Soldiers gather for unique army competition

Soldiers take down potential insurgents during a road block scenario. Photos by LS David Gariepy, MARPAC Imaging Services

Capt Jeff Manney, 39 Signal Regiment PAO ~

A Reserve communications unit based in British Columbia has won Exercise Jimmy West 2017.

The team from 39 Signal Regiment, with squadrons in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna and Nanaimo, emerged victorious – and drenched – following the Oct. 21 competition at CFB Esquimalt’s Albert Head and Heals Range facilities. 

Signallers from 38 Signal Regiment, including those from as far away as Thunder Bay, as well as troops from Edmonton-based 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (1 CMBG) also competed. Nearly 100 soldiers in all took part in the exercise.

“It’s an amazing accomplishment for our Reservists,” says Maj John Perry, 39 Signal Regiment’s deputy commanding officer. “Despite competing against signallers who come to work every day, these Reservists, who train just one night per week, showed they can still compete at a high level. It’s proof we train – and can fight – to the very same standard.”

The competition was built around six different events, testing basic soldiering skills and trade-specific competencies. 

Marksmanship, first aid, and the vehicle checkpoint stand – where signallers had to discern between locals and belligerents approaching a village – covered off skills any soldier must possess. Establishing a command post, running communication lines and rapidly setting up a mobile radio rebroadcast unit tested those skills at the core of the signaller’s function.

The result, says Maj Perry, is a snapshot of the differing skill sets of signallers from across Western Canada.

“Competitions like this provide commanders a better understanding of how their troops compare to others,” he says. “Sure, there’s bragging rights, but more importantly there are concrete examples of where units are strong or where more training is required.”

There’s another benefit for the signallers themselves, he adds.

“It’s a chance to show what they’re made of, a chance to strive to be their best, both individually and on a team.”