Soldiers learn to sneak and peak

SUMMERSIDE, Prince Edward Island – Armoured soldiers from the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) (8 CH), travelled to Summerside, Prince Edward Island (PEI), for their last weekend of the Armoured Reconnaissance Crewman course with the Prince Edward Island Regiment (PEIR) from March 4 to 6. The course was conducted at the PEIR B Squadron Armoury near what used to be Canadian Forces Base Summerside.

Traversing the12.9 km Confederation Bridge, linking New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, was only part of the journey for these soldiers. Their regiment's task of utilizing the Cougar armour-fighting vehicle (AFV) in a direct fire role has ended. As part of Army Transformation, reserve armoured regiments throughout Canada will be re-roled from direct fire to reconnaissance by January 31, 2006.

To help in the transformation, subject matter experts from the PEIR and 8 CH regiments began the task of training soldiers to rethink how they conduct business on the battlefield, keeping in mind the "Three-Block War" ideology.

For seasoned corporals from the Hussars, it meant going back to the basics of foot patrolling, AFV recognition and learning to see without being seen. Nevertheless, for the troopers on the course from the PEIR, it was a new experience.

Before these students can move on to more technical means of gathering information from a mounted platform, proficiency in gathering intelligence from the enemy while conducting foot patrols and manning observation posts is essential.

"Being the eyes and ears of the brigade commander is very important. Our assets combined with new technologies like the uninhabited aerial vehicle, satellites and Coyote surveillance suite will enable the commander to make quick decisions," said Master Corporal Randy McCourt, a reconnaissance instructor with the PEIR.

PIC2LThe aging fleet of light utility vehicle Iltis in regular force and reserve armoured reconnaissance units will be replaced by the newly acquired Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled (LUVW) G-Wagon from Mercedes-Benz.

"We are very proud to have sixteen top of the line Mercedes-Benz G-wagons in our unit lines. The Army's direction that armoured reconnaissance soldiers will participate in almost all United Nations taskings overseas makes this an exciting time to be a reservist in the 8 CH," said Lieutenant-Colonel Scott Craft, commanding officer of 8 CH.

Within weeks, the regiments will switch roles as soldiers from PEI head to Moncton, New Brunswick, for training on the new LUVW.

Article by Sergeant Todd Berry and photos by Master Corporal Kevin Mac Aulay