Road to the Olympics: Phase 0

Lt Stephen MacKillop
1 September 2009

With Recce Squadron support to the RCMP for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics looming on the horizon, the month of August was full of community relation (COMREL) activities representing the Regiment at a variety of events in the Province. It was a campaign of travelling across Alberta to showcase Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) reconnaissance capabilities and further build relationships with the community.

It was the second week of August and Eastern Alberta brought a weekend of fun and excitement. Four of Recce Squadrons finest, MCpl Oliver, Cpl Vigar, Cpl Van Heerden and Tpr Crowe, drove down for an eastern Alberta Dog and Pony circuit. Bright and early the Recce patrol woke up in Ralston for a pancake breakfast to kick-off the Army sponsored Ralston Rodeo. The remote surveillance system was on display to show off the Squadron’s capabilities. Late into the night the patrol packed things up and finished off the day with an ol’ fashion Ho down.

The following day the patrol travelled to Medicine Hat for the Military Appreciation Day. Our Coyote display of the remote surveillance was the only military display at Coulee Park. Community members and potential recruits crowded around to see the event that lasted late into the night.

Back at the Regiment, a Recce Squadron Quarter Guard was practicing for the ACLS. After hours of training the troop stood ready to represent LFWA and pay compliments to the ACLS. Unfortunately Air Canada lost the ACLS’s luggage which resulted in the cancellation of the task.

Between COMREL events, Recce Squadron is keeping busy with day-to-day garrison routine with vehicle maintenance and pre-deployment for the Olympics beginning to demand more attention. Squadron leadership worked closely with Regimental Headquarters during Ex STEELE TABLE and conducted link-up with 2 PPCLI during Ex KAPYONG READY. With preliminary planning underway, Recce Squadron will soon reorganize to meet the specific demands of the task and prepare to move Regimental Recce Troop (60) into the Squadron lines. The prospect of deployment in support of the RCMP has brought about a great deal of interest and excitement for the months to come.