Canadian Army

The Army

The Canadian Army’s mission is to provide trained, combat-ready, agile and quickly responsive troops to meet Canada’s defense objectives. The Canadian Army is ready to respond to conflicts across the globe. With an international reputation for excellence, the well-equipped Canadian soldier is instrumental in the fight for freedom, stability and human rights around the world. Through the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), the Army is also prepared to send soldiers and equipment to assist international and national authorities with natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, storms, and forest fires.




CFB Shilo, Manitoba — The Fort Garry Horse held a C7 qualification gun camp at CFB Shilo last month. As part of the training, the commanding officer invited soldiers’ families and employers to participate in the event.


Cpl René Moreau, of The Fort Garry Horse, hands out ammunition to members of the Executrek/Familytrek prior to the range. The families and employers travelled to the range with Captain Barclay Smorang, the family support representative of the unit, and Commander Claude Michon of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council. During the bus ride from Winnipeg to CFB Shilo, the participants were given a brief presentation about the Army Reserve, followed by a question and answer session.

“Overall, the event went well,” said Capt Smorang. “We had good participation from families and employers, and the events allowed for close participation with the serving family member or employee.”

Rifles and trucks

At the range, the families and employers were split into two groups. One group was instructed how to fire the C7 rifle; each guest fired four five-round groupings from the 100 metre firing point, while the other group was given the opportunity to ride in a G-Wagon.

“I shot a gun and I went for a ride in the G-Wagon,” said Liesa, Master Warrant Officer Chris Hayden’s wife. “It was great. I missed my target on the first grouping, but the next three groupings were great.”

Lexxis Jefferson, of Dakota Lock and Safe and good friend of Master Corporal Tamara Coutu, attended the event as an employer. “I had a fabulous time,” said Ms. Jefferson. “This was amazing. Thank you to all the people that do this for a living. I really appreciate it.”

Article and photos by Cpl Bill Gomm
Cpl Gomm is a photojournalist with 38 CBG Public Affairs.