MONTREAL, Quebec — The members of the Royal Canadian Hussars (RCH) surprised many people when they left their regiment to go on reconnaissance patrol this past January 28. The exercise, which was organized by the Montreal armoured unit, was not conducted at a military base, but rather unfolded across several towns in the Estrie.
Reservists practiced five different drill movements in reconnaissance patrols along the US border with Vermont. Throughout the exercise, the reservists had to demonstrate initiative and maintain vigilance because hostile forces and unforeseen situations were all around them.
"We've just discovered that the bridge is blocked. This is the type of information that you don't get from studying a map. But now, thanks to reconnaissance, we can let the rest of the troop know," explained Sergeant Barecki.
Although the exercise was taking place close to the Farnham military base, the military activity in the streets of their neighbourhoods made an impression on many of the citizens.
"The great advantage of conducting reconnaissance patrols outside the military bases is the varied terrain. We were faced with new situations, and we didn't have to take the same route several times a day," said Trooper Johnstone.
Thanks to guidance from the more experienced members, and the resolve of the new recruits, each RCH reconnaissance patrol managed to cover about 20 kilometers while performing the different movement drills.
Article and photos by Private Julie Turcotte
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