Public service announcement - Joint military exercise in the
Chaudière-Appalaches and Centre-du-Québec regions

VALCARTIER GARRISON, QC, May 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Approximately 50 soldiers from 12e Régiment blindé du Canada, supported by the Air Force, will train in the Chaudière-Appalaches and Centre-du-Québec regions from May 17 to 21, 2010. They will practise joint planning and coordination in preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan in fall 2010.

Between Lévis (St-Étienne-de-Lauzon sector) and Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, soldiers will carry out a number of scenarios such as mounted patrols, convoy escorts including close air support, as well as landing zone set ups.

Scenarios using choppers will be limited to municipalities located between Saint-Agapit and Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes. Citizens from these municipalities will therefore notice the occasional presence of helicopters, sometimes at low altitude, in the daytime.

In addition to about 10 wheeled light armoured vehicles, two Griffon helicopters will provide tactical air support to Land Force troops (joint aspect). Flight personnel will be composed of two crews of four soldiers from 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, based in Valcartier.

Although the soldiers will be in the area and will interact freely with the public, residents will not be overly inconvenienced and will be able to go about their daily business. Blank ammunition and pyrotechnic material will be used safely.

For further information: Captain Lyne Poirier, Public Affairs Officer, 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, [phone], ext 4688, Pager: [phone]