BY BRENT FOX

The Advertiser/NovaNewsNow.com



She moved the razor wired frame to allow traffic into the stark compound designed to reflect the operational realities of today’s army.

The soldier was one of almost a couple of dozen mostly reservists from across the country taking the primary command course at Camp Aldershot, scheduled to graduate Nov. 24.

Dressed in camouflage combats, complete with armour, and sporting a rifle, Cpl. Lisa Chaffe is a university history graduate who plans to go into the regular force.

She and her comrades worked in temperatures from 20C to freezing during the course time in camp.

Chaffe said that “it’s definitely challenging, but definitely a good experience.� She said that having candidates in the course who are from different types of units is good. “You get to see a lot more roles – a more in depth look.�

Inside the compound, manning a C6 medium machinegun, Saint John, New Brunswick, native Bdr. Bryan Freill says, “so far, so good.� He noted that a lot of decisions have to be made in performing as a leader. “The instructors don’t hesitate to push you to the limit.�

A bombardier is an artillery corporal.

Freill is a software worker in civilian life and usually sits at a desk at work. The course, however, provided a lot of physical activity. “It’s the opposite of what I do; that’s why I do it.�

Nearby, Redcliff Alberta resident Cpl. Craig Clapper of the South Alberta Light Horse, and armoured reccee outfit, said, “it’s certainly a change of pace. It’s not really as bad as I had thought. It’s definitely an excellent challenge. It’s not something I’m used to.�

As for his future, he’s in his gap years before university.

As for Nova Scotia, he was surprised how close the towns are to each other. In the west, everything is spread out. “It’s very close-knit province.�

Cpl. Jason Lozon of Vancouver, BC, said that “this facility is really great for realism… I hadn’t done anything like this before.�

Now in Intelligence, he had spent six years in armoured reccee.