The Snow Lake Canadian Ranger Patrol had the honour of officially kicking off the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group’s (CRPG) Western Spirit II Exercise on the morning of Jan. 19.
The previous evening, Snow Lake’s Adult and Junior Patrol, a number of 4th Canadian Officers, and a large contingent of family and friends gathered in Snow Lake’s Lawrie Marsh Hall to witness the commencement of the operation.
Deputy Commanding Officer of 4 CRPG Major Meades launched the exercise. He noted that the Western Spirit II Exercise is seen as an opportunity for the Canadian Rangers to practice and demonstrate the skills and aptitude they have acquired in meeting the sovereignty and domestic operations tasks of the force – to essentially showcase what they do.
Within the exercise, which will cross the four western provinces between January and September of 2015, patrols located in the four provinces will navigate individual legs in all terrain and weather conditions, using various modes of transportation.
A Pelican Case housing Regimental Coins and fitted with a GPS transponder will be carried and passed over at each exchange point between participating patrols.
The local group covering the initial portion consists of: Ron Scott, Kevin Isles, Kirk Melnick, Romeo Trudeau, Greg Foord and Eddie Snow.
“It will take two days to get to Takipy Lake [west of Burntwood Lake between Snow Lake and Pukatawagan],” said Patrol Commander Ron Scott. “We’ll meet Lynn Lake and Gillam Patrols there and do some training with them. They will take it up north.”
The progress of the exercise can be tracked online at the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Facebook page.
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