Kandahar via Texas

A Battle Group of some 2, 300 troops from Valcartier, PQ have been training for Afghanistan at Fort Bliss, Texas this past February. This provided an opportunity to train in an environment similar to the one in Kandahar, in terms of both terrain and climate.

At Fort Bliss, Canadians have access to facilities that enable them to train for platoon and combat team operations. The location is also ideal for live fire training.

Training is based on the realities of in-theatre operations. Opposing forces use the tactics and techniques employed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. The soldiers taking part get a real taste of the feeling of fighting in-theatre, a critical first step in their preparation for deployment.

Combat units participating in the training in Texas include artillery, armour, infantry and combat engineers. – The Maple Leaf-Feb 14/07

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