Canadian Army Reserve soldiers from 4th Canadian Division’s 31 Canadian Brigade Group deployed to the Ottawa region in support of Operation LENTUS on April 27, 2019. Photo: Sub-Lieutenant Andrew McLaughlin, Public Affairs Officer, 31 Canadian Brigade Group LX004-2019-0005-001Canadian Army Reserve soldiers from 4th Canadian Division’s 31 Canadian Brigade Group deployed to the Ottawa region in support of Operation LENTUS on April 27, 2019. Photo: Sub-Lieutenant Andrew McLaughlin, Public Affairs Officer, 31 Canadian Brigade Group LX004-2019-0005-001
London

Army exercise turns into real emergency response mission

What started as a training exercise for members of the Armed Forces in Southwestern Ontario has turned into a real emergency response mission.

Hundreds of Army Reserve soldiers from 31 Canadian Brigade Group (31 CBG), were in the middle of conducting exercise “Arrowhead Response” when many of them got called to action to assist local authorities in the Ottawa region to help with flood relief.

"Exercise Arrowhead Response...was only meant to practice the planning and execution of domestic support operations during crises like natural disasters or industrial accidents," The Canadian Armed Forces said in a release. "But, a call for help from flood-ravaged communities has diverted many of the soldiers taking part in the training exercise to do the real thing."

The response exercise was scheduled from April 26-29 in Chatham-Kent, Hanover, and Woodstock. Now, many of the soldiers taking part will deploy from London and head to impacted communities currently dealing with rising water levels in the nation's capital. According to the Weather Network, a state of emergency was declared in Ottawa this week based on the prediction that water levels could rise to historic levels.

“Having our soldiers from various units across the region here in London on this exercise expedited our reaction time,” said Colonel Chris Poole, Commander of 31 CBG. “This is one of the most important missions the Army Reserve trains for – aiding local authorities in Canadian communities and we’re proud and ready to send the help that our fellow Canadians need.”

 

Read More Local Stories