Posted on 08/03/2006 3:50:21 AM PDT by Clive
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - The changeover of Canadian soldiers began in earnest here yesterday when about 120 fresh troops, the first of many waves gearing up to replace the 2,000 soldiers bound for home, clambered down two Hercules aircraft and tested their rifles beneath the blazing desert sun.
Before the day was through, they were reminded of the dangers they will face over their six-month tour in southern Afghanistan when a Canadian soldier was injured by a Canadian M-777 Howitzer blast west of Kandahar City.
The mishap occurred during operations aimed at countering Taliban disruptions of military and civilian traffic.
"Howitzers based at the Zhari district centre were conducting a fire mission and the soldier, who was working on the gun line, was accidentally injured by the ensuing blast," said Lieutenant Mark MacIntyre. "The exact circumstances of the incident are being determined."
The soldier was taken by helicopter to the multinational base hospital where he was listed in good condition. He is expected to return to duty shortly.
The incoming soldiers, mostly from Petawawa and Shilo, Man., wore their uniforms during their 36-hour journey and dirtied them soon after their arrival when they lay flat on the ground to test their C-7 assault rifles.
A working weapon is more important than process and paperwork in a hostile region where 11 Canadian soldiers have been killed since February.
"The first thing they do when they arrive here is they go to the firing range and zero their weapons to make sure they're accurate just in case they have to face any kind of action," Lieut. MacIntyre said. "This is a dangerous environment. We all carry weapons. Whether you're an office worker, a cook, a clerk or an infantry soldier, we're always prepared for the worst. We hope the worst doesn't happen but we're ready for it."
The troops, who arrived yesterday, included infantry and artillery from the 1st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment along with medical staff and members of the national command. This exchange of soldiers -- known as Relief in Progress or RIP -- is expected to continue for the next four weeks.
They are replacing Edmonton-based soldiers, who will start coming home to their families tomorrow after six months in southern Afghanistan.
About 100 troops will fly into Edmonton International Airport late tomorrow night, to be followed in coming weeks by 1,400 of their fellow soldiers.
"Our aim is to get all of the soldiers back to their families as soon as possible," said Lieutenant-Colonel Bob Jensen, who helped co-ordinate programs for the soldiers' return.
"Because this is our first deployment to Kandahar over the last several years, we have made a concerted effort to make sure that we pay special attention to the reintegration of the soldiers coming back."
Troops will leave Kandahar, stop briefly at a base in Afghanistan and then travel to Cyprus where they will enjoy formal decompression for three days.
"They will have a chance to relax, to get away from the stress of being in theatre," Lt.-Col. Jensen said.
The incoming soldiers, who will adjust to the climate over the next few days and shadow the individuals they're replacing, said they were keen to take over as rifles rang out on the range behind them.
"It's a bit of a shock. It's still kicking in that we're actually here in Afghanistan," said Justin Dagelman from Kirkland Lake. "I'm anxious. I just want to get out there and do my job. That's what I'm here for."
Mike Lennox of Shilo, Man., said he wasn't anticipating a slowdown in Taliban encounters that have stepped up in recent weeks and that he was ready and willing to take them on.
"It's part of the job, we're in the army," he said. "The Taliban, they got no chance."
Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group (RCRs) rotating in.
1 Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group (Patricias) rotating home.
Of course, like the rotation just ending there will be other units as participating as part of the battle group including arti and cav units, reservists from various reserve units and at least one company from 2 PPCLI.
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Godspeed, boys and girls.
"1 Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group (Patricias) rotating home."
I hope you post some pics of their homecoming.
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