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Canadian
soldiers patrol the water during Ex HMCS Discovery.
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Cpl
Peter Ivey, 1CSU, with Canadian soldiers during his exchange
tour.
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Photos
provided by Cpl Peter Ivey, 1CSU
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Australian
exchange soldier looks at Canadian counter-terror training
Canada preps
for terror
A
COMBINED Canadian Navy and Army exercise received a touch of Aussie
Army experience when Cpl Peter Ivey from 1CSU joined members of
744 Communications Regiment in Edmonton, Canada, for Exercise
HMCS Discovery.
The scenario saw a politically motivated group trying to bring
harm to a small European team during the 2010 Winter Olympics,
with a response team relocating them to a remote harbour location
not accessible by road.
The Navy base, HMCS Discovery, supported by elements of the Seaforth
Highlanders (Infantry), and 744 Comms Regt, were tasked with the
defence of the athletes.
Cpl Ivey said OPs were set out on the outlying islands, and a
maritime exclusion zone put in place; offensive and defensive
patrols mounted to prevent terrorist attacks.
“The exercise culminated in the terrorists using a captured and
retrofitted Navy training vessel in an attempt to run the naval
blockade and get close enough to shore to bring its armament to
bear on the athlete’s refuge,” he said.
“Meanwhile the infantry were dealing with terrorist divers and
small groups that had hiked into the area.
“744’s role was primarily to co-ordinate the communications between
the Army and the Navy.
“However, with IEDs being found near the headquarters, terrorist
divers surfacing at close proximity and suicide boats gunning
for the docks we were well in the thick of things.”
Cpl Ivey said he found working with the Canadians a rewarding
experience. “It has been interesting to come to grips with new
ideas and doctrine,” he said.
“It was interesting to see the section level tactics which encompasses
large scale open battles with trench assaults.
“I have learnt a lot and look forward to passing on what I have
learnt when I return to Australia.
“This exchange program is a fantastic opportunity for reserve
soldiers to continue their training while travelling abroad.
“It is something which most don’t know is possible and helps retain
skilled soldiers who are looking to travel overseas on working
holidays.
“The only other options would be to become inactive or leave the
service.”
