Op IMPACT – CTAT Jordan

Captain Alexandria Schofield

Operation IMPACT’s Canadian Training Assistance Team in Jordan (CTAT-J) has been lucky enough to be staffed with a significant number of soldiers from Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). Each member has a very different role aimed to support the same goal: advise and support the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) through capacity building and project development.    

WO Mark “I’ll Age Out by the End of this Tour” Bell and WO Bryson Murphy are currently working with the Mohammed bin Zayed (MbZ) QRF Brigade as one half of Mobile Training Teams, (MTT), a project aimed to assist the JAF in developing Combat Service Support capabilities. Also a part of an MTT, Capt Alexandria Schofield is employed within the- MbZ QRF Bde as a mentor for the Female Engagement Team- an all-women’s infantry platoon that is the first of its kind in the Middle East.

While the MTTs affect change at the tactical level on the ground, Strathcona’s in CTAT-J HQ ensure that the mission is supported on all fronts back in Amman. Sgt Arthur “I Can’t Reach That” Mackenzie is currently employed as the Force Protection Lead and Operations NCO. Not only does he ensure that all visits, travel, and movements are tracked and executed smoothly, he also creates detailed drawings of parking plans on the streets of Amman, should anyone be confused as to where they may park their car. MCpl Sean “The Officer Did What to Her Car?” Andrews along with Cpl Daniel “What’s the UV Index Today?” Kentfield have paired as the ultimate Transport NCO and 2IC duo; incidentally, they have worked quite closely with Capt Alexandria Schofield and her vehicle. 

Occupying a crucial role is MCpl Ian Kimmel, who may look to transfer to HRA following his stint as a Combat Clerk; without MCpl Kimmel’s sustained efforts, operational administration would fail. 

At the helm of all projects and liaising in the JOA is Capt Harriet “Am I a Strathcona Now?” Colquhoun, the Capacity Building Coordination/Projects Officer. Her role is one of critical importance to CTAT-J, as she staffs all projects, establishes and maintains relationships with international partners, and ensured lines of effort are being tackled from as many angles as possible.

While the Strathcona’s in Jordan are not being employed in a typical armoured role, they are embodying the idea of a fighting crew: collectively they are influencing Canadian efforts abroad, with no one individual’s actions outweighing anothers.