EX Stalwart Guardian

[devil39]

I have always found that the problem with LFWA is that the summer concentrations are in no way synchronized with the summer Reserve training.

One benefit of having a summer "Area" concentration is that the Area Commander can ensure the required synchronization occurs.   Summer courses end in the first two weeks of August, the summer concentration begins shortly after.   All instructors and students are available, in fact I believe they are almost obliged to participate in summer concentration as part of their summer employment contract.   This is why LFCA is able to see upwards of 2500 to 3500 troops on a summer concentration.   It is these numbers that make the concentrations worthwhile.   That is many Section, Platoon and Company commanders who receive valuable experience.   In fact even Res Battalion commanders are able to command 700 (+) soldiers.   Certainly not a common occurence in LFWA Res Brigade organized training.   That is a lot of troops who get to experience some consistent, structured and hopefully interesting training.

I do not believe there is coordination and synchronization like this in LFWA (where I have spent most of my career).

When you have an Area level concentration it becomes an area priority, and therefore taskings of pers and equipment are more easily sourced.

Area concentrations need not exercise the Brigade Comd of the temporary reserve brigade pulled together for the Area concentration.   Training is generally capped at level III or level IV, however it may be placed in Bn context.   Having attended concentrations in LFCA and LFWA, I would say that the LFCA concentrations are superior by virtue of the sheer numbers of participants and organization.

 

[caroline65]

You might be surprised to know that I agree with much of what you have said. OK--now--what should we do about it? Cheers.

Sir,

It's nice to see someone up there is listening! lol

MCpl C

 

[Jarnhamar]

It's nice to see someone up there is listening! lol

I think you'd be surprised at how many people "up there" are listening and watching what is said here.

Soldiers who don't keep that in consideration when posting sometimes learn it the hard way.

 

[PuckChaser]

If any of you happen to stumble upon the EW TP Rad det, I'll be the one pointing a rifle in your general direction, asking if you're lost.  >

 

[pbi]

Ghost said:

"Soldiers who don't keep that in consideration when posting sometimes learn it the hard way."

I doubt this is much of a danger here. And anyway, even if "they" were "spying" (on the Internet???), as long as nobody violates the National Secrets Act, urges sedition or mutiny, or slanders people, what's the problem? Don't forget, this is the Army that has Cpls presenting their paper on improving the Army to the CLS and his Generals (Cpl Gomm works in our HQ...). Some people don't like what he and Cpl Moran said, some do, but nobody said "shut up you stupid grunt Cpls who the hell do you think you are..." I think we're past that.

In my opinion, this forum is a truly excellent one and some senior people would do well to heed some of its comments. On the other hand, I believe that those of us with a bit more TI or rank can sometimes offer viewpoints or perspectives that other folks would not have. It has to be give and take.

I really hope that Ghost's comment doesn't chill the great communication that is happening here, for all ranks, all levels of TI, mil/civ, Reg/Res. We need this site. Cheers.

 

[Jarnhamar]

Sir I PMed you regarding where my comments were stemming from.

I don't intend to scare people away or chill any type of communication we have here. Hijacking the thread a little here, we have a great site where a civilian or young private recruit can cut through the red tape so to speak and talk to an experienced corporal, career sergeant, platoon commander or a LCol. Thats a pretty amazing feat in my opinion. Ask a question and get a real honest answer.

I should have been more specific with my previous comment. I only intended to point out soldiers need to use common sense when posting and can be held accountable for what they say where as a civilian much less so.

I have no doubt in my mind if i were to go in detail how the rules of engagement work I would be in hot water over it.   Likewise if i were to verbally attack my commanding officer or another soldier using names, regardless of my name ghost778 the corporal behind the name would hear about it. Soldiers who have worked with the JTF and given a direct order NOT to discus the training/what happened might take some flak if they shrug their shoulders and talk about it anyways citing "whos gonna know?"

I'm all for having an anonymous site, that way little guys can voice and share their opinions without fear of reprisal. (IE my comments on how the reserve end of the summer training meal plans always seem to get screwed up)

I just intended to point out people should make their comments professional,  regardless if they are positive or negative.   If your putting down a peer, commander or book author, there is a chance they might read your post so make sure whatever you say is the truth. I feel sometimes it doesn't hurt to remind people, I know i've had to be reminded a few times myself and have had some posts edited.

 

[pbi]

Ghost: Roger that. Cheers.

 

[PuckChaser]

Got stuck in the CANIC CP, near EXCON. Not as tactical as I would have liked, but the medics beside us sure tried hard. Pretty good EX from what I saw (and heard, nothing like arty followed by MG clatter at 0730). How was the EX for you Infantry boys?

 

[Spanky]

I've been to great number of Milcons. CACs, etc.  This was one of the best!

 

[Sh0rtbUs]

1 troop Recce with the Rangers, Griffon inserts, amphibious joys and lots of convoy escorts and lots of hours as century and picket. I will definately be returning for next year. The blocking ops was a little too simulated though. Im aware it was a range, and safety was first but the target systems were far too artificial. Overall, good fire show though.

 

[Bomber]

I was on the ex, and other than it being on a larger scale, being part of a regiment, and having a pants load of ammo, it just seemed to me to be a 6 day weekend ex.  I was really hoping to work a little bit with the rest of the Arms, as far as I know, our FOO parties were off with the infantry batallions, but that did nothing to me as a gunner in the rear.  We had a direct range where my troop was placed in a hole, forcing us to engage indirectly, after we had fired off the ammo, we "covered our bubbles" and ran up to trenches, where we engaged the pop up fellas from Lockheed Martin, or wherever.  It would have been nice, and safe to have a company of infantry firing from the other troop into these targets.  I also only say about 6 Log types for the whole ex, I am not blaming anyone, but does a service battalion really service anyone or just live in Mods?  The ammo truck drivers were worked pretty hard for the ex, but it would have been nice to see a flying kitchen, or maybe something to come by and blast us with water to act as a shower.  I also noticed that the people enforcing the "ABSOLUTELY NO TIM HORTENS" rule were doing some serious investigation on just what a Timmies cup looks, smells, and tastes like.  Just some of my observations, also one last one, the new militia truck "Milcots/Milverado, or Muskrat" whatever you want to call it, still must follow the SMP vehicle speed guidelines.  The last thing the Army needs is a tired driver, that got 4 hours of sleep at the end of a week long ex, drifting off to sleep while travelling at 150kph back to TO or Ottawa, kill a troop, write off a truck, kill a family.  Please remember this when you realize the truck does over 80.  Everyone can go on about "co drivers" and lots of coffee, but hey, fatigue can hit you in the nice warm cab with a big diesel hummin along and maybe a donut or a McD's burger in your gut, it only takes a second.  I only mention this cause I was passed in my gun tractor by two of these doing at least 130kph and the last one looked really shaky as it tried to pull back into the lane in front of us.

 

[PPCLI Guy]

Yes Caroline65 (Dave B?), it is me - and I am no longer G3 LFCA (Hurrah!), as I am doing my BMASc full time.

The Ex was, from my prespective as Ex Dir, a complete success.  We had 3800 soldiers on ex (up from 2400 last year), conducted challenging and professional training, and no one got seriously injured.  The bar was significantly raised in terms of training, and the Primary Training Audience was up to the challenge.

I will engage later on the topic of large collective training FTX, and Comd LFCA has tasked me to write a few articles...

Dave

 

[Pikache]

When I get my normal computer back, I'll be writing a few more words but in short, it was better than last year.

I wish it was more of a fluid week long ex with complete scenario and etc, because despite being told there were no 'stands', it kinda felt like it as all activities done were disjointed in regards to other activities. (kinda in lines to 'day 1, take Granovian town of Bushwah. day 2, chase retreating Granovians, day 3, block Granovian reinforcements, etc)

I thought some things were really... odd like the water crossing which my ball sacks thanked the heavens for not doing it in oh dark 30 and did it midday but it was interesting nonetheless.

There were enough ammo to go around and I was surprised to see TP RAP rounds for Carl G available along with some M72s. Next year, how about some 60mm mortar rounds?

 

[Spanky]

The water crossing for our recce sqn was interesting.  It was 0 dark 30.  We went in the motorized canoes until we were about 700 metres from the beach.  We then transferred from the canoes to assault boats for the final approach.  Interesting!