THE FORTYNINER - Alberta Genealogy Research "The Recents"

The Forty-Niner
EXERCISE COYOTE STRIKE
By L Col Chris Chodan, Loyal Edmonton Regiment.
Exercise Coyote Strike was held
at Park Farm and Lost Farm
in CFB Wainwright from 13-
15 April 2012 as a first step
in rebuilding combined arms
skills in 41 Canadian Brigade
Group (41 CBG). At the Brigade
commander’s direction, the
Loyal Edmonton Regiment were
tasked with creating an exercise
that would allow other units
in the brigade to participate
in whatever form would allow
them to progress in their
regularly scheduled training. The
format of a deliberate attack was
chosen as it allowed maximum
time for battle procedure and
liaison between the units.
The South Alberta Light Horse and Kings’
Own Calgary Regiment had already planned a
reconnaissance exercise “Pronghorn Scout” in
Wainwright in that time frame and were very quick
to roll the two exercises together. Doctrinally the
Canadian Army does not usually use Armoured
Recce and light infantry together, but based on the
results of this Ex, maybe it should! The infantry
found it very useful to have recce eyes on multiple
locations and guides in place before they started
their final approach march.
6 Intelligence Company created the scenario details
and Intsums, as well as providing a photographer to
record the Exercise. 15 Medical Company provided
a medic to slog through the on-again, off-again
winter/spring weather with the infantry. 41 Signals
Regiment provided a CP with three signalers who
certainly did their unit proud (the exercise could
not have been conducted without them), and
12
20th Field Artillery Regiment provided a Forward
Observation team that added some distinct realism
to the planning.
O Group from Exercise Coyote Strike. Photo Chris Tombs
A nice finishing touch was the BMQ(L) course from
the 41 CBG Battle School who were co-located
(acting as a depth enemy position) during the
exercise, doing their final defensive and withdrawal
training.
“A” Company of the “Loyal Eddies” provided the
main assault force with “B” company providing
the bad guys. A Company are to be congratulated
for avoiding a simulated enemy minefield at night,
in a smokescreen before coming to grips with the
enemy.
After the final attack was completed, an After
Action Review confirmed that aside from some
basic problems that we learned from, all concerned
thought it was a good first step back into combined
arms training. We look forward to next year.
“FEARS NO FOE”