03/14/2023
Following will show up shortly in the Gunner publication. Pictures will be added - previously posted here.
2472 15 FD RCA
WINTER INDOCTRINATION TRAINING
MOUNT SEYMOUR
11 FEBRUARY 2023
On a cold and grey morning on Saturday the 11th of February, twelve cadets and three officers from 2472 15 Fd Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (2472 15 FD RCACC) accompanied by retired LCol Jim Barrett, former CO of 15 FD RCA and BCR (DCO) officer, as their winter expert, departed by school bus from the Bessborough Armoury. On arrival at Mount Seymour in North Vancouver, they disembarked to a cold and lightly snowing environment.
LCol (Ret’d) Jim Barrett briefs cadets on how to wear snowshoes
Prior to departure on hike.
Only two of the cadets had any prior experience with snowshoes, so training commenced on how-to put-on snowshoes and how to adjust them to your feet. Discussion also covered basic winter cold weather injuries and the importance of layering of clothing to preserve warmth and how to open your jackets when walking to avoid overheating and how to close up to preserve warmth when stopped.
Cadets and Capt Shawn Wade enjoying Subway lunches during Lunch break
Following their training and having been issued their lunch, the Cadet proceeded down the Dog Mountain Trail towards their objective near First Lake. The trail was well used and slow going when having to stop to let other groups of hikers pass, but a perfect area was found to stop for lunch. Along the way, cadets were shown points of interest and where to look for wildlife and to be aware of potential avalanche and falling branch risks. Discussion on what to bring with you on a hike to remain safe and the hours for safe hiking and when you have to decide to make your shelter improvised or not and how to use the base of a tree for an improvised shelter were covered.
Cadets enjoying a hillside perch for lunch closely watched by Capt Brendan L’Heureux
Lt Wade briefs cadets prior to return to RV at resort Capt (Ret’d) Gord Barrett, Lt Wade, and Capt L’Heureux enjoy the warmth of their Muskrat hats. Cadets in background awaiting the warmth of a bus ride home.
With lunch concluded, and a dropping of temperature, the group headed back to their RV point where a debriefing was held including discussion on radiotelephone Nets and communications as well as the importance of safe recreational hiking. As part of the Comms debriefing discussion turned to the importance of amateur radio, its importance in Rescue Operations and how training in amateur radio is a 2472 cadet originated programme with the support of the 15 FD Regimental Trust and HLCol Don Foster.
The Bus arrived on time, and everyone agreed that they had a fun day on the mountain. Our thanks to Capt Jiri Motak, Training Officer for organising the training, Lt Wade for his work ans doing a fine join as the Officer- in- Charge, Capt (R) Gord Barrett for picking up the rations and to LCol Jim Barrett for conducting the winter indoctrination training. We would be amiss if we didn’t not the laughter and general excitement of our adventure in the snow.
