Oshawa regiment takes lead at national ‘armoured cavalry’ training military exercise in Petawawa

The days of Oshawa’s Ontario Regiment being a battle-tested force may have been 80 years ago during the World War II campaign to free Italy from German control, but the soldiers in the regiment today can still bring the fight when called upon.

The Ontario Regiment RCAC led a major Armoured Cavalry training event at Garrison Petawawa last month, where soldiers and units from across Ontario gathered to conduct simulated combat operations.

The focus of the event was the culmination of a specialized leadership program which saw 22 Canadian Army soldiers from across 4th Canadian Division (headquartered in Toronto) successfully complete their course during Camp Worthy from August 16-30.

“We were extremely proud to lead Camp Worthy this year, where leaders of tomorrow’s Armoured Cavalry were challenged and proven,” said Commanding Officer and exercise Director Lieutenant-Colonel Christian Caron. “Bringing this course into the Petawawa RTA under this training model provided excellent opportunities for our soldiers to test their leadership, mobility and adaptability in challenging conditions, while ensuring we’re ready to support overseas deployments.”

Activities included honing armoured cavalry tactics, techniques and procedures, participating in simulated combat operations in the dismounted role, vehicle-mounted live-fire and manoeuvring, armoured reconnaissance, and leadership training within realistic battlefield conditions.

The 22 graduates of the Canadian Army Rank Qualification Master Corporal course are now qualified vehicle Crew Commanders, where they will stand ready to lead detachments of soldiers in maneuver-based warfare. While these candidates were being assessed, other ranks got a chance to practice vehicle operations, weapons drills and communications in a high-pressure environment.

All Canadian Army members train regularly and maintain specialized qualifications and proficiency in safe and effective weapons use and vehicle operations. Camp Worthy was an extended period of training where soldiers constantly practiced discipline, safety, and effectiveness on various vehicles and dismounted on foot.

“The training areas here in Petawawa are excellent for this type of training. It was the perfect location for preparing our members for future operations in difficult environments,” said Operations Officer Lieutenant Jason Hickman, who praised the Petawawa community for their hospitality during the camp.

The Ontario Regiment is a unit under 33 Canadian Brigade Group and served as the Lead Mounting Unit for this year’s training event at Camp Worthy, a key proving ground for generating and developing future leaders for Canadian Army Armoured Cavalry units of the 4th Canadian Division.