Troops from 1 CMBG deploy on Operation Reassurance to Eastern Europe

The first batch of Canadian Army soldiers from the 3rd Canadian Division departed for Operation REASSURANCE on Aug.22 as part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to Eastern Europe.

“Canada is committed to providing support for our allies and partners around the world. This is evident in this new rotation of soldiers who have departed from Edmonton to join Operation REASSURANCE. The Canadian Armed Forces welcomes opportunities to operate with our NATO Allies, to participate in a series of training events and activities as we work together to build cohesion within the Alliance. My most sincere thanks to those from 3rd Canadian Division who are deploying, as well as to their families, and Bravo Zulu to the women and men of 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group for their fine work on deployment,” said Minister of Defence Harjit Sajjan.

Throughout the month of August, close to 210 soldiers from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, based in Edmonton, AB, will be deploying on Operation REASSURANCE to relieve their counterparts from the 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (CMBG) of the 2nd Canadian Division, based in Valcartier, QC. 5 CMBG has been in eastern Europe since January of this year.

The mission of these soldiers while in Poland will be to support NATO assurance and deterrence measures through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations and assigned NATO tasks. These soldiers will also be taking part in large-scale international exercises.

The Canadian Armed Forces has been deploying to Eastern and Central Europe since 2014 to take part in various training events in airborne operations and infantry skills alongside Polish, American, and other NATO allies