The largest Canadian Armed Forces military training exercise is underway at CFB Wainwright. About 6,500 people are taking part in Exercise Maple Resolve.
The intense training involves soldiers from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group with support from the Royal Canadian Air Force and military medical personnel. The enemy is mostly played by 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade group out of Petawawa, Ont.
Brig. Gen Wayne Eyre says about 5,000 troops from Canada, along with troops from UK, United States, France and even Brazil are taking part.
“Great warriors need great education,” Eyre said during a hasty lunch break in an army tent on a rainy Saturday afternoon. He was outfitted in combat gear and camouflage face paint.
The intense military training exercise includes mock villages with actors in civilian roles to make the experience as challenging and close to combat scenarios as possible.
Wounded soldiers are transported to field hospitals where they are treated by military doctors and nurses with the same equipment used in real battle.
Eyre said these soldiers are being trained to a level of high readiness so they will be fully prepared to be deployed anywhere in the world they are needed.
Maple Resolve continues until June 7.