Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 2022
It felt like yesterday that members from 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) were returning from various deployments. Unlike previous High Readiness Cycles, the brigade didn’t get the typical rest year to recuperate before heading into their training phase.
By the end of 2021, nearly 1500 members had returned from three theatres of operation, while others found themselves on the front line providing support to care facilities and hospitals as part of Task Force PRESIDIO or deployed as part of the Immediate Reaction Unit.
To say the brigade was busy is an understatement. By early 2022, we found ourselves preparing to deploy to Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta to participate in the CA’s largest, most complex training exercise, Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE 2022 (Ex MR 22). Approximately 1600 members headed out the door once more.
We are no stranger to Ex MR as we participate every three years. A rotation we share with 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group based in Edmonton and 5e Groupe-brigade mécanisé du Canada based in Valcartier.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the brigade’s ability to participate. In 2020, the exercise was cancelled due to the rising health concerns over the pandemic - making 2017 the last time 2 CMBG was in Wainwright.
There were a few cobwebs to shake out after a five-year gap, but the brigade tackled the challenges head-on. We successfully deployed a large portion of our forces across four provinces, or six for members of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR) and the Royal Canadian Dragoons’ C Squadron based in Gagetown, New Brunswick.
From May 10 to 22, 2022, soldiers from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (1 RCR) and members from 2 RCR formed the Primary Training Audience with a common goal of forming a strong, effective Battle Group capable of defeating a near-peer enemy.
Both units had to go through a series of challenges to test soldiers and leadership alike. The units’ manoeuvered through defensive and offensive positions. They had to dig positions, send out reconnaissance elements, plan battles, and engage in firefights.
Most importantly, they had to coordinate their efforts and request support from a handful of units and international allies: the American Armed Forces and the British Armed Forces. It was an excellent opportunity for everyone to work together.
All eyes were on 1 RCR and 2 RCR as they worked toward completing their validation process, an essential step in the CA’s Managed Readiness Plan.
However, we can’t forget all the work accomplished in the background; supporting the exercise and real-time planning. It takes an entire brigade to support an exercise of this magnitude. 2 Service Battalion supported with camp services, field kitchens and maintenance capability, 2 Signals Squadron supported with radio and network connectivity, and 2 Field Ambulance ran the Brigade Medical Station and ensured health protocols were in place for potential COVID outbreaks.
The Royal Canadian Dragoon’s C Squadron, the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery and 2 Combat Engineer Regiment also had a significant role in supporting both 1 RCR and 2 RCR. Let’s not forget the external support received from multiple Reserve units and Royal Canadian Air Force.
To all those who participated and supported 2 CMBG through this training phase, we are deeply grateful and look forward to the next Ex MR.
Ex MR 22 validates the skills of CA deployable forces for contingency operations and tests the ability to integrate joint capabilities with multi-national forces. This exercise provides a unique opportunity to validate combat readiness and support the CA’s operational commitments. As of July 1st, 2022, 2 CMBG will be entering its CONTINGENCY phase and will be at high readiness to respond to unplanned operations at home and abroad.
Click on an image to enlarge. Photos by Corporal Melissa Gloude, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician.
