Starting yesterday and continuing to July 27th, Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) is hosting Exercise PRECISE RESPONSE 2018 at the Canadian Forces Base Suffield in Alberta. As an agency of the Department of National Defence (DND), DRDC provides DND, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and other government and national security organizations with the knowledge and technological advantages needed to defend and protect Canada.

This training is the 14th annual NATO exercise on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defence training. It provides the CAF, along with members from NATO Allies and Partner Nations, to train in a multinational environment.

This exercise will test participants skills and improve interoperability in a realistic environment. It will also provide the knowledge, experience and skills to help those involved to respond to domestic and international CBRN-related events adequately.

Members of A Company (Airborne) 3rd Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment go through a decontamination drill after a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) scenario in Tancos, Portugal during JOINTEX 15 as part of NATO’s Exercise Trident Juncture 15, on October 25, 2015.
Photo: Corporal Alex Parenteau, Canadian Forces Combat Camera

Thirty-four Canadian soldiers from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group of Edmonton, Alberta are participating in this exercise, which is part of Canada’s commitments at the 2002 NATO Summit in Prague to provide our partners and allies with a safe and secure site for CBRN training.

“Exercise PRECISE RESPONSE 2018 provides the Canadian Army, in collaboration with our NATO Allies and Partner Nations, an invaluable opportunity to practice the critical skills needed to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear events in today’s uncertain security environment,” said Colonel R.T. Ritchie, Commander, 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. “Canada’s participation in this exercise ultimately enhances our ability to respond decisively to CBRN threats to Canadians and our national interests.”