters, fires, setting snares, and safe and proper handling of axes, pickaxes, and various other tools for winter survival. This winter survival training was a first for many of the troops and it was many soldiers’ first Wainwright exercise in the winter months.

From 14 March to 20 March, the level 3 dry training came and went. Troops stepped out for 30+ hours to conduct collective training and getting to do the job. During this time, the subalterns of LdSH(RC) came out to visit, conduct PD, and become exposed to tank tactics and field life.

We had the privilege of having the Colonel Commandant General Natynczyk (retired) visit the troops on 13-14 March where he spectated 22’s trace and held a townhall. Our CO and RSM came out to visit the troops on multiple occasions as well. They lived in the field while with us and helped plan the future of the exercise. With vehicle readiness fluctuating throughout the Ex and the entire schedule being questioned everyday, the troops continued to work hard and make dreams happen.