Canada Hosts 14th Annual NATO Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Training Exercise

Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) is hosting Exercise PRECISE RESPONSE 2018, from July 9 to 27. The exercise is being held at Canadian Forces Base Suffield in Alberta.

Run by NATO, the annual training exercise equips the Canadian Armed Forces, including participants from other NATO Allies and Partner Nations, the opportunity to participate in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defence training in a multinational environment.

“Canada’s participation in this exercise ultimately enhances our ability to respond decisively to CBRN threats to Canadians and our national interests,” said Colonel R.T. Ritchie, Commander, 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, in a press release issued July 9.

Ex PRECISE RESPONSE 2018 provides a realistic environment for participating nations to test their skills and advance interoperability. In addition, the training exercise will provide specialists with the knowledge, experience and skills they need to respond effectively to domestic and/or international CBRN-related events.

The CAF contributed 34 Canadian soldiers from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, based out of Edmonton, AB. The Canadian contingent provided various command and control capabilities for their task, forming two decontamination elements.

Canada continues to uphold commitments made at the 2002 NATO Summit in Prague through Ex PRECISE RESPONSE 2018. They have provided partners and allies with a safe and secure site for CBRN training. This exercise supports the vision of a globally engaged Canada that can anticipate emerging threats, assisting other government departments and law enforcement agencies, as outlined in Canada’s Defence Policy.

Defence Research and Development Canada is a department of Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND). They provide DND, the CAF, and other government departments and national security communities with knowledge and technological advantages required to defend and protect Canada’s interests at home and abroad.