The members C Company, The Loyal Edmonton Regiment opened the doors of their armoury in Kam Lake last weekend to people interested in getting a firsthand look at what they do.
This is part of a federal cross-country recruitment push to see the reserve force increase its numbers by 1,500, to a total of 30,000 members.
Weapons systems, outfits, survival gear and training systems were on display Saturday, all part of the training and work of the regiment that currently has 22 members.
High-powered weapons may impress some new reservists, but Cpl. Michael Ewen said skills such as reading a map, packing a sled and working in a team can be life-saving.
“A lot of people they look at the weapons systems, and they're awesome, totally awesome,” he said. “If you don't have the compass and map skills, you're lost. And if you can't use this equipment you're not effective in the field.”
After initial training, the reserves are a commitment of one night per week and one weekend per month, allowing people to have regular jobs in addition to their position in the reserves. Members can be deployed to combat zones or disaster situations. Yellowknifers have assisted during the 2016 Fort McMurray fires and 2013 Alberta floods.
Cpl. Michael Ewen kneels beside a collection of kitchen, camping and survival supplies reservists must carry with them during military drills on the land. The items are packed onto a sled and will accompany a group of eight to 10 members, who must be able to put up a tent in 15 minutes and take it down within 10. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Pte. Dax Lucas inside a Reserve Forces tent Saturday. The tent sleeps eight to 10 reservists, who take turns keeping a lantern and camping stove lit for warmth. The members sleep in a circle with their feet pointing towards the middle of the tent. Stove watch shifts are scrawled on a slip of paper, Lucas says the best stove watch position is the last which guarantees the most amount of sleep. Strings attached to the tent walls hold clothing hung to dry and each reservist carries with them a sleeping bag. Even at -45 C, Cpl. Michael Ewen says the tent stays slightly above 0 C. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Cpl. Devon Allooloo aims a machine gun complete with a laser and carbon dioxide pressure to simulate the feel of shooting the weapon at a screen displaying a battle simulation. It is part of the Small Arms Training Simulator (SATS), a training option that is both cost-effective and crucial for C Company, which does not have access to a practice range in the NWT. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
Cpl. Russ Lovell in his Reserve Force kit including a gas mask, first aid kit, helmet and flak jacket. The camouflage is a design unique to the Canadian Forces that disrupts the ability for optical equipment such as night vision or other cameras from picking it up. Emelie Peacock/NNSL photo
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