NORFORCE heads into Canadian wilderness
North-West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) soldiers are preparing for a unique international deployment that will see them travel halfway around the world to train alongside the Canadian Rangers in some of North America’s most remote wilderness.
The contingent of 10 personnel is taking part in Exercise Northern Lights, a biennial exchange between NORFORCE and the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4CRPG) that strengthens the longstanding defence relationship between Australia and Canada.
Over the coming weeks, soldiers will travel through Alberta and British Columbia, undertaking wilderness survival training, remote area patrols, mobility activities and cultural exchanges with their Canadian counterparts.
While NORFORCE personnel are no strangers to working in isolated environments across northern Australia, the Canadian wilderness promises a very different challenge.
Kimberley Squadron’s Cpl Jacqueline Knight, who is deploying with the contingent, said the opportunity was a career highlight.
“Training with the Canadian Ranger patrol group is a chance to experience a completely different environment and learn from people who operate in some of the most remote parts of Canada,” Cpl Knight said.
“Most of us are used to the heat, terrain and distances of northern Australia, so being able to compare that with the Canadian experience will be something special.
“It’s an opportunity to develop new skills, challenge ourselves, see how 4CRPG conduct community engagement and bring those lessons back to NORFORCE.”
'Most of us are used to the heat, terrain and distances of northern Australia, so being able to compare that with the Canadian experience will be something special.'
CO NORFORCE Lt-Col McLeod Wood said the exercise showcased the value of international military partnerships.
“NORFORCE and 4CRPG have a great deal in common, and this relationship dates back to 2011,” Lt-Col Wood said.
“Both organisations operate across vast and remote regions, conducting wide area surveillance, working closely with local communities, and maintain capabilities that are uniquely suited to challenging environments.
“Exercise Northern Lights provides an opportunity to strengthen those relationships while sharing knowledge and experience.”
The exercise also forms part of a broader effort to build interoperability and strengthen relationships with trusted international partners.
Cmdr 2 Div Maj-Gen Matt Burr said the deployment demonstrated the professionalism and adaptability of Army personnel.
“Exercises like Northern Lights expose our soldiers to new environments, new ways of operating and new perspectives,” Maj-Gen Burr said.
“The experience gained through international exchanges helps build a more capable, adaptable and resilient Army.
“Just as importantly, these activities strengthen the enduring relationships that exist between Australia and our partners.”
For all of the deploying soldiers, hailing from remote parts of both Western Australia and the Northern Territory, the exercise will be their first experience operating in such unfamiliar terrain, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
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