Ex BRASS MONKEY 2020
Westmount, Quebec – 13 January 2020: Soldiers from the RMR spent the weekend on private land belonging to Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel David Bensadoun in Potton, Quebec learning winter survival & warfare skills.
Troops deployed on Friday night, arriving close to midnight and then marching to their hides where they set up their 10-man tents and established their night routines.
In the morning the troops were taught how the basics of winter survival by a former NCO of the Regiment, Sergeant (ret’d) Nick Karkasoulis and his son Tassos. He led them in siting & constructing a sturdy improvised shelter, various camp fire methods, setting snares, skinning animals, and cooking over a campfire.
Spirits were high despite the nasty weather (lots of rain), and the troops were exemplary in their discipline. Sadly for all fans of mid-80’s rap, no actual monkeys – funky or otherwise – were seen during the exercise…
WO Quesnel, CSM B Coy, provided some excellent pointers on why things are seen, the importance of selecting the proper camouflage for the conditions, and following track discipline. He shared some stories about his time on long winter warfare exercises, and Major Jonasz also trained the troops on snow defences.
