Key Trades In The Saskatchewan Dragoons

The Saskatchewan Dragoons is an armoured reconnaissance squadron, which is divided into subunits called troops. While we have a headquarters troop, and a support troop to handle supply and maintenance requirements, the "business end" of the Squadron is the reconnaissance troops. Each troop consists of 20 crewmen led by an armoured officer. These key positions are our priority for recruiting.

During operations and exercises, these soldiers are called upon to perform their duties under conditions of physical stress, fatigue, and extremes of weather. Therefore, they must be in good physical condition and display courage, stamina, and endurance. In addition, the modern soldier must display intelligence and good learning ability to operate technologically advanced weapons systems such as ballistic computers, laser rangefinders, and sophisticated radio equipment. Finally, the reconnaissance trade calls for originality in applying specialized skills and knowledge, and above all, initiative.

Here is a brief synopsis of the training for each of these key trades.

Armoured Officer

In Basic Officer Training, you will learn military regulations and customs, basic leadership techniques, and fundamental military skills such as drill, dress, deportment, weapons handling, and first aid. You will also participate in physical training and sports programs.

The next phase of your training will introduce you to basic tactics using the infantry section of eight soldiers, to teach you to command and control a small unit in combat. You will also be introduced to dismounted reconnaissance tactics. Then you will be introduced to driving and basic maintenance skills on one or more of the vehicles used by The Saskatchewan Dragoons. Currently this consists of the Iltis, a light 4-wheel-drive vehicle; the LSVW, a light cargo truck; and the MLVW, a 3-ton cargo truck. You will also learn about a variety of small arms, support weapons, and specialized reconnaissance equipment.

Next, your Armour training begins in earnest with Light Armoured Vehicle gunnery. You then proceed to the command of a single armoured vehicle, with the primary focus on reconnaissance.

The last phase of your training is where it all comes together. You will receive training in the classroom and battlefield simulation training in all aspects of the command and control of a reconnaissance troop. Completion qualifies you as an armoured officer.

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Crewman

The Crewman is a member of an armoured fighting vehicle crew. You will learn the operation and maintenance of your vehicle and its weapons and communications equipment. You will be trained to fight as a member of a combat arms team which also includes infantry, artillery, and field engineers.

As a member of a reconnaissance unit, you will be trained as an observer and then as a driver. In addition to operation and maintenance of equipment and weapons, you will learn the trade of reconnaissance - to gather information about the enemy and the terrain, and deny such information to the enemy. At this point, you are qualified as a crewman.

But it needn't end there. Experience and additional training in reconnaissance and leadership can qualify you to command a vehicle or a two-vehicle patrol, or be second-in-command of a reconnaissance troop. And if you can meet the requirements, you can be commissioned from the ranks to become an armoured officer.

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Last updated 23 June 2002