Canadian Army participates in exercise with Allies in Europe

Approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces members from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade (1 CMBG) are in Grafenwöhr, Germany. From May 2 to 9, 2018, they are participating in the U.S. Army’s multinational Joint Warfighting Assessment (JWA) exercise.

The Canadian Army’s participation in this exercise allows the Canadian Armed Forces to enhance interoperability and operational effectiveness and shows Canada’s commitment to establishing and keeping relationships strong with allies, partners, other militaries and multilateral institutions.

The computer-aided exercise (CAX) simulation is the first of its kind and focuses on new and emerging concepts, capabilities, organizations, and doctrine. One of five national brigade group headquarters, 1 CMBG will be participating in the Joint Warfighting Assessment. 

The other countries participating include France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the US Army. The assessment will be hosted by the 7th US Army Training Command.

The JWA and other multinational exercises like it, increase the experience and effectiveness of the CAF and offers a unique training opportunity in an international environment.

“The Joint Warfighting Assessment provides the Canadian Army, working closely with partner nations, an opportunity to trial and integrate new and emerging concepts and doctrine into potential real-world conflict scenarios,” Colonel W.H. Fletcher, Commander, 1 CMBG said in a press release.

“Ultimately, our participation in the JWA will improve 1 CMBG’s ability to manage and plan for operations, enhancing our ability to respond to an array of possible missions at home and abroad.”

These international relationships allow for an enhanced knowledge, understanding and interoperability and allows for the exchange of best practices. Ultimately, contributing to success on future operations.