Canadian Forces (Training) - (Exercise)

Reserve unit from Winnipeg was training at CFB Shilo on Saturday

CBC News --- Posted: Nov 19, 2017


A reservist died during a training exercise at CFB Shilo, about 205 kilometres west of Winnipeg, on Saturday.

A reservist has died during a training exercise at an army base in Manitoba.

The reservist was killed at CFB Shilo, about 205 kilometres west of Winnipeg, on Saturday, a spokesperson for the base confirmed to CBC News.

The reservist was a member of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Regiment of the 38 Canadian Brigade Group, said Lt. Stacie Nelles, a spokesperson for the 38 Canadian Brigade Group.

The reserve unit from Winnipeg was doing training at the base; there were no pilots involved, she said.

An investigation into what happened is underway.

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister tweeted he was "saddened to hear tragic news of the death of a Winnipeg reservist at CFB Shilo." Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan also tweeted condolences.

Brian Pallister
Saddened to hear tragic news of the death of a Winnipeg reservist at CFB Shilo. Coming the week after Remembrance Day, we are reminded again of the courage of all our armed forces and the risks they take for our security. My condolences to the family and friends. #mbpoli #cdnpoli
3:26 PM - Nov 19, 2017 · Winnipeg, Manitoba

Harjit Sajjan
A death in the Canadian Forces family is one felt deeply by all. Our priority is the family at this time. As an investigation is ongoing, we cannot comment further at this time.
5:36 PM - Nov 19, 2017

The Shilo base is known for its training ground, which covers an area about 15 kilometres by 30 kilometres. There were a number of units training in different locations, Nelles said.

"Its mission is to enable success of training, operations and force generation activities by providing premiere training venues and the professional delivery of comprehensive support to lodger units and dependencies," the Canadian Army's website said.

The base also provides training for a number of organizations outside of the Canadian military, including the RCMP, Manitoba corrections and troops from several foreign countries.

It's the third time this year a soldier was killed during a training accident on a Canadian base.

Sgt. Robert Dynerowicz died in April after he was involved in an accident while riding in a light armoured vehicle during training at CFB Wainwright, Alta. Three other soldiers were injured.

Master Cpl. Alfred Barr, a Winnipeg-based search and rescue technician, died in March during a routine training jump over Yorkton, Sask., after his parachute malfunctioned during training.

It's also not the first time training has taken a dangerous turn at CFB Shilo.

Pte. Kirby Tott, 25, died suddenly during a training exercise in July 2015. Then-defence minister Jason Kenney said it was due to a medical issue, not an accident.

During a March 2015 training exercise, a military truck bound for CFB Shilo hit black ice and crashed. An army reserve captain suffered serious back injuries.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/cfb-shilo-fatal-training-exercise-1.4409376