LdSH(RC) Conducts Ex STEELE VIRTUAL 2012

By Captain Radic Niedzielski

 

In preparation for the upcoming spring field exercises with 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group to support the Combat Team Commanders’ Course (CTCC), LdSH(RC) conducted Exercise STEELE VIRTUAL from 30 January to 3 February at the Lecture Training Facility in the Edmonton Garrison.  Exercise STEELE VIRTUAL was a computer assisted exercise (CAX) which was much like a multiplayer video game as it involved the use of a network of computers to simulate military formations on the battlefield controlled by the respective subunits in the Battle Group.

The exercise was used to solidify mission planning and execution focussed at the Squadron and Company levels in preparation for Exercise WARRIOR RAM and CTCC.  The LdSH(RC) Battle Group was comprised of approximately 90 members of the LdSH(RC) supported by leadership from C Company of 2 PPCLI, an Engineer Squadron from 1 Combat Engineer Regiment and Forward Observation Officers from 1 RCHA and a Fire Support Coordination Centre provided by 20 Fd Regt RCA.  The exercise included two cycles of orders, planning and simulated mission execution.  The missions consisted of Combat Team attacks on enemy defensive positions defined by Recce Squadron, which included the use of enablers such as artillery and engineer and intelligence support.  Reviews of mission events allowed all members to improve their planning, orders and mission execution skill sets for future use.

This exercise allowed the Regiment to commence integrated relations with the enablers that will be supporting the LdSH(RC) Battle Group in the April-May timeframe in order to set the conditions for a smooth transition to operations where soldiers will be physically executing the mission in LAVs and Tanks in Wainwright.  Overall it was a successful exercise and all that participated agreed that it was a good opportunity to practice our drills in a combined arms team environment.