Armoured soldiers from across the world are putting their skills to the test at the fifth annual Worthington Challenge at CFB Gagetown.
In addition to the 186 Canadian soldiers participating, crews from Chile, Denmark, New Zealand and the United States are competing.
Participants go through four different challenges that test navigation, observation, driving, maintenance and direct-fire gunnery skills.
Combat Training Centre Commander Col.Craig Aitchison says the event is a chance for teams from across the Canadian Army and international partners to perfect, hone and improve their skills by practising in tanks and armoured fighting vehicles — such as Leopard 2 battle tanks and Light Armoured Vehicles.
Aitchison says one of the main events is the direct-fire gunnery competition where crews go out to the range and are confronted with several tactical challenges and aim at moving and still targets. He says the Canadian Army has worked with the New Zealand Army on past operations as well as done extensive work with Denmark and the US Army.
“As we move into operation in Eastern Europe or wherever government sends us, we’ll be working with these countries again, so working in this environment where we can learn from each other and train with each other is very important,” Aitchison said.
Reservist Gunner Cpl. Guyllaume Montrueuyl-Provost is part of the 2 Canadian Division and is competing for the first time. He says it’s neat to see the American tanks go through the mounted-firing events.
“I find it pretty interesting. It’s a big competition with a lot of countries so it’s cool for us to try to experience it and see how other people work and how they do those kind of range,” Montrueuyl-Provost said.
New Zealand Army LCPL Jay Margison says some of the events are pretty challenging but says he’s enjoying his first trip to Canada and working with different crews.
“I think it’s just kind of working together and finding out how everyone operates,” Margison said.
The event is hosted by the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps School.
The challenge runs from September 23 to 30, 2016.