Inside the Canadian military’s training for sub-Arctic warfare

Harsh Training in the Canadian Sub-Arctic: Preparing for Northern Sovereignty

The crack of gunfire echoed across a snow-covered sand quarry in northern Quebec, signaling the commencement of a rigorous winter warfare exercise. Approximately 40 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) troops, clad in white camouflage and equipped with snowshoes, advanced in formation, firing as they moved. At the far end of the quarry, seven soldiers, acting as the enemy, returned fire. This scenario, known as "Objective Gravel," is part of a broader nine-day training operation involving about 175 CAF members in and around the Cree community of Chisasibi. Located about 1,000 km north of Montreal on the eastern side of James Bay, Chisasibi presents a challenging environment for military training, with temperatures plummeting to -40°C at times. Lt. Patrick Langlois, a reservist with Montreal’s Black Watch regiment, emphasized the dangers of downtime in such extreme conditions, noting the risk of hypothermia if soldiers stop moving and their sweat freezes.

"Xerus Nordique": Enhancing Northern Readiness

The exercise, dubbed "Xerus Nordique," is part of a larger effort to prepare the CAF for operations in harsh northern conditions. This mission has become increasingly critical as Canada seeks to assert its sovereignty in the north. The training is conducted by members of the 34 Canadian Brigade Group, primarily reservists from Montreal-area regiments, under the command of Joint Task Force East (JTFE), responsible for Quebec. Lt. Col. Sébastien Campagna, the brigade group commander, highlighted the importance of being able to operate anywhere in the region, comparing training in Chisasibi to venturing into the wilderness, far from the comforts of a military base.

Challenges of Northern Training

Training in southern Quebec bases offers a very different experience from the unforgiving environment of Chisasibi. According to Lt. Col. Campagna, training on a base is akin to camping in your backyard, where support is readily available. However, in Chisasibi, soldiers must be self-reliant, as they cannot easily retrieve supplies or seek shelter. This exercise marked the first time in over a decade that troops have trained in the area, where the harsh conditions and unfamiliar terrain present unique challenges. The Canadian Rangers, an Indigenous reserve unit, played a crucial role in the exercise, providing not only protection with live ammunition but also valuable insights on enduring the cold.

Community Engagement and Recruitment

The training in Chisasibi also served as an opportunity for outreach and recruitment within the local community. Warrant Officer Carl Pépin visited schools to discuss the Rangers and Junior Rangers programs, highlighting the importance of engaging with Indigenous youth. Rangers Master Corporal Colin Pepabano, a participant in the exercise, shared his personal story of joining the Rangers after losing his mother last year. He expressed his satisfaction with the experience, finding it meaningful and fulfilling. Programs like these not only strengthen military readiness but also foster community ties and mutual understanding.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Northern Training

The success of "Xerus Nordique" has prompted plans to make such northern training exercises an annual event. Additionally, there are ambitions to conduct a larger division-level exercise in the region within the next few years, involving approximately 1,000 troops. This initiative reflects the CAF’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in the north, a region that is increasingly vital to Canada’s sovereignty and security. As climate change continues to reshape the northern landscape, the ability to operate effectively in such harsh conditions will remain a critical priority for the Canadian Armed Forces.

Conclusion: Strengthening Sovereignty Through Training

The "Xerus Nordique" exercise underscores the importance of preparing the CAF for operations in the sub-Arctic environment. By engaging in rigorous training in locations like Chisasibi, the military not only enhances its readiness but also strengthens ties with local communities. This dual focus on operational preparedness and community outreach ensures that the CAF remains a capable and compassionate force, ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century in the North.