Ok here is the poop as it stood about a week and a half ago (prior to me going on leave). The issue of the Reserves providing sub units (Coys), sub-sub units (platoons) and sub-sub-sub units (sections) is not a new one. It has been discussed for years and has been implemented in Cyprus for several of the final rotos in 92/93.
The Bosnia environment is fairly stable and there is a "military peace" that is easily enforced by SFOR. That is not to say that crime, corruption, etc is not out of control, rather, it is not within SFORs mandate to police these activities.
Canada has wanted to reduce its commitment for awhile as we simply don‘t have the resources (mainly financial but also personnel wise) to continue at the level we have. As well, Canada and the CF want to begin to "draw down" its forces in theatre so they are able to go to other missions.
We were going to reduce our commitment on roto 9 by one company and the mortar platoon and anti armour platoon would become a fly over capability with the equipment remaining in theatre. Because the Czech Republic (fourth partner of MND (SW)) was not able to maintain its level of participation (financial) it has left SFOR. Canada was asked not to reduce its commitment by a company as Canada has taken over part of the Czech AOR. Hence three infantry companies are required for at least the next couple o f rotations until the next draw down.
Meanwhile back in Canada, there is alot of political pressure for increasing the role of the reserves. Regular force soldiers don‘t want to go back to Bosnia for the third or fourth time. Hence a decision was made to achieve these two goals. LFWA decided the best way to do it is to field a Composite Reserve Infantry Company (CRIC).
The CRIC will be formed by each CBG in western Canada fielding a platoon. Command positions within the company will be filled by each CBG. For instance, the OC is from 412 CBG, the 2 i/c is from 38 CBG and the CSM is from 39 CBG (I think). The key people have already been selected and each position has a back up in case the main person is not able
to deploy. Key personnel have undergone training that is required for their position. For example the OC went on his Cbt Tm Comds Course (Reg F) in Gagetown. Infantry section commanders received the small arms instructors course.
Comd 1 CMBG has directed that 1 PPCLI will be the unit that will go overseas on roto 11 (I believe 2 PPCLI has been warned off for roto 12). The CRIC will form the third infantry company and has been labled "D" company. The OC has started working for CO 1 PPCLI.
Training schedule. CBGs are responsible for their platoons level of training prior to the company forming in Edmonton. The target date for meeting in Edmonton is 1 May 01 in order to allow the company time to "mesh" as a sub unit prior to it being turned over to CO 1 PPCLI on 1 Jun 01 to start their collective training. 1 PPCLI takes over in theatre on 1 October 2002 and the main body will begin deployment a couple of weeks priort to this. 1 PPCLI will turn over to 2 PPCLI on 1 April 2003.
I‘ve heard rumours that LFAA may provide an infantry company to 2 PPCLI for roto 12 but I haven‘t seen anything on it. Similarily I‘ve heard rumours of the artillery providing a reserve battery but, once again, nothing seen.
Sermon ends, hope this helps. If you are interested in deploying and are a trained infantry soldier I suggest you inform your chain of command as soon as possible.
