Members of Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment Training In Picton
Members of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment spent the weekend training recently in Picton County.Reservists from the three garrisons including Belleville, Peterborough and Cobourg took part in the exercise.Lieutenant Colonel Chris Comeau is the Commanding Officer of the Regiment said approximately 100 reservists were training at the Loch Sloy Business Park (Picton Airport) which was formerly Camp Picton.Loch Sloy Business Park was built in 1940 as part of the British Commonwealth air training plan where many young men trained as combat pilots. In 1969 the Department of Defence sold the property.While the soldiers were taking a break from their training before the night exercise, Today’s Northumberland had the chance to speak with them about the benefits of the reserves including training locally.“It’s closer to our garrisons and that way it’s more accessible to our soldiers who have full-time careers elsewhere.”Training from Friday to Sunday consisted of learning how to perform attacks with eight soldiers (which is a section size) using simmunition which is essentially paint-ball rounds for the weapons.Lockhead Martin automated targetry was used to replicate targets in the field. Comeau explained as the target is hit, the terminal effects of the simmunition make the target go down.“As a result we are doing critically important small unit tactics, techniques and procedures.”Soldiers also trained through the night using night vision and laser technology for the targets.“Through their night vision goggles they will be able to see where their laser is pointing. That is used to enable to accurately engage targets where the visual eye could not pick up target.”Comeau was with the regular forces for 28-years said the reserves are “critically important to the Canadian Armed Forces.”“I’ve got many deployments under my belt and each one them, particularly my four to Afghanistan would not have been possible without upwards of 25% of our contingents being reservists from across the country.”“Reserves are the critical, connective tissue between the Canadian Armed Forces, the Federal Government and smaller towns and cities that don’t have a permanent regular force presence.”Comeau said The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment are proud to be in six counties including Northumberland.“We always will pursue trying to be a household name in those six counties.”Master Corporal Matt Forget has been with the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment for 18 years since he graduated from St. Mary Secondary School in Cobourg.Forget said he considered joining the military after graduating, but became a Durham Regional Police officer who is currently assigned to the Tactical Support Unit.“A lot of these guys are very high speed, especially working together as a section,” said Forget.“It’s phenomenal what these guys can do.”Brad Hodgins has been in the military since 1997 starting his career with a reserve unit in London, Ontario, then joining the regular infantry unit with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry for nine years serving one tour in Bosnia and two tours of Afghanistan.Hodgins got out from PPCLI when was hired at Ontario Power Generation and after moving to Port Hope he joined the Hasty P’s.“I think it’s great,” said Hodgins about the reserve unit.“The reserves give you a chance to do military training while you can still have a civilian life and job.”For anyone who may be interested in a military career, Hodgins said the reserves are a great way to begin.“If you’re interested in a full-time career in the army this is a good way to test it out without making that full-time commitment. Even if you’re not looking for a full-time commitment, this is just a good way to build skills, discipline, work on team work and have that type of training you’re not going to get anyway else.”The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment trains every Thursday night and one weekend a month.For more information e-mail Hast.Per.Recruiting@forces.gc.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love