MAPLE RESOLVE: Largest annual military exercise for Canadian army.

MAPLE RESOLVE 2018, largest annual military training exercise for Canadian army with the participation of 5,500 military personnel focused on validating three Level 6 headquarters from 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5 CMBG) from 13 to 24 May at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, Alberta.

Canadian soldiers conduct a roadblock during Exercise Maple Resolve 2018 in the Wainwright, Alberta training area, 13 May 2018, 13 May 2018. (Picture source Canadian MoD)

This annual force-on-force collective training event is designed and delivered by the Canadian Maneuver Training Centre (CMTC). This exercise is the most comprehensive Canadian Army training event of the year, involving approximately 6000 troops, primarily from 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (5 CMBG) based in Valcartier.

This year, troops from 5 CMBG based in Valcartier, Quebec were the Primary Training Audience for Ex MR 18. 5 CMBG exercised the 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, 2nd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment and 12e Régiment blindé du Canada battle groups in a joint and immersive environment that involved military personnel from the United States, Britain, France and Australia. Concurrently but separately from Ex MR 18, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) were training for their upcoming Mali mission.

The participation of Allied nations provided opportunities to exchange know-how with Canada’s Allies which improved our interoperability and enhanced the training realism. Interoperability is a critical component for Task Force commanders and planners dealing with coalition partners. The exercise also created important networking and interpersonal relationships.

As the largest annual training event for the CA, the logistical support required to enable the conduct of Ex MR 18 is considerable. The level of training that Canadian soldiers received was designed to get them ready to deploy on an operation, potentially in a very high-threat environment. Realistic training saves lives and helps better prepare Canadian soldiers to protect Canadian values and interests at home and abroad.