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By Tpr Lonegren
12 February 2010
The sound of the horn blasts in two shorts beeps, then continues simultaneously as organized chaos invokes the camp to move. In a flurry of activity, the sound of the warning alarm clears a full mess tent in seconds. The dining hall and the rest of the camp disseminates to their respective troops’ tents for a roll call. Things begin to settle as the confirmation of numbers and the situation reports are passed to the CP. The report gets back, and it is made clear that it was all simply all a drill. However, the event remains in the soldiers’ minds throughout the rest of the Operation.
To help the Olympics run smoothly, my peers and I underwent vigorous training exercises. Training ranged from confirming tent setups, vehicle maintenance and verifying weapons systems to ensure that camp supply is sufficient and our drills will be implemented smoothly. Integrated into our training were thrilling exercises including confidence courses qualification of LOSV and the ATV. The training provided for fun and excitement but has been crucial to our requirements to support the RCMP mission of providing a safe and secure Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
With pre-deployment exercises completed, we arrive at our Base Camp in British Columbia. My role was to keep eyes on dedicated areas in and around the Olympic venues to deter possible incursions. When we were back in camp we also maintained camp security.
The dynamics of the camp, and the actual work put in to make life better for the troops, was on a large scale. Scheduled physical training routines, and hired civilian catering companies all contributed to healthy fitness levels and relief from job related stress. Special occasions have lead to transit to a local mall, UFC pay-per view events and the Super Bowl. For the troops, deployment has assisted soldiers to improve personal habits and behaviours. With no shopping or family commitments, and no social drinking or sense of privacy, it gives time for one to focus on health; all the while maintaining operational readiness.
Altogether, the execution of the Olympics during Op PODIUM provides helpful and informative training to both new and experienced soldiers. It is a sincere and humbling task to provide service to the people of Canada and the International community. It gives me pride and honour, confirms our national bonds, and growth of our country as a whole.
12 February 2010
The sound of the horn blasts in two shorts beeps, then continues simultaneously as organized chaos invokes the camp to move. In a flurry of activity, the sound of the warning alarm clears a full mess tent in seconds. The dining hall and the rest of the camp disseminates to their respective troops’ tents for a roll call. Things begin to settle as the confirmation of numbers and the situation reports are passed to the CP. The report gets back, and it is made clear that it was all simply all a drill. However, the event remains in the soldiers’ minds throughout the rest of the Operation.
To help the Olympics run smoothly, my peers and I underwent vigorous training exercises. Training ranged from confirming tent setups, vehicle maintenance and verifying weapons systems to ensure that camp supply is sufficient and our drills will be implemented smoothly. Integrated into our training were thrilling exercises including confidence courses qualification of LOSV and the ATV. The training provided for fun and excitement but has been crucial to our requirements to support the RCMP mission of providing a safe and secure Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
With pre-deployment exercises completed, we arrive at our Base Camp in British Columbia. My role was to keep eyes on dedicated areas in and around the Olympic venues to deter possible incursions. When we were back in camp we also maintained camp security.
The dynamics of the camp, and the actual work put in to make life better for the troops, was on a large scale. Scheduled physical training routines, and hired civilian catering companies all contributed to healthy fitness levels and relief from job related stress. Special occasions have lead to transit to a local mall, UFC pay-per view events and the Super Bowl. For the troops, deployment has assisted soldiers to improve personal habits and behaviours. With no shopping or family commitments, and no social drinking or sense of privacy, it gives time for one to focus on health; all the while maintaining operational readiness.
Altogether, the execution of the Olympics during Op PODIUM provides helpful and informative training to both new and experienced soldiers. It is a sincere and humbling task to provide service to the people of Canada and the International community. It gives me pride and honour, confirms our national bonds, and growth of our country as a whole.