Op UNIFIER - CAF and the Ukraine Crisis

[The Bread Guy]

A few photos from the Canadians training the Ukrainians in Lviv, courtesy of the UKR Info-machine (source, in Ukrainian)

 

[The Bread Guy]

A few photos from the Canadians training the Ukrainians in Lviv, courtesy of the UKR Info-machine (source, in Ukrainian)

And here's the Info-machine's official English version:

The International Peacekeeping and Security Centre of the National Hetman Petro Sahaydachnyi Land Forces Academy hosts the joint Canadian-Ukrainian exercise.

The Ukrainian soldiers undergo training according to the Canadian standards. The qualified Canadian experts along with the instructors of the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre share their experience and knowledge with Ukrainian soldiers. Soldiers learn how to act on the battlefield, render first aid, identify and neutralize IED, enhance their skills, etc.

This training of ATO experience servicemen will last two months.

 

[The Bread Guy]

What some Canadian MP's are up to (via the UKR Info-machine) ....

The Canadian instructors of military police give courses for representatives of the Ukrainian Law Enforcement Service.

“In Canada, we have military, federal and municipal policies co-existing together. Each police has a right to conduct a pre-trial investigation. The military police is the best in it,” Lt. Col. Martin Laflamme, Commander of Land Forces Military Police, Canadian Armed Forces of Ukraine, stressed.

The Canadian officer believes that the Ukrainian military police have to cooperate with the similar European structures. Ukraine is the European state and should have consistent and integrated procedures.

Cooperation with Canadian military police means the first signs of cooperation with military law enforcement structures of the world. The USA, Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, and Ireland plan to launch cooperation with Ukraine in experience exchange, joint exercises and formation of joint data bases, etc.

Attached photos also from the UKR Ministry of Defence.

 

[The Bread Guy]

MOAR Canadian help/instruction!  This, in Ukrainian, from the UKR MoD Info-machine - Google English translation below:

The representative of Canada launched the course "Management of defense resources" at the National Defence University of Ukraine
4 hours ago | ID: 14935 | Views: 239

In the framework of international cooperation between Ukraine and Canada for students, researchers and teaching staff National University of Defense of Ukraine began a five-day course "Management of defense resources."

Experts Academy Defence of Canada will introduce participants to the basics of defense economics, defense planning and defense management NATO countries, as well as approaches to recruitment, training, use of armed forces and for defense procurement on the example of Canada, will provide an opportunity to realize that there are advantages in these approaches.

- The problem of crisis management procedures, including sector-level security is quite interesting and relevant. In this context "defense management course" that hold Canadian experts for the Ukrainian side has not only cognitive-theoretical and practical value directly. After all, reliability and efficiency of defense economics, defense planning and force development in general are important issues against the backdrop of war in our country and have a significant impact on the national security of Ukraine, - said the head of National University of Defense of Ukraine, Lieutenant-General Vasily Telelym.

On the prospects of further cooperation between Ukraine and Canada in the fields of security and defense instructor course called Colonel Ross Fetterli:

- The Ministry of Defence of Canada held a number of reforms in the economy. We hope our experience will be useful for the Ukrainian side, and during the constructive dialogue we will update and deepen their own vision and understanding of the current geopolitical and military-political situation in the world.

It should be noted that the new and improved course was the third event of this level, which is carried out in close cooperation, representatives of the National Defence University of Ukraine and the Academy of Canadian defense.

 

[The Bread Guy]

How the troops spent Remembrance Day in Ukraine (with UKR's Deputy Minister of Defence - a politician, not a bureaucrat like DM's are here - dropping by) - Google English translation of this UKR MoD piece in Ukrainian:

The International Peacekeeping and Security Centre Canadian military conducted a Memorial Day ceremony for the fallen heroes
Yesterday at 16:23 | ID: 15228 | Views: 408

Today, 11 November, during his working visit to Lviv, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine on European Integration Igor Dolgov took part in the celebration of the Day in memory of the fallen heroes of the Canadian International Peacekeeping and Security National Army Academy named after hetman Sagaydachnogo.

Canadian troops, along with Ukrainian and American comrades minute's silence in memory of those who died in past wars.

Canadian Forces Lt. Jason Guinea (Hiney???) - Commander Canadian unit involved in Ukrainian-Canadian training course of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said that the ceremony Remembrance Day is very important to Canadians and Canadian army and is conducted every year on November 11 as in Canada and in all corners of the world, where are Canadian citizens.

 

[Humphrey Bogart]

MOAR Canadian help/instruction!  This, in Ukrainian, from the UKR MoD Info-machine - Google English translation below:

Defence Management!  We should be able to provide the Ukrainians with plenty of examples of WHAT NOT TO DO!

 

[The Bread Guy]

Defence Management!  We should be able to provide the Ukrainians with plenty of examples of WHAT NOT TO DO!

We could serve as a good "Before"?

 

[The Bread Guy]

Some engineering help from Canada - this from the UKR Info-machine (photos attached) ....

Saturday, November 28. KAMIANETS-PODILSKYI – The Demining Centre of the Armed Forces of Ukraine hosted an awarding ceremony of Ukrainian EOD specialists who graduated from special course conducted by the Canadian experts. During this ceremony Mr. Roman Vashchuk, Ambassador of Canada to Ukraine, passed the demining equipment to the Ukrainian servicemen. “Today, we do not give a weapon, we give the equipment for ‘disarmament’,” Mr. Roman Vashchuk stressed. “These are safety facilities for civil population and servicemen. It is a material manifestation of our friendship, our solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Col. Serhiy Zubarevskyi, Acting Chief of the Centre, on behalf of the Minister of Defence of Ukraine and the Chief of General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, thanked the Ambassador of Canada for support and equipment provided, “the Canadian people show us their support in our struggle for existence, demonstrate their strong stance for democracy”. The ceremony participants observed a minute of silence for the Holodomor victims. Canada passed three TALON systems, fifteen EOD9 suits, and three telescopic manipulators. The ATO troops will receive this equipment soon.

More from Global Affairs Canada's Info-machine:

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, (on 28 Nov) announced that explosive ordnance disposal equipment has been transferred to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in western Ukraine. This non-lethal equipment ‎will enable the Ukrainian Armed Forces to safely dispose of unexploded ammunition, such as artillery shells, thereby contributing to the safety and security of Ukrainians living in the affected regions.

This explosive ordnance disposal equipment has been provided by Global Affairs Canada and will be used during training offered by Canadian Armed Forces experts as part of Operation UNIFIER. A joint initiative by Canada’s Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada, Operation UNIFIER supports Ukraine’s efforts to maintain its security, stability and territorial integrity.

This is only one aspect of Canada’s multi-faceted support to Ukraine. Since January 2014, Canada has announced more than $700 million in assistance to respond to the crisis in Ukraine, which has claimed the lives of more than 8,000 people.

As Prime Minister Trudeau told President Putin at the G-20 Antalya Summit, Canada stands with the Ukrainian people and expects Russia to engage fully in the Minsk process. This includes ending its supply and support to insurgents in eastern Ukraine and fully respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Canada welcomes the initial steps taken by Ukraine to implement the political track of the Minsk agreements and looks forward to the continuation of an inclusive constitutional process.

Canada calls for further progress by all parties in implementing the Minsk agreements, building on steps in the past two months, including in the important area of weapons withdrawal from the Line of Contact. Renewed reports of ceasefire violations in recent weeks are cause for concern. Canada will continue to monitor this situation carefully and respond as necessary, in coordination with partners and allies.

 

[The Bread Guy]

More on Canadians' work in Ukraine, from the UKR MoD Info-machine:

Canadian military instructors handed NATO certificates to Ukrainian sappers upon completion of the Canadian training course for disposal and countering to improvised explosive devices.

On the solemn presentation held at the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mine Clearing Center, head of the Center Colonel Vladimir Rodikov congratulated Ukrainian and Canadian soldiers.

He stressed that during the six months of training and experience exchange more than 40 military sappers graduated from the Mine Clearing Center.

“We learned a lot from our Canadian colleagues, and most importantly, we have made real friends. I am sure that the knowledge and skills acquired during the course will help not only our militaries, but also save lives of hundreds of civilians,” he said.

Colonel Vladimir Rodikov thanked the head of Canadian military trainers Major Littlechild for his understanding, competence and professional approach to the training.

Reference. The next group of instructors of the Armed Forces of Canada will come to the Mine Clearing Center on January 13, 2016. On January 18, they will start to train the next group of Ukrainian military engineers.

Photos courtesy of the UKR MoD.

 

[The Bread Guy]

... according to the UKR MoD Info-machine:

Officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mine Clearance Center have held a first meeting with a new rotation of Canadian military instructors, which arrived to Ukraine in order to teach Ukrainian specialists engineer business.

During the meeting, the Centre Chief Colonel Vladimir Rodikov thanked the Canadian colleagues who had fulfilled their mission for cooperation, good organization of training process and deep mutual understanding.

He expressed conviction that the training program for engineers that started in 2015 would continue and improve.

Deputy Mayor of Kamianets-Podilskyi Vadym Savchuk thanked the Canadian militaries for their active participation in public life of the city and presented them with local souvenirs and gifts.

During the meeting, both sides agreed on details of the official opening of the next training course to be held at the Mine Clearing Centre at 9.00, January 18, 2016.

 

[The Bread Guy]

This from the CAF Info-machine:

Today, Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Arsenault assumed command of Joint Task Force-Ukraine (JTF-U) from Lieutenant-Colonel Jason Guiney during a ceremony which took place at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre in Starychi, Ukraine, as part of Operation UNIFIER, Canada’s military training mission in Ukraine.

As commander of JTF-U, Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Arsenault commands approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel. JTF-U includes soldiers conducting training with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in areas such as Small Team training, Counter Improvised Explosive Device training, military police training and medical training ...

 

[The Bread Guy]

More UKR troops trained in counter-IED by Canadians - original in Ukrainian from the UKR Info-machine, Google English translation:

In c. Kamenets six months Canadian military instructors prepared according to NATO standards 70 Ukrainian engineers

Today, March 14, at the Centre de-mining of the Main Directorate of Operational Support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kamenetz-Podolsk, hosted another edition of Canadian instructors Ukrainian servicemen who have completed a course of detection, elimination (neutralization) improvised explosive devices.

- This is the fifth issue of highly skilled professionals who are prepared according to NATO standards Canadian instructors. I hope that the friendly cooperation established between our military will continue, and the exchange of experience, especially fighting will contribute to successful implementation tasks, - the head of the Centre for Demining Colonel Vladimir Rodikov.

The officer said that in general, for six months the Canadian military instructors prepared according to NATO standards 70 Ukrainian engineers.

In turn, the commander of Combined Joint Task Forces of Ukraine, Major Canadian Hyuho discontent noted that the Armed Forces of Ukraine highly motivated and patriotic.

- Ukrainian officers, sergeants and soldiers with a high degree of responsibility relate to training, seeking to learn new ways and share their knowledge and experience with us - added Hyuho major discontent.

He thanked Colonel Vladimir Rodikovu and all personnel of the Centre for Demining for their support, patience and hospitality. Also, a major Canadian Forces Hyuho discontent commemorative medal presented the best students of Sergei Grushetsky officers.

 

[The Bread Guy]

1)  Lotsa UKR MoD Info-machine coverage of defence minister Sajjan's visit - some Info-machine pix attached ...

• “Defense Ministers of Ukraine and Canada meet in Lviv region”
• “Minister of National Defence of Canada satisfied with cooperation with Armed Forces of Ukraine”
• “ “Your reform is a move forward, they go good and fast, and this is noticeable,” Minister of National Defence of Canada”
• “Stepan Poltorak: “I’m confident in further fruitful cooperation between Ukraine and Canada in defense and industrial areas” ”

2)  Foreign minister Dion's statement on the anniversary of the "little green men" taking over Crimea:

“This month marks the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion and illegal annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula.

“Russian occupation and aggression has led to human rights violations, including unlawful seizure of property, harassment and restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly. Self-proclaimed ‘authorities’ use force and intimidation to foster a climate of intolerance where residents who express views contrary to those of Russia face discrimination and persecution.

“Canada is deeply concerned about this situation. Russia is displaying a blatant disregard for international law, including the European Convention on Human Rights. Russia’s actions continue to undermine peace and security in the region.

“Canada stands united with our international partners in support of Ukraine. We will continue working with partners to put pressure on Russia to honour its international commitments and obligations with respect to human rights and to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

 

[slayer/raptor]

Hello, does anyone know what the troops on OP UNIFIER in Ukraine will receive for a medal? I would assume the SSM NATO similar to the guys on OP REASSURANCE?

 

[The Bread Guy]

From the UKR Info-machine (in Ukrainian, and in Google English):

With the support of Canadian partners to train military engineers in Khmelnitsky region opened a modern form of combating improvised explosive devices

April 22 at the territory of the Training Center complex operational demining of the Main Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kamenetz-Podolsk in Khmelnitsky region, with the participation of Ukrainian and Canadian military training class was opened for training of detection, elimination (neutralization) improvised explosive devices.

The costs for design, equipment and rigging class completely took over the Canadian side. The total project cost amounted to about 1.5 mln. UAH (~CDN $75,000).

The purpose of modern classrooms, which can simultaneously accommodate up to 40 people, is to provide training Ukrainian experts on countering IEDs by the NATO standards.

Head of the Centre for Demining Colonel Vladimir Rodikov thanked foreign colleagues for contribution to the development of logistics Center, and recalled that the first time Canadian soldiers help center. In late 2015, the use of the Centre de-mining equipment was transferred more than 2.5 mln. US dollars.

 

[MMSS]

released 25 April:


UNCLAS CANFORGEN 073/16 CMP 037/16
SIC WAC
SUBJECT: RECOGNITION - OPS REASSURANCE AND UNIFIER BILINGUAL MESSAGE/MESSAGE BILINGUE
REFS.: A. CANFORGEN 118/15 CMP 054/15 301812Z JUN 15, PARA 1.F.
B. FRAG O 001 TO CDS DIRECTIVE - OP REASSURANCE, 26 FEB 16 1. AT REF B, THE CDS DIRECTED THE EXPLORATION OF AN ALTERNATIVE OPTION TO RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO SERVE ON THE TWO OPERATIONS IN RELATION TO EASTERN EUROPE, NAMELY OPERATION REASSURANCE AND OPERATION UNIFIER 2. THE ALTERNATIVE FORM OF RECOGNITION WOULD REPLACE THE NATO BAR TO THE SPECIAL SERVICE MEDAL (SSM-NATO) ANNOUNCED AT REFERENCE A WHICH WAS LIMITED TO THE NATO-LED ELEMENTS OF OPERATION REASSURANCE 3. THE MATTER WILL BE CONSIDERED AT THE CF HONOURS POLICY COMMITTEE AND THE OUTCOME PRESENTED AT AFC IN THE NEAR FUTURE 4. ALL APPLICATIONS MADE FOR THE SSM-NATO BASED ON OP REASSURANCE SVC HAVE BEEN PUT ON HOLD PENDING THE OUTCOME OF THE REVIEW. NO NEW APPLICATION BASED ON THIS SVC WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE OUTCOME OF THE REVIEW IS ANNOUNCED 5. FOLLOWING THE RESULT OF THE REVIEW, UNITS MAY HAVE TO MAKE NEW APPLICATION FOR THEIR ELIGIBLE MBRS. IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT TO KEEP ACCURATE AND COMPLETE RECORDS OF ALL PERS WHO DEPLOY TO PARTICIPATE IN OR PROVIDE DIRECT SUPPORT TO THE SUBJ OPS TO FACILITATE APPLICATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION

 

[The Bread Guy]

UKR media interview w/Op UNIFIER's boss (text also attached in case link doesn't work), shared under the Fair Dealing provisions of the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42) ...

Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Arsenault
The Joint Task Force-Ukraine Commander of Operation UNIFIER, Canada’s training mission in Ukraine
07.05.2016 14:06

Our training mission in Ukraine is a mutually beneficial project, Canadians have much to learn from Ukrainians

The last two years have shown that Canada is one of the closest friends of Ukraine even despite huge distance between two countries. It is consistently ranked as one of the top three countries in the world in terms of the amount of assistance to Ukraine. Though regarding the speed of response to critical requests of Kyiv, Canada is probably the world champion. However, in addition to valuable financial and material resources, such as soft loans, tens of thousands of military footwear and uniforms, means for demining, goggles, night vision devices, mobile hospitals and lots of other very useful equipment, Canada also conveys its priceless experience. Thus, for more than 6 months around 200 Canadian Armed Forces personnel have been training Ukrainian soldiers at International Peacekeeping and Security Centre in Starychi and Demining Centre in Kamyanets-Podilsky.

Ukrinform had an exclusive opportunity to interview the Joint Task ForceUkraine Commander of Operation UNIFIER, Canada’s training mission in Ukraine Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Arsenault.

TRAINING IS CONSTANTLY ADAPTED TO THE NEEDS OF THE FRONTLINE

Canadian military training mission in Ukraine has undergone one rotation already. Have you changed your training course since previous group left Ukraine?

Of course  the training  is adjusted to theneeds of Ukrainian partners. Compared to how our programme was build before - it has certainly evolved.We are maintaining contacts with Ukrainian soldiers who have been trained here so that they can provide us with lessons learned and we then adapt our training to their needs.

Do you hear back how useful your training is on a real battlefield?

Yes. We are currently completing our second training block. Few weeks ago we had an opportunity to meet with the leadership of the battalion that was here on a first block.They were able to give us a lot of feedback on the training that they’ve received here and how useful it was for them. It was a great talk that helped us update our programme.

Does Ukrainian training mission differ from other similar Canadian missions abroad?

This mission is a little different for us. For example, when we were doing training in Afghanistan, we were starting from zero with military forces that were essentially civilians joining new military units. Whereas here in Ukraine the soldiers are experienced, many of them have already been to combat, in a lot of cases they have experience that’s very different from ours. It is a mutually beneficial mission. We are trying to show Ukrainian soldiers how to do their work differently, offer them diverse options and try to improve proficiency. At the same time we are very open to learning new lessons from them as well.

What exactly can Canadian soldiers learn from Ukrainian counterparts?

Ukrainian army is different from Canadian in many different ways. While we are able to teach such skills as the marksmanship, junior leadership, navigation techniques or first aid, lessons that Ukrainian soldiers bring back are as well important. Canada hasn’t experienced the kind of operationsUAF are currently conducting and thatknowjedgde is very useful to us.

PATRIOTISM AND PROFESSIONALISM OF UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS ARE IMPRESSIVE

You are training Ukrainian soldiers to better use their own weapons, but how can you combine Canadian Western tactics and Ukrainian mainly Soviet equipment?

The equipment actually isn’t really an important factor when we talk about interoperability.Canada has many allies, whichuse different types of equipment that we don’t necessarily have. Where it becomes very important is to be able to talk and plan together. but this crucial factor is not equipment related. There are no real issues regarding differences in equipment.

Have you already formed your own opinion about Ukrainian military personnel?

Ever since we got here in Ukraine, I was quick to notice that Ukrainian culture is very similar to our,we share same values. Two things that have struck me the most are the strong patriotism and professionalism of Ukrainian soldiers that we’ve been working with. They are very good and they want to be even better! They are also very proud and truly appreciate the training that we provide. In the short period of time that we’ve been training,Ukrainian soldiers quicklymade a significant progress.

What are the strongest sides of Ukrainian soldiers?

They are very physically strong and have a high morale, even though they’ve been serving for a certain amount of time already. Young Ukrainians have a very strong leadership and a lot of potential. I would say, that’s probably their biggest strength and that’s what we are trying to build on.

OUR CONTRACTS WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES WORTH $4 MLN

Did you have a chance to communicate with locals? How do they react on the presence of Canadian military?

There are a lot of contacts with local population. Recently we did a fundraising activity for the Dzherelo rehabilitation centre in Lviv:soldiers raised money, went to the centre and donated for the children.We are trying to show the community that we are here to support Ukraine. In the end that’s what Canada wants to show Ukraine. Also most of our sustainment is based on local contract system so we invest significant amount of money in the local economy to run our mission. As of today we’ve signed contracts with local businesses worth of around $4 mln.

Do you have people of Ukrainian descent in your team? Do they feel anything special about this mission?

Yes, we do have some Ukrainian descendants. Their language skills arevery useful for our mission. So it is good to have them with us. They also provide advices on cultural issues: the differences between our Christmases or Easters and things like that.

There are more than 200 CAF personnel in Starychi and Kamyanets-Podilsky. Is it enough to perform necessary tasks?

I would say it is, because even very few people are able to make a significant difference. To use the example of something that really pays of is our first day training when we had only 5 Canadians, who trained over 250 Ukrainians. Overall even with a very small number of personnel we are able to organize training process efficiently.

UKRAINIAN TROOPS SHOW PROGRESS EVERY SINGLE DAY

Do you only train personnel or do you also give your advice on the reform of UAF?

We do provide advice but at the tactical level. In particular here, in Starychiwe offered our views on howtraining centre can be further developed. We currently don’t have any senior advisers doing institutional development, which is addressed at the strategic or governmental level. All advices we provide are on the level of a leadership we work with on a daily basis.

Can you see the differences in the level of initial training of Ukrainian soldiers? Is there a unit that is markedly better prepared than others?

I’m not able to point the unitthat is better prepared. But I can tell you, that there is a tangible difference on proficiency and overall performance from when students arrive to when they leave. That is very encouraging for our personnel.

What is your opinion on Ukrainian military motorised vehicles?

BMP-2 was a very interesting piece of equipment to me because it was something that we would study inschool and not necessarily see in person. It is very interesting for us, Canadian soldiers to train with the equipment that we have here. What attracts me the most though is how good Ukrainian soldiers are at maintaining theirequipment.It has been around for some time but is still in perfect working conditions thanks to the way soldiers are maintaining it.

There are also military personnel from the UK and the US doing training in Ukraine at the moment. How do you divide your duties?

We are all working under the auspices of the Multinational Joint Commission. Every few months there are meetings where coordination happens at that level, but we all stay in contact almost on a daily basis to better do our job. Thecooperation is very good. We stand united for Ukraine, and it is important to have that typeof an approach if you want to make a difference in the country.

BASIC SKILLS IN FIRST AID SHOULD BE IMPROVED

Except of what your team is currently teaching Ukrainians, what additional knowledge are they lacking?

The point that we message the most with the senior leadership in Ukrainian army is the necessity to developjunior leadership, empower them and delegate responsibilities that are kept on a very high level here. We are trying to show Ukrainians that if they want to have military that is interoperable with Western armies, they have to delegate those responsibilities to lower levels and trust their junior leadership. It is really important to move forward.

There are quite a few volunteer  organisations in Ukraine that provide a medical military training. Do soldiers that are coming to the training camp now have more knowledge on that matter than their predecessors?

Generally speaking the basic knowledge in first aid is very low. The most problematic though are the equipment and the means to evacuate wounded that are often not available to Ukrainian soldiers. But still they leave our hands much more skilled.

Do you still provide your students with individual medical kits?

Yes, every single Ukrainian soldier that has been trained by Canadian medic receives a first aid kit. And it is exactly the same as our own individual medical kits.

Do you take into consideration crucial differences in logistics between Canadian and Ukrainian military? What is possible in Canada not always can be done in Ukraine.

Yes, absolutely, but Canadian military is small and sometimes has to deal with what is available. So we are able to give different option to Ukrainian partners based on the equipment that is available to them.

What does Canadian Armed Forces personnel feel about their job in Ukraine?

Canadian soldiers are really proud to work in Ukraine. We don’t feel we are not at home even despite the distance. Ukrainians are great hosts, they’ve been very hospitable. By participation in this mission we are helping to developmodernised and capable Ukrainian forces and we are seeingthe real results in that respect. Overall, it is a fantastic mission and a great experience for us.

Maksym Nalyvaiko, Ottawa.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Canada's Army boss drops by - this, from the UKR MoD Info-machine (also here if previous link doesn't work):

The Canadian military delegation led by Lt. Gen. M. Hainse, Commander of Canadian Army, visited the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre of the National Land Forces Academy.

During a joint briefing, Lt. Gen. Pavlo Tkachuk, Chief of National Land Forces Academy, told about the prospects of the Centre development. He expressed his gratitude to Lt. Gen. M. Hainse and the Canadian contingent for their contribution to professional training of the Ukrainian servicemen and comprehensive support to Ukraine.

The parties discussed the further plans concerning training of the Ukrainian units and cooperation in other spheres. Then, Commander Hainse met with the Canadian servicemen and toured the training field where the drills were undergoing. Particularly, a unit of one mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under leadership of the Canadian instructors demonstrated skills while moving in the face of the enemy and offensive capability.

Commander of Canadian Army praised their actions, wished to continue efficient cooperation as the experience gained by the Ukrainian soldiers in the east of Ukraine was valuable for Canadian army.

Info-machine photos also attached.

 

[Journeyman]

Canada's Army boss .....Info-machine photos also attached.

Ooohh.....TWO sleeves worth of badges on his CADPAT. 

Staff effort and defence spending at its finest.    :not-again:

 

[Bird_Gunner45]

Ooohh.....TWO sleeves worth of badges on his CADPAT. 

Staff effort and defence spending at its finest.    :not-again:

It does answer everyone's questions of what is allowed to be attached to the sleeves...

I'm more surprised that they were able to find that many 5 CMBG guys without beards.....