the ranger - 4 crpg newsletter
DESCRIPTION
4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group newsletterTRANSCRIPT
hhtp://www.army.gc.ca/4crpg
RangerRanger The
Fall 2010
Kitshop hhtp://www.joedrouin.com
FOURTH CANADIAN RANGER PATROL GROUP
Instruction * Training * Information
The Newsletter of the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group
OUTDOOR SKILLS AND INDOOR CAMPING
LAC BROCHET
Manitoba Detachment
By Adult committee Member Suzanne Bender
As a newer member of the adult committee for the Lac
Brochet Junior Canadian Rangers, I enjoy all of the
opportunities that I have to join the JCR Patrol in their
weekly activities. I was especially looking forward to
another weekend of camping and fishing in early
September when Warrant
Officer Belisle came to
visit. Sadly, the rain,
cold temperatures and
strong winds made a boat
trip unsafe, but that
didn’t stop the Lac Bro-
chet JCR’s. We were
more than happy to move
the camping indoors!
On Saturday morning, 19
JCR’s and their Canadian
Ranger chaperones piled
into the school gym and
got to work. After a few
warm up activities, the group enjoyed a lunch of
rations. A unique economy quickly developed as the
contents of the rations packages were traded among the
JCR’s.
Once the group had their fill of boiled food, the physi-
cal labor began. It is rare to find a group of teenagers
who are willing to give up their weekends to take
inventory of Patrol equipment, but these youth did it
all, with smiles on their faces. Once everything was
accounted for, groups of youth began setting up the
tents. It was encouraging to see the older JCR’s show
their leadership skills as they worked with the newer
members to set up the shelters together.
In the afternoon, each JCR had the chance to practice
their shooting skills with the Daisy Air Rifles. The
youth showed great care when handling the rifles and
treated the exercise with seriousness and respect. One
participant even got five bulls-eyes with the drop-down
targets. I think he’s ready for the postal shoot!
One of the skills the group
worked on this weekend was
their cooking! We enjoyed
meals of spaghetti, pancakes,
and an evening snack of fresh
bannock. Ranger Adele
showed the youth how she
makes fried bannock, and it
was a big hit! Some got
creative with their bannock,
making different shapes and
their initials with their dough.
Although the group could not
learn the outdoor skills that
we had planned on, there were plenty of learning oppor-
tunities indoors too. They learned how to be flexible
when plans had to change at the last minute, how to plan
and prepare a nutritious meal, and the value of a little bit
of hard work. Most important in the skills that the youth
developed over the weekend are teamwork and leader-
ship. These skills will serve the JCR group, and the
wider community of Lac Brochet, in all of their
activities this year, and in the future. I look forward to
our next trip together. Hopefully the weather cooperates
next time!
Lac Brochet JCR patrol
2
4 CRPG JUNIOR RANGER’S
Manitoba Detachment
By WO Jeff Belisle
The Junior Ranger program was established in Mani-
toba in 2002, one year after the first Ranger patrols
were stood up. Currently there are six JCR and seven
Ranger patrols within Manitoba boundaries.
Churchill Manitoba is located at the estuary of the
Churchill River on the west side of Hudson’s Bay.
Churchill is Manitoba’s only sea port and is home to
one of the largest Polar bear and Beluga whale popula-
tions in the world. Travel to Churchill is by rail or air.
There are no roads linking the community to the south.
Europeans first arrived in the area in 1619 when Dan-
ish explorer Jens Munk and crew spent the winter
where Churchill now stands. Only 3 of 64 expedition
members survived the winter and journeyed back to
Denmark in the spring.
In the early 1700’s the Hudson Bay Company built the
first permanent settlement to capitalize on the North
American fur trade. In the 1740’s Fort Prince of Wales
was built and then later captured by the French in 1782
without a shot being fired. The Fort’s commander at
the time was Samuel Hearne. Fort Prince of Wales still
stands today and is a major tourist attraction. Fast for-
ward to the 1900’s, in 1929 a rail line was completed
from Winnipeg to Churchill to use Hudson Bay as a
northern sea-shipping route. In 1956 the Canadian-
American atmospheric research station opened the
Churchill rocket range. The last rocket was fired in
1984. Many of the military buildings are still in the
Churchill area.
Today Churchill is a main shipping port for prairie
grain. Hunting, trapping and fishing are still important
activities of the residents of Churchill. The main econ-
omy is Eco-tourism, Arctic research and the shipping
port. The Canadian Rangers have been in Churchill
since 1971 as part of 1CRPG. In 2002 the Patrol came
under command of 4CRPG. The Churchill Ranger Pa-
trol currently has 31 Rangers. The Ranger Patrol is
very active in supporting 38 Brigade on winter training
and the Hudson’s Bay Quest, which is a dog sled race
from Churchill and Arviat. The Churchill Junior Rang-
ers started in 2002 and currently has 18 JCR’s. The
JCR’s are very active with training on a weekly basis
and 3 - 4 weekend exercises every year.
Lac Brochet is located in Manitoba’s far north approxi-
mately 40 kilometres south of the 59th parallel and very
JCR’s practice putting up a wall tent
Lac Brochet shooting Daisy Air in gym
JNR RCR’s practice bannock making
3
close to the Saskatchewan border. This is one of the
few isolated communities in Manitoba still powered by
Manitoba hydro generators. The community is com-
prised of 600 members who are mostly Dene. Lac
Brochet can only be reached by air year around or 2 or
3 months during the winter by a bush road which origi-
nates 320 kilometres south near Lynn Lake Manitoba.
Many of the community residents still live off the land
hunting, fishing and trapping. Caribou is still the main
staple big game animal. The barren ground caribou
migrate from the tundra in the fall to their winter-
feeding areas to the south and are normally within a
skidoo ride of Lac Brochet.
The Ranger Patrol was stood up in 2001 and currently
has 39 members. The Junior Rangers started in 2002
and has 42 JCR’s. Both the Rangers and Junior Rang-
ers are very active with the Rangers giving strong sup-
port to the JCR program. The Junior Rangers train on a
weekly basis and participate in 4-5 weekend exercises
a year. The JCR’s from Lac Brochet sent a contingent
to Ottawa for the Junior Ranger 50th Celebrations.
They did an outstanding demonstration of Dene drum-
ming.
Lynn Lake is located in north western Manitoba ap-
proximately 1100 road kilometres from Winnipeg.
Lynn Lake came into existence in 1950 when one of
the world’s largest nickel deposits at the time was
discovered. Plans were set to move the houses and
buildings from Sheridan MB whose mines were almost
depleted through 165 miles of wilderness, swamp,
lakes and rock to a new mine site called Lynn Lake.
The buildings, equipment and supplies were loaded on
sleds or cat trains as they were called and pulled by
Linn tractors through the raw wilderness. The 75-hour
trip one-way could only be completed during the win-
ter freeze up. It took 3 years to move the town of
Sherridon to its new resting place of Lynn Lake. At its
peak in the 70’s Lynn Lake population was around
3500. Today the population is approximately 800.
Canadian rock musician Tom Cockrane was born in
Lynn Lake and lived there until he was 4. Lynn Johns-
ton, the creator of the comic strip “For Better or
Worse” also lived for a number of years in Lynn Lake.
The mines have all closed over the past years and Lynn
Lake is now known for its fantastic hunting, fishing,
and wilderness tourism instead of mining. Both the
Rangers and JCR’s have very active Patrols. The
Rangers started in 2001 and the Junior Rangers a year
later. Most recently some of Lynn Lake JCR’s
attended a Daisy Air rifle shoot in Goose Bay, Labra-
dor. The Ranger’s have 29 in their Patrol and the
Junior Rangers 22.
Snow Lake Manitoba is Manitoba’s most southerly
community approximately 700 kilometres north of
Winnipeg by road. This is another Manitoba commu-
nity whose origin came from mining. In 1925 gold
was found in the area and Snow Lake came to life in
1948 when Hudson Bay established itself in the area
and the first gold bar was produced by Nor-Acme gold.
Over the years there have been huge fluctuations in the
population of Snow Lake depending on which mines
were or were not operating. The population in 2006
was around 700. With the announcements of new ore
body’s and mines opening in 2010, Snow Lake is fast
becoming a booming mining town again.
The numerous fresh water lakes and pristine wilderness
makes Snow Lake a fishing and hunting hotspot. The
Ranger Patrol started in 2003 and currently has 18
members. The Junior Rangers started a year later and
currently has 15 youth. The JCR’s have participated in
many exercises both inside and outside of Manitoba.
In Oct 2010 some of the Junior Rangers and Rangers
participated in a survival exercise in Lynn Lake with
the Rangers and Junior Rangers there. Both Patrols are
very active within the community. The Snow Lake
Rangers recently were involved in a Search and Rescue
operation and located the lost person alive.
Shamattawa Manitoba is a Cree community with a
population of 1200. It is another northern community
that can only be reached by air or for a few months
during the winter, by road. Shamattawa is also one of
the few communities still powered by Manitoba Hydro
generators. When Hudson’s Bay York Factory opera-
tion was closed in 1950, Shamattawa was established
as a permanent settlement located on the banks of
God’s River. This isolated community still carries on
the age old traditions of moose and caribou hunting as
well as fishing.
THE LOUDER THEY CHANT, THE CLOSER
THE COMPANY
By Cpl Richard Whiteson ETS Conf Coord
These are the experiences of Corporal Richard White-
son at his first ETS in Cochrane, Alberta. As the first
flight arrives into Calgary airport, the tired faces of the
young travellers follow. All the Junior Canadian
Rangers pull their luggage behind them as if they
weighed many thousands of pounds (which were fairly
accurate for some of the young ladies). The expres-
sions on their faces told of the tired and hungry ordeal
4
BIO MS K.F. (KIM) CHAISSON
Supply Tech
4CRPG Jr. Detachment CQ
Kim Chaisson grew up in a small fishing community in
Nova Scotia called Digby. In 1990 as a reservist, Kim
joined the Canadian Forces Land Reserve Unit, 1st
Field Regiment located in CFB Halifax. She joined the
regular force in 1993 and began her career as a Naval
Electronic Sensor Operator. As a NES OP, she was
responsible for the operation of radar and radio detec-
tion devices, radar jamming systems and decoys, gun
and missile-firing equipment including the 57mm gun
and Vertical Launch Sea Sparrows. After eight years,
Kim changed trades to become a Canadian Forces
Supply Technician. She was posted to Base Logistics
Dockyard bldg 211, working in environmental clothing
and at 443 Squadron in Sidney, BC as Supply Clerk
supporting operations for the Sea King Helicopters.
She then continued her duties in the supply trade as a
GS STS – 04 Storesperson at CFB Esquimalt Supply
Depot. Eight years in this trade has provided Kim an
excellent understanding of the Canadian Forces supply
chain.
Over the course of her Military service, Kim served on
the West Coast at CFB Esquimalt on several Regular
Naval Force Units including HMCS ANNAPOLIS,
HMCS OTTAWA, and HMCS REGINA. While
serving as a NES OP, one of Kim’s more memorable
deployments included the Persian Gulf following the
first Gulf War. During that deployment, HMCS
OTTAWA was part of the Abraham Lincoln Battle
Group which was helping to enforce UN Sanctions
imposed on Iraq following their invasion of Kuwait in
August, 1990. As a Rations Clerk on the HMCS
REGINA, Kim also took part in RIMPAC. The Rim of
the Pacific Exercise is the world's largest international
maritime exercise hosted and administered by the
United States Navy. She also sailed on the REGINA
during Westploy, a Canadian naval deployment
designed to build strong bilateral and multilateral ties
between the Canadian Navy, the United States, and the
navies of Asia-Pacific countries.
Kim retired from the regular force in 2007 and
currently holds a rank of Master Seaman with the
4CRPG/Junior Rangers. She is serving a 3 year
contract with the Junior Rangers as a Storesperson.
Kim is a member of the CFB Esquimalt Base Triathlon
Club and enjoys competing in local races. Kim is most
proud of completing a Half Ironman in 2007 which
was preceded by seven months of hard training.
Learning to swim during that time proved to be one of
the most challenging and rewarding times in her life.
Kim’s partner of eight years has been very supportive
of her career. Her and Paul plan to be married in Sep-
tember of this year.
of the travel from their Patrol. At first introduction they
are very teenage like, quiet, shy and out of their comfort
zone, usually a “hello” or “how long is the bus ride” is
the most you can get out of the JCR’s while in the airport
and in transit to quarters.
Once all JCR’s meet each other from all the Patrols
across 4 CRPG, you can see them becoming more com-
fortable with the surroundings and the staff, you can tell
by the noise level…the louder it gets, the closer the com-
pany becomes.
On day three, in the distance you can start hearing tribal
chants coming from somewhere in the mountains, possi-
bly striking fear on un-expecting listeners. Those chants
were coming from our young JCR as they metamorpho-
sis. I, for one could tell of the camaraderie building
when you start to realise as you are crossing a river with
a mountain bike on your shoulder. All those young eyes
are all in unison hoping and waiting for any adult to fall,
which of course would bring great joy and jocularity.
Day four, the staff are very subdued by now. The JCR’s
are not. The command that is most common by this point
is “JCR’s keep it down!”, and “laughter is for the weak!”
The relationships are starting to be moulded; everyone is
pulling in the same direction. Older kids are helping the
younger, less experienced ones. Platoon Commanders
have all the JCR’s names down by memory, and a real
bond has grown between them. Platoon Commanders
have also found their voices, as most JCR’s would attest.
From now on every bus ride is loud with singing. The
cadence is heard through the mountain range. The
awards night was roaring success; every individual was
greeted with a rousing applause. Then the chanting be-
gan again, one side of the room against the other side,
some would say it was surround sound. I say the louder
the chant, the closer the company.
5
Welcome back to
another instalment
of "The Ranger".
Time certainly
flies when things
are busy, but as I
look out my win-
dow, fall has cer-
tainly arrived on
Vancouver Island;
the trees that bear
leaves are sporting
a myriad of col-
ours and the rain, which this part of the country is so
famous for, has arrived in spades. Sadly, the warmer
days of summer are just a memory and my golf clubs
are locked snugly up in my garage, as I pine for one
more round.
That being said, a lot has happened that I am excited to
tell you about since our last issue. The JCR’s ran a
very successful enhanced training camp in Cochrane,
Alberta targeting the senior JCR’s in August and we
had another successful year participating at the Cana-
dian Forces Small Arms Competition (CFSAC) in
Ottawa in early September. This year's shoot was
focussed more on operational shooting scenarios and,
from everything I heard, was greatly enjoyed by all the
Canadian Rangers (CR’s) who had a chance to attend.
4 CRPG is going to take the lessons we learned this
year and create a better work-up camp for our shooters
next year, in order that they can go to Ottawa better
prepared and can perform at their best. Please remem-
ber that my focus as the Commanding Officer is to try
to increase everyone's ability with their .303; thus, I
have instructed my staff to ensure that at least half of
the team for next year and the years to come should be
new shooters, or "tyros". I would like to give as many
people as possible a chance to go to Ottawa and
compete against the Canadian Rangers from other
CRPG’s, so I encourage every patrol to take the oppor-
tunity to go to the range as much as possible and
practice. Please don't wait until your CRI is in town,
but practice often, and you too might get a chance to
go.
At the end of September we ran another very success-
ful DP1 and DP2 (Basic and Leadership) training ses-
sion at Camp Albert Head in Victoria. Just shy of 60
Canadian Rangers attended and everyone went away
with new knowledge and new friendships, both of
which can increase your patrol's ability to train in and
around your own communities. In the future, I will be
inviting a few Canadian Rangers from each of the
other CRPG’s across Canada to attend these types of
training events on top of our regular numbers, as I
believe that it is important to share knowledge and ex-
periences with our counterparts from the rest of Canada
and that these relationships will aid us in the future as
we begin to train more across provincial borders.
During the last week of September, 4 CRPG hosted the
National Working Group (NWG) where staff from the
five different CRPG’s came together to discuss a myr-
iad of issues facing all of the CRPG’s and work on a
National level policy that will make our organization
function to the best of its ability. You will be happy to
know that the "new" Ranger rifle project is still on
schedule and they are looking at the first replacement
rifles to be issued as early as 2014. They are also
working on a updated version of the High Visibility
Vest and Canadian Ranger toque and are well on the
way of putting the Ranger "Red" uniform, (Red Gore
Tex Jacket) into production. We are hoping to see the
first of these within a year. There also have been a
number of new items added to the individual CR scale,
which will see each CR receive items, like thermal
underwear and cold weather gloves in the future to
name just two.
Presently, there is a complete review of the Scales of
Issue for the Canadian Rangers, which is a review of
the clothing and equipment that Canadian Rangers are
issued, as well as what each of the Patrols and CRPG’s
hold for equipment. I see this as a positive step as we
move forward to ensuring that the Canadian Rangers,
JCR’s and CRPG Headquarters have the right equip-
ment to carry out their assigned tasks in the future,
while still maintaining the motto that Canadian Rang-
ers are a "lightly, equipped and self-sufficient" force
within their patrol locations.
As most of you are aware, I have made the recruitment
of new CR’s and JCR’s a priority in each of the provin-
cial detachment locations this year. I want to acknowl-
edge the outstanding job each of the detachments have
done thus far, as our total numbers for Canadian Rang-
ers has grown to approximately 870 (up from about
700) and our JCR’s are currently sitting around 600
across the 4 western provinces. We have been author-
ized to continue to expand up too 1000 Canadian
Rangers over the next two years and will continue to
look at ways of doing that which make sense. Our
main effort will be to continue to offer each of your
patrols interesting and exciting training opportunities
that will, not only increase your ability to carry out all
of your assigned tasks, but also will be so interesting
that all your friends will want to join as well.
CO’s CORNER
By LT Byers
6
BASIC WILDERNESS SURVIVAL TURNS INTO
BASICALLY SURVIVING WINTER
Manitoba Detachment
By WO Rob Hillman
April 19, 2010 was a beautiful spring day in Snow
Lake, Manitoba. The early spring thaw had come and
gone, the ground had dried, and all indications were for
a beautiful summer ahead.
The Canadian Rangers in Snow Lake were preparing to
conduct a Basic Wilderness Survival Training session
for the good folks of 38 Brigades, Royal Winnipeg Ri-
fles and Cameron Highlanders.
Oddly enough,
the exercise
had been
named “Snow
Survivor”, a
combination of
the Patrol due
to conduct the
training, and
the training
session itself.
It was named
the summer
previous, and
at that time, little did anyone realize the significance of
the name!!
We had set out for the training area selected a few days
before the soldiers of 38 Brigade were due to arrive, to
ensure all was in place and ready to go. The trip out
was very nice until we hit the 20 KM gravel road that
leads into the training area. There we were overpow-
ered by the dust kicked up by 10 ATV’s, our pickup
truck and trailer. At long last we made it to the 4 Mile
Portage area of Reed Lake. It was here we would set up
our camp and prepare the training stands.
Once the stands were designated and located, the Cana-
dian Rangers were busy getting everything set up just
right. Of course there’s the unwritten code that every-
one has to have a better stand than the next guy, so a
friendly competition ensued.
We chose the option of having other Rangers from
various Patrols attend to assist in the training, so we
had brought Canadian Rangers in from Lynn Lake,
who had done the last BWST session, and a few Cana-
dian Rangers from Gillam, who will do a training ses-
sion in 2011. There definitely is a method to the mad-
ness!!
We mixed the Canadian Rangers from outside the com-
munity with other Canadian Rangers, ensuring they
would feel at home. Rangers Brady Pallson from the
Gillam Patrol was mixed with Phil Rodgers of Lynn
Lake to form the team conducting the shelters stand.
Doug Holmes, Patrol Commander for Lynn Lake was
combined with Kevin Iles of Snow Lake to demon-
strate signals, while Trevor Beardy of Gillam was com-
bined with Colleen Hornyak of Snow Lake, to exhibit
the fire starting display. Rangers Gord Cann and
Randy Huff both of Snow Lake rounded out the teams
with their food
and water
show. The
stage was now
set for the arri-
val of our
“guests”!
Friday morn-
ing came much
too quickly, as
I rolled out of
my sleeping
bag at 0430. I
had to make
my way into
town to herald the arrival of the troops, and ensure
their lift was there to bring them out. As I walked out
of the tent, I saw what I believed to be ashes from the
prior evening’s tale telling session amongst the Rang-
ers, but a second glance made me realize that it was not
ashes. It was snowing again by goodness. A slow lazy
snow, but snow nonetheless. That should enhance the
BWST Candidates and Ranger Staff
I would also like to make you aware that the "National
Canadian Ranger Kitshop" is up and running and you
can purchase directly from the Kitshop through their web
page at www.joedrouin.com. While there is not a huge
amount of inventory at present, I have already made sug-
gestions for them to add more field equipment like; kit
bags, backpacks, knives, boots, canteens, thermos etc...
They would also like to hear your suggestions on what
you would like to see them carrying. It is your kitshop
and you should endeavour to ensure that it carries the
types of things you see yourself and your fellow CR’s
buying and using.
Until next time: "Don't never take a chance you don't
have to. – Standing Orders, Rogers Rangers – Major
Robert Rogers 1759
7
experience for the troops I thought, and made my way
over to roust the Patrol Commander who would ac-
company me into town. It snowed all the way into
Snow Lake, and when the bus pulled in 15 minutes
early, there was already a good 2 inches on the ground.
The troops were all young, and very enthusiastic.
“Might as well make it a winter survival” they joked,
as they were loaded into the vehicle taking them to
their destination.
As we headed out to Reed Lake, I mentioned that it
would stop snowing soon, it wouldn’t snow all day…it
was too warm. Well, maybe not too warm for the
snow to accumulate…and that it did. As the troops
went through the various stands that they would come
to depend on for their comfort and survival, the snow
continued to pile up.
The shelters stand personnel made the soldiers aware
of the amount of wood they would consume while
keeping warm in their shelters. It’s something you
have to keep at all day in order to get through the
night. Any time you’re out foraging, you have to take
a good armload of wood back to the shelter.
The signals stand had to clear the snow from their
ground signals in order to make the display visible for
the soldiers. An open fire ban prohibited starting any
fires not in an approved fire pit (read Natural Re-
sources approved metal fire grate), so an actual demon-
stration was not to be had, however, the Rangers did
get their point across.
The fire starting presentation had their work cut out for
them, yet they triumphed over the wet snow. Small “fire
pits” were dug in the sand, and the Rangers showed each
group how to effectively use their magnesium fire start-
ers, coupled with birch bark and witches hair.
Food and water had originally considered taking the
troops down to the low ground, and under large shade
trees to find any small amount’s of snow. However, the
current snowfall alleviated that concern. They turned
their attentions to the small game that was around for
them to eat. Rangers Cann and Huff showed them how to
spear the fish that could be found in the lakes and creeks
as well as how to clean and prepare them. They also had
a few squirrels and even a couple of ruffed grouse to use
in their demonstration. I know that all of the soldiers
were excited at the prospect of catching their own game
while out surviving on the land.
Soon enough the practical demonstrations were over, it
was time to put their newly acquired skills to the test.
None too soon either, the snow was wet, and the troops
were getting cold. They were all paired up, and of course
it was not with the fellow standing beside them. Being
with their friends would make it too easy. In no time they
were all whisked away to their homes away from home,
and all set about to get their shelters set up, and firewood
gathered. The still falling snow kept the skies a dark
gray, which helped the illusion of nightfall coming soon,
so haste was the word of the moment.
The snow continued right until dark, and then it faded
into the darkness. Our flashlights made us aware that it
was indeed still snowing, and on subsequent trips to the
now erected shelters, our headlights indicated that there
was no slowing the snowfall!
Morning brought a slow light, and it had snowed lightly
all night. The final tally of snowfall over the last 24 hours
Ranger Cann with the catch of the day
Lt Gamble warming up
8
would amount to 10”, and as is the tendency during the
spring, it was mostly a wet snow. During the days that
followed the troops had to collect more wood to dry
out their boots and gloves and clothes, but no one froze
off any body parts. Lt Gamble, from the Royal Winni-
peg Rifles, made it his personal mission to catch a
squirrel, or at least a grouse while he was on this
course; however it was not to be.
While it was not a 30 below Manitoba winter survival,
it was a wet snow, very uncomfortable Manitoba win-
ter survival, and the troops did so in style. From lavish
lean-to shelters to the common fallen tree shelter, the
troops made the best of their situations, and to a man
there was not a complaint about the conditions.
Before too long, the Canadian Rangers were going in
to extract the troops, and brought them all back to trade
stories with their friends. There were many, from the
moose that walked through someone’s camp,
(unmolested I might add) to the wolves that stalked
other survivalists. Amazingly, those wolves must have
had wings, as they never left a track!!
All in all, it was a very good experience. The soldiers
of 38 Brigade would have another important training
session to tuck into their resumes, and the Canadian
Rangers were more than happy to share their expertise.
Bravo Zulu to the troops from both the Camerons and
the Rifles for their positive attitudes all through a very
wet and cold experience. I would be remiss if I didn’t
thank the Canadian Rangers, who proudly took the
time from their work schedule, many using their holi-
days, to ensure the very best training was offered to the
soldiers of 38 Brigade.
On completion of our set up, the OFC were happy to
show us where we were to set up for the display. On
our arrival to the location the decision was made by
the Patrol Commander from Gillian, Darren Walker,
to adventure down the Mantario Trail to find a suit-
able location for the display. After an hour of walk-
ing we decided to move closer to the parking lot.
Thank God because we may well still be out there.
Upon our return to base camp we were informed that
the plan had changed from Plan A to Plan B, and by
the final meeting at 20:00 hrs the plan changed to the
enhance plan B, which was of course due to bad
weather.
There were 10 teams participating in GSAR training
from various communities throughout Manitoba. Our
representation for the Canadian Rangers were from
Snow Lake, Ron Scott, and Colleen Hornyak, and
from Lynn Lake Doug Holmes. Added to them were
two RCMP officers. The events took off on Saturday
morning at 09:00 hrs 11 Sept 10, with a variety of
stands; Low angle rope recovery, Helicopter indoctri-
nation/training, First Aid, GPS with Maps and Com-
pass, and the Ranger stand.
EX. G.S.A.R, WHITE SHELL
Manitoba Detachment
By WO R.J.C Corbin, CRI
As training continued for the Manitoba Detachment, I
was dispatched to the WhiteShell Provincial Park area
of Eastern Manitoba with a crew from Gilliam, Lynn
Lake, and Snow Lake for the annual GSAR training;
little did I know this was the last time that the Office of
the Fire Commissioner was going to run this type of
activity, in this format. This was an extremely promis-
ing adventure, with minor hiccups along the way, as
we got to the training area and we established our base
camp.
Ranger Darren Walker briefing one of the GSAR
Hey look, the smoke signals really work
9
With all teams coming through our display the crew
from Gilliam were put to the test with Survival Psychol-
ogy hosted by Darren Walker, Fire building by Ranger
Tony Loewen, Shelters by Ranger Chris Giles, Smoke
Signals by Ranger Trevor Beardy, and finally Food and
Water by Ranger Chad Hayes. As this was my first ex-
perience with the Gilliam crew I must mention that the
heckling was outstanding, no one was safe, including
myself. This was also true for the teams coming to the
stand, it made everyone feel at ease and therefore all in-
structions conducted by the team were extremely suc-
cessful.
One thing is for sure the Gillian crew definitely came
prepared, the SME were in the right place for explana-
tion and demonstration of their particular stand. It was
such a success that the OFC representative had to visit
the venue to experience what all the teams were talking
about, all participants were extremely impressed with the
Canadian Rangers display, a job well done by the
Gilliam crew.
As I was told by our participating individuals they found
the training extremely rewarding, with of course the
chopper rides being the best thing that day.
As for the future I was informed by the OFC, they are
looking at doing a travelling road exercise for next year.
With this type of format the communities will be able to
put more boots on the ground for GSAR, and I believe
that the first one will be in Snow Lake in the spring of
2011.
Yes it’s hard to believe it took Ranger Hayes most of
the day to create
BIO Cpl SA YANG
00298, RMS Clerk
Manitoba Detachment
Life’s a gamble. We
change, strive, evolve
and base our choices
around risk and
chance. When I joined
the Canadian Forces in
the fall of 2006, it was
a chance I was willing
to take. I really had not known what to expect,
though my intuition told me it would be difficult; or
rather, challenging. Not knowing was exciting and
only solidified my resolve to push myself further.
My parents used to frequent air-travel and I was
born on August 24, 1987 in sunny San Jose, Califor-
nia; though my childhood was spent balancing study
and play in the tropical city of Manila. Coming
from a family of tradition, my Chinese father had
always set the bar high. A standard of excellence,
as he would put it. My mother, who had survived
the blistering heat of the Philippines, was quite the
opposite. One could say that I grew up with the best
of both worlds; rules and discipline on one hand,
amusement and an outright carefree outlook of life
in the other.
My sisters have always been academically talented.
I, being the middle child of the three, drifted to-
wards the arts with a runaway imagination for writ-
ing. With four years of military experience I can
say that I truly love my job and although it is the
administrative aspect of the Reserve, it is filled with
all the excitement of paperwork and organizational
nightmares.
As with every trade in the Canadian Forces, my
trade is as time consuming as it is draining; both
physically and mentally. Though more so with the
latter. From the Signallers of Toronto to the Cana-
dian Rangers here in Winnipeg I can promise enjoy-
ment for all three years of my contract; and though
it has only been six months, I have the benefit of
working with the Rangers. Life’s a gamble, and
gambling requires some form of risk, life would be
incredibly dull otherwise.
10
BIO CPL A HALPERT
00298, RMS Clerk
Manitoba Detachment
I was born in Bucharest,
Romania in August of
1985. Shortly after I was
born, my family moved
to Israel where I grew up.
In 1995, my family
packed up and moved to
our new home in Canada.
Unaware of the cold con-
ditions and the fact that
snow loses its appeal
when you see it for more
then one week at a time
on a family vacation, my
family settled in Winni-
peg Manitoba where we still reside today.
After visiting a booth at my school, I decided to take a
leap and try a job that was both new and exciting. I en-
rolled in the Army Reserves with 735 Communication
Regiment as a Resource Management Support Clerk on
20 May 2003 while still in high school. I completed ba-
sic training that summer and since no one else had joined
the Army that summer, I returned to school for my final
year in the fall as the only student who had shot rifles,
thrown grenades, and gotten tear gassed that summer (at
least I hope I was the only one).
I continued my career in the Canadian Forces while at-
tending full time courses at the University of Manitoba
for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. My primary focus
was that of a full time student but I continued to parade
with the unit, completing taskings at the Communication
Reserve School in Shilo as well as my Qualification
Level 3 and 5 courses in Borden in the summer months.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in the
spring of 2010 and began looking for full-time jobs.
That is when I learned of a full time contract with 4 Ca-
nadian Rangers Patrol Group. I applied for the position
and have been working with the Manitoba detachment
since the start of August.
I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given and de-
spite not having been here long, the working environ-
ment and atmosphere promises for a bright future. In my
spare time I enjoy spending time with my family which
includes a three year old niece that I can barely keep up
with despite my Army training. I also enjoy just about
anything related to computers, movies, videogames and
Cpl Halpert –
A trained quiller
poker (only when I’m winning). I am excited to con-
tinue my career in the Forces with the Canadian Rang-
ers and hopefully build on my experience with the vast
knowledge available from the Rangers we support.
BIO CPL MF COUTTS
00168, Supply Tech
Manitoba Detachment
Born on 14 July 1987, I was
raised in Winnipeg along with
two older sisters and a dog. I
grew up in south St. Vital and
spent my childhood attending
Samuel Burland elementary
school and Glenlawn Colle-
giate. At age 6 I began play-
ing hockey and still play in
recreational leagues today.
When I am not on the ice my-
self I am watching the Toronto
Maple Leafs play on TV.
In 2005, after I graduated from high school, I decided to
join the army. I had always had an interest in the mili-
tary but also wanted to go to University. By joining the
reserves I was able to do both. My unit was flexible and
understood that school was a priority while it also pro-
vided me with the means to pay tuition. In 2009 I
graduated from the University of Manitoba with a BA in
film studies, while I minored in history.
My first experience with the Canadian Rangers was on
Exercise Northern Bison in Churchill, February 2010.
At the time I worked with 38 Brigade. My positive ex-
perience in Churchill largely influenced me to apply for
my current position. I started working for the Canadian
Rangers in April of 2010 as a full-time storesman at the
4 CRPG Manitoba Detachment Headquarters. My stint
with the Rangers so far has brought me on a visit to
Lynn Lake and I look forward to seeing more of the pa-
trols in the future.
11
EX SKOOKUMCHUCK
FROM MY PERSPECTIVE
BC Detachment
By WO Hryhoryshen
Well, it’s done…almost, now just the paper work to
complete and time to get ready for the next one. It all
started about five months ago when the DCO (Capt
Meades) had (mercifully) taken over the reins of BC
Det.
So, one day the staff is sitting around our big table in
our weekly coord meeting and the DCO is talking
about ideas he has about some “BIG” exercises. Any-
way as he was pontificating and looking at a map of
the province he went on to say…I want these 9 Patrols
to be exercised in “this” area [the entire west side of
BC] and I said to myself…”don’t make eye contact
with him… look away” as this was going to be a diffi-
cult one to do in the short period of time that he allot-
ted. As soon as that thought had drifted through my
sub-consciousness I unmistakably heard my name be-
ing mentioned to organize and run the show, then a
collective sigh of relief from the other Instructors as
they felt they had just dodged a bullet.
With assistance from many and WO Patterson stepping
up to the plate to help me, especially when I went to
CFB Kingston for a few weeks on course (Thanks
Chris), Ex Skookumchuck came to be.
First question always asked “what’s with the name ?”
It comes from the Chinook jargon that was once com-
monplace on the Western seaboard of North America
and was used as a trade language. I have come across
many of these words and phrases in my time working
and living on the coast and thought it would be inter-
esting, Skookum means something that is big, cool or
neat and chuck means water, so it means big water.
I had lots of ideas that due to time could not material-
ize so it came to be this. Bring Rangers from Stewart,
Port Clements, Sandspit, Massett, Bella Coola, Port
Simpson, Kitkatla, Smithers and Kitimat into one loca-
tion and run a GSAR exercise encompassing as many
other skills as possible. I had those that were going to
participate arrive at the Terrace Rod & Gun club. Pt
Clements, Sandspit along with Bella Coola arrived by
a chartered fixed wing aircraft that I had developed
into the plan with the help of our Op’s cell
(operations); it is approximately a 3 hr flight. All other
Patrols drove in on the Friday.
While this was happening I had four Signallers
(Communication Specialists) under the guidance of
WO Peeters with two vehicles pulling trailers (a one
way drive of over 1000 km’s) bringing a Quick Reac-
tion Terminal (QRT). They set up and manned a Com-
mand Post (CP) with RGR’s helping out where ever
they could for the duration of the exercise.
The events for this multi phase exercise unfolded like
this; on Friday those participating Patrols arrived at the
Terrace R&G club. As this was happening, Ptl Comd
Frank Read (Vanderhoof Patrol) with his 35’ twin die-
sel boat was sailing from Prince Rupert along with Ptl
Comd Jarl Sundve (Mackenzie), who incidentally is a
highly qualified ocean going Captain, were making
their way to a Marina in Kitimat for the next phases in
the operation.
That evening detailed Orders were issued by myself to
Ptl Comd Echo Shrum and Ptl 2i/c James Kester who
had been selected to lead the two separate GSAR tasks.
As well, all the other Rangers were present to see how
an Orders Group (O gp) was conducted and they got to
understand the complexity of the planning that all the
staff have to do in order to conduct multifaceted train-
ing like this.
With Orders given and questions asked the Rangers
divided up into their new teams. It was time for the
commanders to launch fully into their Battle Procedure
(BP) with other Ranger staff there to help mentor and
issue the required equipment that would take them in
two vastly different environments. After that all there
was for me to do was watch it unfold.
At approx 0300 hrs Saturday morning the team that
was to go in by boat left the CP for the 60 km trip to
the boat where they loaded up and departed for Gil
Island. There they would find three victims waiting to
be rescued. From the marina it would be approx a 6
hour sail down the Douglas channel.
The rest of the Rangers were up and packed early that
morning as I had turned the skeet range into a landing
zone (LZ) for the four helicopters that would support
us for the moves to Gil Island and Mt Kologet. The
helicopters were in place by 0730 hrs and the next 1.5
hrs was spent doing a safety briefing by the head pilot
and then individual trg by RGR’s doing various other
skill sets. By 0930 hrs three of the four machines lifted
off for the 200 km flight to the Bivouac site on Mt Ko-
loget. Soon after they left the fourth helicopter de-
parted with the three victims to Gil Island with MCpl
Routlege from the BC Det in charge of that part of the
task.
12
Within a few hours the second load of Rangers landed
on Mt Kologet and then preceded to navigate their way
to the crash site and begin their task. Deployed with
this large group were MWO Fozzard, WO Patterson
and a dismounted Signaller who set up High Frequency
(HF) communications back to the CP at the Range.
The team that went out by boat, led by Ptl Comd
Shrum, arrived at Gil Island [Gil Island was the Island
that the BC Ferry struck and sunk a few years back]
They completed the landing and began their portion of
the GSAR only to find they had to deal with a casualty
that was unable to walk. This was complicated by the
extreme terrain that had to traverse. While this was
going on the Auxiliary Coast Guard Unit (#63) from
Kitimat arrived to participate on the exercise and did
the shore extractions of the casualties and searches
back to the boat. Unit 63 added a great sense of real-
ism to that part of the exercise and helped out greatly in
the success of the training.
What happened during the Gil Island and Mt Kologet
parts of the exercise have been written about by RGR’s
that were on those teams and you can read about there
adventures in the next few articles.
After the RGR’s had left the CP and camp it quickly
became a quite spot and boredom set in with RGR’s
and the CP… or so they started to think. I did have a
helicopter come back and those GD and Signallers that
had to watch everyone but them doing trg, got to do it
themselves. Out for a quick flight and my signallers
got to train and do a hover exit. Later on they were
qualified on the .303 rifle and got to shoot a number of
practices. The GD by this time got to take a very much
needed break and catch up on sleep as they had been
busy doing there duties and standing shifts in the CP.
By noon time Sunday I had most of the deployed
RGR’s back in camp. There were LOT’s of smiles and
tired people about, just as I had promised. I conducted
an extensive debrief with all of them that was filmed
by the local news channel, we heard from all those in
charge of various tasks and the pilots. By 1600 hrs all
those RGR’s that had flown into Terrace were on the
plane headed home. Terrace Rod & Gun Club was
tidied up, all stores accounted for and by supper RGR’s
were on the way home.
Some of the points that were brought up during the
debrief.
• Rangers felt they did not get enough info in
regards to the Exercise. A detailed Warning
Order (Wng O) had been set out with enough
EXERCISE SKOOKUMCHUCK
BC Detachment
By Tim Rice
The lead up to this Exercise was different that any other I
have participated in. Previous Exercises had been laid
out in great detail, where as this one, very little info was
presented in Warning orders. There were some clues but
left much to the imagination. I found it added an element
of realism to the Exercise. Trying to keep the backpack
under 50 pounds not knowing if I was going to a moun-
tain top, out in the bush or on the Ocean.
Upon arriving at Terrace’s Rod and Gun Club it was not
long before we were called in for Orders. This step was
also done differently. Instead of just leadership, we were
all called in to have a chance at experiencing full Orders
in great detail. It was soon apparent to me that I was
headed down the channel with Section one made up of
Rangers from Bella Coola, Terrace and Kitimat Patrols,
Commanded by Stewart Patrol Commander Echo Shrum.
It was going to be a long transit down to our destination
of Gill Island, so reveille was 02:00hrs in the morning.
We were up and on our way by 03:00 hours to MK Ma-
rina in Kitimat to Rendezvous with Vanderhoof Patrol
Commander Frank Read and McKenzie Patrol Com-
mander Yarl.
We took no time at all to load our gear since we had been
given the orders of only one bag max 50 pounds. So
details to be prepared for probable missions
and equipment. The lesson learned: come pre-
pared - the details were in the Wng O.
• Communication issues with HF and SAT
phones. Lesson learned: before you leave base
camp know your msn and timings so you can
still act and carry out your tasks. Make sure
you are familiar with the equipment you are
using … bring the cheat cards & codes with
you.
• Not everything is going to be scripted, be pre-
pared to use your initiative, act accordantly,
make a decision and be bold.
I would like to thank all those that participated in the
trg from the Rangers that went out, the GD who make
so much happen behind to scenes, the Signallers and
BC Det staff.
VIGILANS
13
quick in fact we had to wait 30 minutes for it to lighten
up enough for safe travel down the channel. With the
trip to Gill Island estimated at around 6 hours we had
plenty of time to go over Orders and map in great de-
tail. Also time to enjoy views of a myriad of Ocean
life swimming by, from porpoises to whales. The
Scenery of the Douglas Channel is a real eye opener.
Cliffs, waterfalls, Estuaries and pristine forests that
were hard too look away from. The weather was great,
calm seas and no wind meant for a very comfortable
trip.
After arriving at Gill Island at 11:30hrs we embarked
aboard a small motorized Fiberglas boat. We were
tasked to perform a type two search for 3 individuals
that had parachuted from a stricken air craft. Ptrl Cmdr
Shrum had prepared the order of March, Terrace Sec
Cmdr Bentham as main Navigator with map, Compass
and GPS; backup navigation was Terrace Ranger
Turner with compass and GPS who was to keep track
of distance travelled into bush. Myself, Kitimat
Ranger Rice, given task of communications with Boat
and HQ, Rangers Keating and Ivanakis to flag outside
Boundary as we moved along grid line and remaining
Bella Coola Rangers Hansun and Loosemoore to form
in on the search line.
After studying the map in great detail on the way down
we were confident the terrain would not have much
elevation change. What you cannot determine on the
map and what becomes apparent very quickly is the
condition of the land we would be searching. The bush
was extremely thick so searchers five feet away at
times would be difficult to see. What has to be main-
tained is view of all terrain between searchers so that
no ground is left uncovered in search. I have practiced
this form of Search with Rangers before as most
Ranger’s have and with thick bush, it never gets easier.
Trying to maintain an even line moving through bush
is almost impossible. Ptrl Cmdr Shrum had to work
very hard keeping everyone together moving along the
grid line that was determined to be area of lost airmen.
After spending an hour searching, we were notified the
Kitimat Coast guard was now attending the search area
and was to begin a shore line search. After another
hour of extremely difficult searching, fighting terrain
every step of the way, we were notified that the Coast
Guard had found the three airmen. The three Airmen
were played by Mcpl Routlege and two Rangers that
had been Helicoptered in ahead of us.
We quickly formed up and moved back to the beach
and rendezvoused with the Coast Guard and the three
individuals playing the part of Lost Airman. Talking to
these individuals it was clear they had a tough go with
Terrain also, having to move through the same bush we
did but with their full pack on. Now that was a chal-
lenge I was glad to have dodged.
We wrapped up the search Ex by moving Kitimat
Ranger Derek, who was playing the role of uncon-
scious victim, onto a stretcher. The Coast guard then
moved Derek onto their Fast response vessel and deliv-
ered him to our vessel. The Coast Guard boat is proba-
bly the fasted moving boat in the North. Twin 200hp
outboards had their vessel moving at an impressive
pace. I am confident their response time is minutes
not hours in our area.
After the Ex we could only make it back as far as
Loretta Island about 2 hours out of Kitimat, where we
again moved ashore and set up a bivouac around a trap-
pers cabin. It was a great opportunity to get to know
the Newest RI MCpl Routledge, he had many stories of
his experience with the Forces. We look forward to
getting a chance to work with him again. The follow-
ing day was another very early start, reveille at 5am so
that we are loaded and moving at first light. We ar-
rived back to a warm welcome from the Ranger’s on
GD who transported us back to HQ at Terrace Rod and
Gun club. We got back in time to see the arrival of
Rangers who were tasked to the top of Mount Koleget.
Always impressive to see 3 helicopters coming in for-
mation.
We were brought in for a very detailed debrief. Again
always something learned at these debriefs, the good,
the bad and everything in between. I look at Skookum-
chuk as a excellent multi Patrol Ex that went off ex-
tremely well. There is so much work involved in these
Exercise’s that we never see but get to enjoy the bene-
fits of. It’s hats off and a great thank you to Warrant
Officer Dan Hryhoryshen, all other RI’s and Rangers
involved as GD in Operation Skookumchuk.
14
newly acquired team of Rangers.
After the orders were delivered we met with our exer-
cise leaders James Kester and Jason Vines for a quick
brief and review of the orders we had just listened to.
My first impression of the leadership abilities of these
two Rangers was good – fully aware of what our mis-
sion was and where it was, they both wanted to take
account of any kit short comings – very smart because
in that mountainous terrain a kit short coming could
easily turn that GSAR mission into a real casualty
evacuation. Very quickly Kester and Vines had gained
trust among this anxious but very willing bunch of
Rangers.
Our section files off into the tree line to our respective
shelters for the night as Kestor and Vines scramble to
re-write orders and correct any kit shortcomings… my
last thought as I drift off – I hope they get some sleep
tonight.
The morning flies by as we take down our shelters,
scarf down IMP’s and meet for orders. The orders are
cut short as the helicopters begin to arrive and the need
for the safety briefing takes priority.
My thoughts on the orders being cut short as we were
allowed to sit in on the reading of the orders the previ-
ous night, I felt we were ‘good to go’ in terms of info
we needed to safely get the mission completed. How-
ever the learning part of this was in gaining an aware-
ness that the learning curve for Rangers was steepest
when it came to writing and delivering a set of formal
orders in a military format. A necessary thing to learn
but at the end of the day the Commanding Rangers had
the confidence and local knowledge to push forward
using their staff and resources to get the mission com-
pleted despite not finishing the reading of the orders.
The safety brief was just that - brief. The next thing I
know we are in the helicopter and the Rangers below
are tiny red specs… the point of no return.
My gaze goes from straight down to straight ahead and
WOW! What amazing scenery, more than once did I
catch myself being a tourist/artist snapping photos and
firing questions like “What’s the name of that moun-
tain, can you see bears from up here, look at the color
of that river”… blah blah blah, over the radio to the
pilot. When I pulled myself together I balanced the
hour long flight time with sightseeing and entering the
Grid references we were given as waypoints on my
GPS.
As the first helicopter chock to arrive at the drop off
EXERCISE SKOOKUMCHUCK
BC Detachment
By Maryanne Wettlaufer
Exercise Skookumchuck – or for those of you who felt
like I did leaving home with less than 50lbs of kit for 3
days of mountain or coast unknown… call it exercise
‘Edge of Your Seat’!
When I received the warning orders for this exercise and
passed it on to my Patrol, I was a bit disappointed in the
response. Yes, I had the ‘normal’ work and family com-
mitment reasons cited for not being able to sign up – but
I also had Rangers turn it down because they felt they did
not have enough information to make a ‘comfortable’
decision to go.
The other side of that is maybe I just have a crazy blind-
ing thirst for adventure… a sense that there really is
nothing I wouldn’t want to try at least once. Good or
bad, I have gained the confidence that with each adven-
ture I add to my base of skills and knowledge and I will
take that into the next and the next.
Friday morning finally arrives; I have packed and re-
packed trying to get the most useful/versatile/weight ratio
I can carry in my kit. I follow the pilot out to the charter
plane as all the locals stare curiously at the fully clad
Ranger humping her kit out to the awaiting air limo ser-
vice.
The flight takes us down the coast over Bella Bella and
eventually into Bella Coola. PC Peter Grundman, a pilot
himself, points out the interesting approach due to the
low cloud cover which was later confirmed by the pilot.
For me, an artist, I thought we were getting a scenic tour
of the coastal area and I already felt like the trip had been
awesome, so really, we could return home… silly me.
All kidding aside, the Ranger in me was getting even
more excited about the exercise and the unknown adven-
ture of the next 36 hours. We arrived at the Terrace Rod
and Gun Club, the local Patrol members are busy getting
HQ set up for the exercise. The air is filled with tension
and anticipation that is coming from the Rangers and the
RI’s. We get our tents set up and filter back to the build-
ing anxiously wanting to get things started.
As the orders are delivered pens and pencils scratch fe-
verishly to jot down as much important detail as possible.
I watch the color drain from young James Kestor’s face
as he acknowledges his appointment as section com-
mander for the B36 Bomb site GSAR mission high atop
Mount Kologet. I catch his gaze as he glances around
the room; my sense was he is taking visual account of his
15
point we rallied with our kit and pulled out our maps
and GPS units to get oriented. We wanted to get a
sense of the task ahead as it related to the geography
we had just landed in. As we compared ‘notes’ Ptl
Commander Peter Grundman from Sandspit graciously
offered some key tips about GPS operation to Section
Commander Kester. It was a pleasure to watch as the
light went on for Kester during this exchange of skills
from a very experienced leader to a receptive younger
leader.
As we waited for the next helicopter chock to arrive I
teamed up with Kester to check out the grid reference
given in the orders for the proposed Biv. Site. Within
minutes Kester made a very confident informed deci-
sion to change the location of the Biv. Site based on
that short little recce. A great example of the dynamic
nature of this exercise, the orders were a guideline and
not etched in stone, or we would have been camped on
a very exposed rocky area.
The GSAR went very well with Kestor and Vines com-
municating clearly the intent of the mission and how it
was to be executed. Starting with a very formal Type 2
search we swept our way up the bowl toward the wreck
site. As we approached the crash site we were allowed
to branch off and do a bit of individual ‘treasure hunt-
ing’ using only camera and GPS waypoints to docu-
ment our findings.
While in the field within all stages of the exercise we
were reminded of personal safety regarding local wild-
life (lots of grizzly scat) and local terrain. We con-
formed to the buddy system and luckily had no serious
incidents. The largest of the local wildlife we experi-
enced was a curious porcupine.
After the GSAR was complete and we all had a chance
to sift through some wreckage we headed back down
to base camp where we rested and had a round of
IMP’s. Moral was great as everyone had a chance to
share bits about their findings in the wreckage.
As dusk approached about six Rangers including my-
self under the leadership of Kester headed out to do a
short recce of the area that was to be our alternate pick
up if we were to be weathered in overnight. The eve-
ning sunshine was spectacular as its warm long rays
cut through the cool evening casting light on the sur-
rounding mountains and valleys below. Once again I
drifted off into artist bliss surrounded by stunning
scenery and a dessert buffet of wild blueberries. Only
to be brought back to Ranger reality by the scene un-
folding just to my left. Ranger Kester had the maps out
along with his GPS and he was with great enthusiasm
sharing with Ranger Jason Gunderson the lesson that
Ptl Commander Peter Grundman had shared earlier
that day. They were acquiring a solid visual reference
of our proposed evacuation route if we happened to get
weathered in overnight. My thoughts on this – well
done Ranger who knows the wrath of Mother Nature…
plan ahead and this is exactly what he was doing.
Lucky for us the sky stayed clear with only a few
wispy clouds through the night and into the morning.
The moon had been so bright it lit up the entire valley
and the Night Picket barely needed flashlights. The
morning arrived crisp and cold and the thumping
blades of the approaching helicopters signaled the near
end of an exceptional exercise.
The helicopter ride back to HQ in Terrace was a
chance to savor the highlights of the Exercise… my
mind drifted as we flew into glacier bowls, past snow
capped mountain tops, over lava flows, it was hard to
imagine that this only started 36 hours ago – well for
us Rangers anyway… I do have a sense that for the RI
in charge of this Exercise it may have started a few
months earlier.
One of the most refreshing components of this exercise
was how the RI’s seemed to make a conscious effort to
let the Commanding Rangers drive the mission them-
selves. The instruction from the RI’s came as con-
structive ‘after the fact’ commentary, which helped us
all ponder what we did effectively and how we might
do better next time.
I hope that in returning to my patrol after this exercise
I will be able to convey through photos and dialogue
some of the lessons from this exercise. The biggest
one – don’t back away from a challenge because you
don’t know all the details. Get yourself ‘to the edge’
and get ready to push off. Be ready to accept challenge
because the very reason we train as Rangers is to help
us find a comfort level as we face unknown circum-
stance in real life.
BIO WO GORDON A CUTTING, CD, GCS Ranger Instructor
BC Detachment
I was born on 22 Oct 1972 and primarily raised in
Nanaimo, BC. I believe I grew up in a large family,
having one brother, one half sister, one half brother,
one stepsister, and one stepbrother. Moving around the
Nanaimo area I lived in rural, urban and inner-city
16
environments. I at-
tended public schools
including Woodbank
Elementary, North
Cedar Elementary,
Pemberton Secon-
dary, Barsby Secon-
dary, Five Acers
Secondary and
Nanaimo District
Secondary. My post
secondary education
consisted of classes
from Vancouver Island University and a fixed wing
pilot licence from Juan Air Commercial Aviation
School. My wife Debra and I have been together for
20 plus years now and we currently live in the Victoria
area.
I joined the reserves and specifically the infantry be-
cause I enjoyed being in cadets and the exposure that I
had from reserve members at the time was positive for
me. In my home town there were only two options and
I felt that if I wanted to do something different the in-
fantry would provide me with that opportunity.
I have been a member of The Canadian Scottish Regi-
ment(C Scot R) since joining their cadet corps in 1987
and have been tasked to work in many different units/
organizations over the years, these include; LDSH
(RC) as a Platoon 2IC on OP Podium, 39 CBG Brigade
Training Cadre as an instructor for all Vancouver Is-
land run courses as well as Op Peregrine, 3 PPCLI C
Coy (2RCR BG) TFA as a section commander, (ITAC
VI)Individual Training Assistance Coordinator for
Vancouver Island units, 1 PPCLI as a section com-
mander for Op Grizzly, CFRC as regional recruiter,
Western Area Training Centre as instructional staff,
CFOCS Chilliwack, MTD Nanaimo as support staff
and many more. I have been tasked to conduct collec-
tive training with the Canadian Naval Reserves, Engi-
neers, Armoured Squadron, Artillery battery, Commu-
nication Squadron, US Coast Guard, Air National
Guard and US Marine (FAST) Fleet Anti-Terrorism
and Security Team. I have taught on almost every
course that I am qualified. Some of which include:
Basic Trade Training (BTT) infantry, LFC Driver
wheeled course, Armoured Vehicle General Purpose
(AVGP) Driver course, Machine Gun Course, Infantry
Section Commander Course (ISCC), Basic Winter
Warfare course, Small Arms Trainer (SAT) Operator,
Basic Small arms Course (BSAC), Advanced Small
Arms Instructors Course (ASAIC), Post Traumatic In-
BIO MCPL ROUTLEDGE K.J
2IC Storesman
BC Detachment
My name is, Kirk
Jerrold Routledge.
I was born in Ed-
monton Alberta, 15
December 1969. I
was raised in a fam-
ily of four, consisting
of my parents, my
brother and my self,
I’m the oldest. My
younger Brother is
currently 35 years
old. I was raised in Sherwood Park an urban area, on the
out skirts, of Edmonton. Then I moved to a rural area of
the Okanagan out-side of Kelowna British Columbia.
The education that I received was public schooling. I
spent my first three years at Sherwood Park Elementary
School. The remainder of my school was completed in
Kelowna BC at Dorothy Walker Elementary; Okanagan
Mission Secondary; and my final year was at Northern
Institution Technology in Alberta, completing my sheet
metal course.
I received honours and trophies in hockey, rugby and
soccer. I have honours and trophies from 1979 to pre-
sent I’m still receiving honours trophies from various
aspects of my life.
In my civilian career I used to work for Caron Ashley in
Kelowna BC where I worked as a shipper and receiver
for an approximately six years. I am a sheet metal
worker by trade which I worked at for eleven years. My
job description included drawing the layouts and the
cident Peer Debriefing course, National Recruiting
course, SHARP, CHAP, Senior Leaders Course (SLC),
Infantry Platoon 2IC course, Light Urban Search and
Rescue course and Basic Mountain Operation’s.
My present military and civilian activities include snow-
boarding, scuba diving, mountain biking and unending
home renovations. The latter takes up most of my time
leaving little else as of late.
As for present and future aspirations, I wish to learn from
the Rangers about their communities and the challenges
that they face and in the future assist Ranger Patrols in
becoming the biggest and the best they can be, while
having fun doing it.
17
building projects with the use of a mig welder. My
main personal activities are being an assistant soccer
coach for my son’s soccer team.
The reason why I joined the Primary Reserves and
Regular Force was to get some guidance and discipline
in my life. The main circumstance leading to me join-
ing the Canadian Forces is that I am following the foot
steps of my family military history. It’s a family his-
tory that goes back to the Boer War. The first regiment
I served with was the British Columbian Dragoons. In
the Regiment I was tasked with armoured Troop Bsqn.
I was the Troop commander driver and took care of
communications; I was also recruiting NCO for the
Regiment.
The next Regiment I served with was 3 P.P.C.L.I., my
position was a rifleman in B Company and the OC
driver in an Itils and Grizzly AVGP. I was transferred
to recce platoon. The task to complete was to get in-
formation for battalion HQ, set up the beach heads and
the landing zone for helicopters. During this time I
also took advance winter warfare up north with the Ca-
nadian Rangers. Following my time with 3 P.P.C.I. I
transferred to the British Columbian Dragoons again.
From there I transferred to the Southern Alberta Light
Horse Regiment, Bsqn, where I became the Troop
leader driver. Then I transferred to 41 BG Battle
School in Edmonton. The driver training I have is;
MLVW, G-Wagon, Milcot, Coyote AVGP and Panel
Van. I have also completed my PLQ mods.
My personal activities are fly fishing, tying fly’s,
camping, golf, hockey, hunting, and cooking. I have a
13 year old son and am divorced. My future for the
military is going as far as it will take me. For life, take
it one day at a time and see what challenge will be in
front of.
MISSING BOATERS LOCATED ON NORTHERN
ISLAND - WOLLASTON
AB/SK Detachment
By CBC News
There was a happy end-
ing to a search for three
missing boaters in north-
ern Saskatchewan on
Friday.
On Tuesday, a 60-year-
old man took his two
grandsons, 12 and 13, out
on Wollaston Lake to
GRANDE CACHE DEATH RACE
AB/SK Detachment
By Rgr Selena
The 10th Anniversary of the Canadian Death Race has
come and gone and I had the pleasure of being a first
time participant. My friends and I decided to take on
the challenge of soloing and have spent the past year
and a half training. For those of you who don’t know,
the Death Race is 125 km in and around the area of
Grande Cache encompassing three mountains (Flood,
Grande and Hamel) and elevation changes totaling
17,000 feet. You have 24 hours to complete this task
with cut-off times which must be met for each of the
five legs.
Given the issues with running into wild life out on the
trails, it is very important to have people to train with
in taking on this type of lengthy training. On one par-
ticular outing last winter, my training partner and I
were snowshoeing out toward the A La Peche cabin
when a symphony of wolves began. It was both eerie
and beautiful, but I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to
be out there alone.
check fish nets north of George Island, near the mouth of
the Cochrane River.
The three were expected back Wednesday evening and
when they didn't return, a search was organized.
Members of the Wollaston Lake Canadian Rangers, a
military reserve unit, located the three missing boaters on
an island in the northern section of lake, just after noon
CST. The trio's predicament was caused by the break-
down of a boat motor.
Family members told CBC News Friday that Toby
Joseyounen, 60, was fishing with his 12-year-old grand-
son and the boy's 13-year-old cousin. Following the mo-
tor problem, they made their way to an island where they
were able to camp until they were rescued.
The 13-year-old's mother, Annie Joseyounen, said that
she was concerned, but confident Toby's experience
would keep them safe. "He's a person that's out on the
lake a lot and stuff," Joseyounen said. "But then this
morning when I woke up that's when I started thinking: I
hope I didn't lose my son forever."
She said the three of them had shelter, blankets and fish-
ing rods, so they were able to keep warm, dry and fed
until help arrived. Joseyounen said she has spoken to
Toby who told her they were all safe and sound.
18
CANADIAN DEATH RACE
AB/SK Detachment
By WO Mike Gilliard
First one may ask what the Canadian Death Race is and
why would someone want to take part in a race with such
a name.
This race takes place in and around the mountains of
Grande Cache , Alberta. The participants run, walk,
crawl and slide down the Mountainous terrain covering a
total of 125 Km (80Miles). This year two Rangers,
Selena Slavic and Tasha Opperman, from Grande Cache,
took part as soloists in the race.
Flood Mountain, Grande and Hamel are the three moun-
tains that are traversed, with a total elevation change of
Training during the
week was about an
hour or two a day
and a combination of
both cardio and
weight training. The
weekends were gen-
erally the time for
long distance train-
ing and we were out
anywhere from 4 to 7
hours on those days.
Unfortunately, I
ended up timing out
at the end of leg 3
this year as I missed the cut-off time by a few minutes.
On the positive, I look forward to taking on this chal-
lenge again as it is a fantastic experience and the camara-
derie out on the trails makes the grueling training regi-
men very worth while.
Flood Mountain
17,000 ft. The race is broken into 5 legs or one can run
solo. There were over 1400 entries, of these 400 were
soloists.
Leg one starts in Grande Cache, this 19 KM relatively
flat leg takes the average runner about 2 hrs to com-
plete. Although this leg is not very difficult there is
some degree of elevation change.
Leg Two, starts the uphill
climb. This leg approx 27
Km long, begins to chal-
lenge all runners. All ex-
cept for about 6 km of this
leg is uphill. The top, Flood
Mountain, has a nice view
of the lakes just below
Grande Cache. It is only
half the distance, now it is
time to go back down. Fol-
lowing a Mountain Goat
path, the runners walk, slip and slide their way through
and area called, “SLUGFEST.” Once through, it is
back uphill to the top of Grande and down the power
line back into town. Leg two is considered to be the
most technical leg, as it is the steepest, and most of it is
trail. Runners start to fall out on this leg, with sprains,
dislocations or just plain worn out.
Leg Three, about 17km, is again relatively flat, as it
follows mostly along the River. As a soloists this leg
is used as a sort of rest and gather strength for Leg
Four. More runners fall out on this leg, due to timing
out. Simply put, if you have not crossed the Leg Three
finish line by 1900 hrs, you time out. Unfortunately,
due to injuries and time, this is where Selena and Tasha
ended their quest, to be the first Official Canadian
Rangers to finish the Death race.
Now starts Leg Four. This 45Km leg is the toughest,
as most of it is uphill. The top of Mount Hamel, sits at
7000 Ft. The average runner takes about 8 hrs to com-
plete this leg. As darkness sets in, and you are alone
with the night and your fatigue, noises in the bushes
begin to have an adverse effect on your mind.
Leg Five, is a 23Km trek through beautiful Willmore
park. This leg offers the runner a quick rest as they get
a boat ride across the River. Once across, only 19
more Km’s to go to finish and claim bragging rights to
having completed the Death Race.
Of course any cross Country race such as this requires
a lot of volunteers. Manning aid stations, checkpoints
NOT YOUR AVERAGE CLERK
JTFW/LFWA Public Affairs
Edmonton, Alta.
BY Capt Christine Salt
Living on a diet of chicken, asparagus, broccoli and
rice for eight weeks. Working out three hours a day
and avoiding the temptations that can be found in all
social settings. Those sacrifices has led to a third place
finish for a CF member at the annual Alberta body-
building competition on June 26.
Sgt Jessica Roberts, a clerk with 4 Canadian Ranger
Patrol Group based at CFB Edmonton Detachment, has
been involved in competitive bodybuilding for about
five years now. “I don’t know why I got into it,” she
said, “I think it’s because I was single and was looking
for something to do.” She participated in the Alberta
Bodybuilding Association Provincial Championships
which were originated by bodybuilding enthusiasts
Donna and Brian Logue.
Sgt Roberts’ petite frame belies little of her muscular
physique when she’s wearing her CADPAT uniform or
a track suit. At 5’2”, she’s not very intimidating.
However, when she’s at the gym, wearing a sport top
and loose yoga pants, her defined abdominal muscles
and chiseled back turns heads. It helps that she has
only four percent body fat.
There are always a few people voicing their desire to
look like her, but she makes sure to set them straight.
“To get ready for a competition,” she explained, “I’ve
had to avoid dairy and wheat products and the only
water I drink is distilled. It’s not the healthiest
way to live.”
She may be fit for the sport, but she readily admits that
if she had to do a ruck-sack march tomorrow, she
would find it very difficult. It was these factors that
required her to seek permission from her chain of com-
Sgt Jessica Roberts
completes one of
her last workouts
four days prior to
competing in the
Alberta Bodybuild-
ing Association
Donna & Brian
Logue Provincial
Championships.
Photo by Capt
Christine Salt,
LFWA Public Af-
19
and of course casualty recovery. As part of this year’s
training plan for the AB/SK Det, approval was given for
Rangers to act as support to the Military and provide trail
watch.
For those of us on the ATV’s, we enjoyed some of the
most beautiful and challenging areas that ATV enthusi-
asts could hope for. Spending 24 hrs on the quads, cov-
ering 138 miles of trails, is what being a Ranger Instruc-
tor is all about.
We are already planning for next’s years race and chal-
lenging more Rangers to take part, either as soloists, as a
team of five or if we get enough interest, maybe both.
Rgr Chevier manning check point
mand before she started training for the 2010 body-
building championships.
Getting ready for a bodybuilding competition requires
an obscene amount of dedication. There’s food to be
measured, workouts to be planned and having to avoid
temptations present at birthdays, holidays, military so-
cials, mug-outs and backyard barbecues.
When Sgt Roberts first decided to try the sport she quit
before the competition. “When I asked myself, ‘Did I
quit because it was too hard?’ the answer was yes.” So
the next year, with a new determination, she got some-
one to help her with her diet, determined not to give
up.
Months later, covered in Pro-Tan and wearing a two-
piece bathing suit that is designed specifically for
bodybuilding competitions, Sgt Roberts took to the
stage in both the morning and evening shows. The
evening portion included a one-minute individual free-
style pose to music and a pose-down of the top five
finishers to vie for top spot. Not one to be a wall-
flower, Roberts quickly ran to the front of the stage to
take up the most noticeable position in front of the
judges - much to the crowd’s delight.
After the end of the competition, Sgt Roberts although
pleased with her performance, was unhappy with the
overall result. “I wouldn’t change a thing,” she replied
when asked if she would do anything differently. The
reaction from the crowd when her third-place finish
was called made it obvious that she was favored to
win. Her final words on the subject? She’ll be back
ready to come back next year. “I have to now.”
20
MOUNTAIN VIEW
AB/SK Detachment
by Ranger Preston
August 19 dawned with the light of a blood red moon
due to the 292 wildfires burning out of control through-
out British Columbia. The smoky haze in the air did
nothing to dampen the spirits or enthusiasm of the 18
Canadian Rangers gathered at Fireman’s Pit, a popular
recreation area in Grande Cache, Alberta. Members of
the Peace River and High Level Patrols came together
with the Grande Cache Patrol to learn, share and have
fun. It was to be 5 days of Alpine Familiarization
Training dubbed “Exercise Mountain Rope”.
Training sessions each evening helped prepare the par-
ticipants for the following days exercise. There were
reviews of various knots and anchors as well as dem-
onstrations of the many lines and methods of transport
that the Rangers would utilize during the week.
Day 1 was spent rappelling a short (15 metre) cliff face
where the instructors first demonstrated their skill and
compassion with copious amounts of patience and
Just dropping in
Sgt Jessica Roberts (second from right) and competitors
complete the compulsory poses as called by the judges. Sgt
Roberts was competing in the Lightweight category which
is capped at 114.5 lbs.
21
encouragement. The goal was to build confidence for
the many Rangers who went over the edge with trepi-
dation and to prepare them for the higher rappels
ahead.
The second day was not for the feint of heart as the
Rangers rappelled down a 45 metre vertical cliff face
from the peak of Sulphur gates. The splendour and
majesty of the Rockies was enjoyed by all especially in
the afternoon as the two instructors transported every-
one 45 metres across a high line over the Sulphur
River.
Despite the heavy rains on Sunday it was the favourite
day of many. A high line was strung across the top of
Twin Falls with a subsequent rappel down the side.
Much laughter could be heard as everyone huddled
together amongst the trees enjoying the daily lunch of
military rations and trying to outlast the weather. Alas,
the downpour continued so the group returned to base
camp to prepare for the final day of training.
A convoy of quads carried the Rangers, Instructors and
ample gear to the final training location on Monday.
There was many a sore back after a mock rescue
showed just how much effort was required to raise an
injured climber. More than one Ranger commented on
their growing respect for the search and rescue aspect
of our duties.
It was with melancholy and fatigue that the Rangers
convened on their temporary parade square to hear the
final words from the Sergeant. A Special Service
Medal was presented to Ranger Linnea Grenier before
everyone was dismissed to await the last of many
bountiful and delicious suppers.
The week was a phenomenal success with many new
skills learned and long time friendships forged. Whether
scrambling up a steep embankment for one more rappel
or relaxing with cocoa at the fireside, many memories
will be cherished by all who took part. See you next
year!
Rgr Jill Chubac -
just enjoying the
sights
Still going at 76...or
so...Rgr Hugh
Harrop
Rgr Darcy being a
dude
22
The next two days were spent in preparation for and
conducting the GSAR Ex. The scenario for the Search
was that a small plane with two pers had gone missing.
As we all know, part of the Rangers tasks could be to
guide the military into a remote area. Since Rangers
are to be familiar with the land around their commu-
nity, the Valleyview Patrol was given the task to pre-
pare and guide the soldiers along four different routes,
so route recce’s could be done. The Search area cov-
ered appox 250 sq km, so haste was needed to narrow
down the likely crash site
In keeping with our vision, the AB/SK Rangers exer-
cise with different scenario’s so that they are able to
plan for such a task. Four of the Patrol’s Leadership
Rangers were given a brief set of orders and left to plan
everything that a team of 8 pers would need to deploy
for 48 hrs. With a few minor hic-cups all was set, and
everyone headed out to the field camp area.
Sharing knowledge and expertise goes hand and hand
when working with other CF Units. With that in mind,
Cpl Murray of the LdSH, gave a class on how to build
a helipad. Of course with living in the Wilderness, the
Rangers had the opportunity to do some Basic Wilder-
ness Survival with the Soldiers.
Once everyone arrived, a new set of Orders given, the
Search for the plane and it’s passengers began. By
noon the Search area was narrowed down and the
Rangers moved in to provide casualty care, build a heli
-pad and search for the flight recorder.
Once all was secure and the casualties ready to be
loaded, the Ex ended. Everyone packed up and headed
back to Valleyview, where Ranger Don Gourlay was
fixing a fine feast. We are always amazed, that a man
with his years of experience is still able to outwork
Rgr’s get OP’s briefing
SPECIALTY TRAINING - VALLEYVIEW
AB/SK Detachment
By WO Mike Gilliard
This year the Valleyview Ranger Patrol played host to
the AB/SK Det Specialty training. Like last year the
skills offered were ATV Safety, Chainsaw Safety, Ob-
servation Post refresher, Bear Awareness, Shotgun
training, heli-pad construction and of course a GSAR
Ex.
As expected, Valleyview Patrol did a fine job in pre-
paring and hosting a total of 37 pers for this week’s
training. Rangers Greg Laureta and Rob Siverson from
the BC Det, Rangers Glen Osmond and David Wood
from the MB Det, 10 Soldiers from the Lord Strath-
cona’s Horse (Royal Canadians’ and another 21 Rang-
ers from this Det, along with staff would all enjoy the
fruits of their labor.
Rangers Ed McCarthy and Bill Evans were the instruc-
tors for the ATV safety. It was important to get as
much familiarization with the ATV’s as possible, so all
Rangers and Soldiers alike would be ready for the final
Ex. Of course only one day was not enough quading
for everyone, so another day was added, along with the
OP training.
The third day saw all pers involved go through the An-
nual Ranger Shoot. The bolt action, open sight, single
shot, really old .303 Lee Enfield rifle, proved to be a
whole new experience for some of the Soldiers. The
hi-light of the range day was of course, the shotgun
training. This included a little walk through “Jungle
Lane” engaging Bear targets and then a go at the sport
trap shooting.
23
many people. Many thanks and much appreciation go
out to Don for all he does for this Det and the Valleyview
Patrol.
Working with other CF Units, definitely has its rewards.
Already the Det is planning for added Survival training,
with the LDSH (RC). Our goal is to become so busy that
we have to say no to other Units when they come looking
to broaden their horizons and work with the Canadian
Rangers.
A LONG TIME COMING
CATCHING UP
By WO JD McNicol
It has been about a year since the last report from the
Patrols in Northern Alberta and Saskatchewan of 4
CRPG, so I’m finally back in the office to catch up on
some chores and this would be one of them.
First thing I will report is that there is a new Patrol in our
midst. In September of 2009 the Grande Cache JCR Pa-
trol was opened. With that being said on behalf of the
Commanding Officer and all of us here at 4 CRPG we
want to welcome you with us and we look forward to
working with you in the future.
Up to this point Grande Cache has been very busy. Not
only have they been busy doing their own thing with the
Programme on the whole but they have also participated
in a few key events. With just a few short months behind
them they joined up with a few other JCR’s and took the
Survival School course that is generally offered only to
Rangers, Reserve Force and Regular Force soldiers. This
course teaches the students how to survive in the bush
with limited supplies and resources. So for two nights
and three days in teams of two they had to build impro-
vised shelters, start and maintain a fire, snare small game
for food, keep water on and take care of each other dur-
ing this particular exercise. Did I mention that this was
run in February, at the height of the winter season? I
should pass on here that that they didn’t have much luck
in area of snaring food however at the start of the exer-
cise they did receive one IMP and a squirrel that was
snared prior to the exercise. Not everyone cooked up the
squirrel. However, if the event was one more day I have
no doubt that they would have been eaten. Let me tell
you that there were a few hungry JCR’s and Rangers at
the end of that exercise.
Grande Cache also hosted a joint exercise where JCR’s
came in from both the Pouce Coupe and Fort Vermilion
Patrols. All three Patrols helped in the maintenance of
an old camp just south of Grande Cache. They had to
repair an obstacle course, rebuild a firewall, build a fire
pit/BBQ and set up camp routine. They also participated
in both the Basic and Advanced ETS’s held in Cochrane
Alberta during the summer. All participants including a
very tired Adult Committee Member Jenny Bowers who
became fully immersed in the JCR Programme got home
safe and sound but a little on the tired side.
Junior Rangers Colton Norbert and Jeffrey
Musseau looking hungry and tired in the cold
JCR’s Tasha MacKinley (Running) and
Justine Campbell (Kissing Rubber)
Making their way through the obstacle course
24
They were also selected to participate in the parade at
Capital Days in Edmonton during the summer. They had
to assist with the construction of the Ranger/Junior
Ranger entry float. After a few hours of sorting out
what was going where on the float they got to work and
built it. I heard tell that one of the JCR’s wanted to take
home a Leopard Tank.
Different perspectives on the taste of
rations
Left to right – Patrol Leader MCPL
Derrick MacKinley
Junior Rangers cooking their Breakfast in a
Under the watchful eyes of Sgt Wiggins
The float didn’t take long to put together and arrived
just in time to wait for the parade to start. Fun was
had by all who attended and I want to pass on a job
well done by Sgt Wiggins to all who helped out.
Fort Vermilion has also been very busy these days.
Not only participating in both the Basic and Advanced
but they have helped out in building their own cabin in
the bush. Patrol Leader MCpl Andy Flooren has do-
nated the wood and expertise to build a cabin for the
JCR Patrol so that they have somewhere they can go
anytime of the year. Be it Quad trips in the warm
months or trips in the winter on snow machines.
Fort Vermilion also participated in the winter Survival
School held in Grande Cache during the cold month of
February.
Members of the Grande Cache JCR Patrol
posing on the float prior to the parade
JCR Patrol Leader MCpl Andy Flooren
posing in front of the donated JCR Cabin
(I said it needs more work, he said it was finished)
25
They have also done a dry run for a future exercise
where the JCR’s attending will have to complete vari-
ous tasks as a team in order to complete the challenge.
This future exercise will incorporate canoeing, hiking,
bannock making, fire starting, a mini Daisy Air Rifle
shoot, building of an improvised stretcher and a little bit of navigation with map and compass. Over the pe-
riod of a weekend the JCR’s completed all tasks put to
them and had a great time with it. This looks to be a
promising event that can lead to more in the future.
Junior Ranger Clint Cardinal with a hungry
look sitting warm with Junior Ranger Mark Simpson
(right)
Junior Ranger Nick Straeb (Left) having a chat with
Junior Ranger Jayden MacNeil. During a game of
Murder
When it
was all
complete
both the
JCR’s and
Adult com-
mittee were
tired but at
the same
time
excited to
throw the
challenge to
JCR Patrols that come up to Fort Vermilion on ex-
change.
Fort Chipewyan has had a busy couple of months
which included participation in the Survival School in
February 2010. Patrol Leader Henry Marcel brought 4
JCR’s with him to attend the training. JCR’s Matthew
Marcel, David (Junior) Powder, Randel (Lucas) Waq-
uan and Preston Castor had learned a lot from the in-
struction but mentioned that they lost some weight due
to a lack of food.
JCR’s setting off on the first leg of the Amazing Race
JCR’s making Bannock under the
Survival School participants (left – right)
JCR’s Matthew Marcel Lucas Waquan and
Patrol Leader MCpl Henry Marcel all looking a little
hungry during the 2 days without food
26
The Patrol also spent a weekend out at Shelter Point to
learn how to set some traps, learn some hand games do
some drumming and even spend an afternoon in the wa-
ter for a swim. In the future they plan on going out on a
moose hunt in September followed by a trip on snow ma-
chines in February to meet up with Fond Du Lac JCR’s
at Camsell Portage which is located about 4 hours north
east of Fort Chipewyan. It should be an exciting trip and
something to look forward to.
Fond Du Lac has been working away at things as well,
they spent a weekend in the winter to learn how to set
nets under the ice. After which they did a rely race that
started with putting on snowshoes and making a mad
dash to the rifle range to shoot a 22 cal rifle at a few tar-
gets out on the ice. After the race everyone settled down
Junior Rangers Rene and Peter Marcel
learning the fine art of snaring under the tutelage
of Ranger George (Sloan) Whiteknife
Junior Ranger Catherine Power-Castor
showing off her skills at making snares
to a great winter picnic with caribou ribs, baked pota-
toes and fresh fish. Over that same weekend they took
a day trip out to Richards Lake to visit an old cabin
that has been there since the 1800’s and spent some
time cruising the area for a fantastic trip and then back
to town to warm up.
During the summer some of the JCR’s attended the
Basic ETS that was held in Cochrane Alberta. I heard
they had a great time during that event as well. Plans
for the future include meeting Fort Chipewyan via
snow machine in the winter in Camsell Portage and
Patrol Leaders Albert and Rita Adam teaching
JCR’s how to set nets under the ice in winter
Winter Picnic. Caribou Ribs, fresh fish and baked
potatoes
27
GOLD FEVER!
AB/SK Detachment
by Rgr Jim Savory
One of the unique attributes of the Town of Grande
Cache is the “Passport To The Peaks Program”. Started
by local doctor Keith Darcel, it celebrates hiking in the
beautiful Rocky Mountains where the town rests on a pla-
teau at 4200 feet. There are 21 peaks that can be viewed
from town and they are all rated either Bronze, Silver, or
Gold; on each mountain top there is a mailbox with a
passport seal that hikers use to prove that they made it to
the peak. The bronze are the mountains close to town and
can be done in a day, the silver are higher and more chal-
lenging. The Gold are a challenge to get to, as well as to
summit. Less then a couple of dozen people have com-
pleted the program that has been running for many years.
The local Canadian Ranger patrol (4th CRPG) is challeng-
ing itself by having members attempt to complete the pro-
gram in the next two years.
Patrol commander Rick Drummond, 2IC Don Dyer, and
Rangers Mark MacFadden, Dominic LaCroix, Denis
Grenier, and Jim Savory spent August 7th -14th backpack-
ing and climbing three of the Gold Peaks. The log books
on the peaks reminded the rangers of the rarity of the
task; no one had made it to the peaks for over two years.
The challenge lay in the weight of the packs, the lack of
trails and need to bushwhack, as well as the great gains in
elevation. After a days hike in to establish a base camp,
three Golds were achieved in three days. The Rangers
then backpacked the camp to another location to strive for
a fourth peak. Alas, mountain weather that contained hail,
rain, thunder and lightning, deterred us from getting a
fourth peak. Savoring the memories of the beautiful al-
pine vistas and teamwork involved, the local rangers are
already planning for future expeditions to complete the
“Passport To The Peaks Program.”
they may even try doing a trip up north find some cari-
bou.
Overall the Patrols are making great headway and
keeping very busy which is what the programme is all
about and at this time I want to say thank you to all
those who assist and participate in making this pro-
gramme happen be they the Adult Committees, the
Rangers and the Junior Ranger. If it wasn’t for you it
wouldn’t be as successful as it is. Keep up the great
work and remember to have fun.
That’s all I have right now so take care and I look for-
ward to seeing all of you soon.
Remember - keep your stick on the ice.
Patrol Leader Cpl Albert Adam (left) and Junior
Ranger Allan Mercredi checking out the old cabins
on Richards Lake south of Fond Du Lac
28