Op UNIFIER - CAF and the Ukraine Crisis

[The Bread Guy]

Welcome to the new boss!

The new commander of Joint Task Force-Ukraine (JTF-U), Lieutenant-Colonel Wayne Niven, assumed command from Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Arsenault today during a ceremony at the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre in Starychi, Ukraine, as part of Operation UNIFIER, Canada’s military training mission in Ukraine.

As commander of JTF-U, Lieutenant-Colonel Niven commands approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel with the mission to conduct training with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in areas such as Small Team training, which consists of individual weapons training; marksmanship; communication; survival; and ethics training ...

 

[Cloud Cover]

Nope! there is a Canadian medic standing on the far right, using the Ukraine medic ( :nod as cover.

 

[Colin Parkinson]

I have to wonder from the political spectrum if the Canadian-Ukrainian connection is far less important to the Liberals than it was to to the CPC. As I recall most of the significant population of Ukrainian descendants is out west. If so I wonder how that will factor into support for this mission? 

 

[The Bread Guy]

I have to wonder from the political spectrum if the Canadian-Ukrainian connection is far less important to the Liberals than it was to to the CPC. As I recall most of the significant population of Ukrainian descendants is out west. If so I wonder how that will factor into support for this mission?

Good question.  The Conservative link may have also been, in part, an anti-Communist affinity.  My spidey sense says the Ukrainian vote/lobby out west is still not insignificant - and still mostly anti-Soviet (now, anti-Russian).  Prince Valiant also has at least one person with a strong UKR history in Cabinet.

 

[The Bread Guy]

This from the UKR MoD Info-machine:

In Lviv Canadian Royal Air Force experts held talks with the Ukrainian party concerning training of Ukraine’s Air Force personnel in flight safety. They will give two courses.

The expectations of the Ukrainian military from this course are to learn new ICAO principles and methods for flight safety.

In its turn, the Canadian party expressed hope to develop fruitful cooperation with Ukraine.

Interesting the civvies on (what I'm guessing are) the Canadians.

 

[Sub_Guy]

Is that Putin's brother?

 

[The Bread Guy]

More on the CF medics @ work in UKR, via the CAF Info-machine ...

Barely unpacked, Joint Task Force-Ukraine medical staff began mentoring Ukrainian instructors in mid-August as they conducted their first Combat First Aid (CFA) course. The course was entirely taught by the Ukrainian Armed Forces instructors, who were  well-trained by the outgoing Operation UNIFIER medical personnel.

After a busy handover with the out-going medical team, the newly arrived medical staff from 1 Field Ambulance at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton moved forward with an open mind.

“I was very impressed with the level of performance and instruction,” said a Master Corporal Medical Technician and trainer at the conclusion of Ukrainian-led Combat First Aid training. “Our Ukrainian instructor colleagues, as well as the course candidates, far exceeded expectations.”

The course was divided into segments that included theoretical (classroom-based) instruction, demonstrations of technique from the Ukrainian instructors, practical sessions where candidates demonstrated their understanding of material, and skill stations designed to perfect key techniques.

The Ukrainian instructors arrived the day before classes started. This gave the Canadian medical mentors time to review expectations and provide the Ukrainians an opportunity to refine their skills and ask any last minute questions prior to beginning instruction the next morning. This was the first opportunity for Ukrainian instructors to deliver a complete CFA course to their Ukrainian Armed Forces colleagues, and they stepped up to the plate in a big way.

The course consisted of thirty-six candidates with diverse backgrounds and military experience levels, ranging from seasoned veterans with front-line experience, to new recruits with as little as nine months of total military experience. All of the candidates were enthusiastic and eager to learn the course material; their pride showed when they were congratulated by the Operation UNIFIER Task Force Commander, Task Force Sergeant-Major, and Task Force Surgeon upon graduation.

“I think the success of a Ukrainian-led CFA course marks an important milestone in the progression of Operation UNIFIER,” said Major Carlo Rossi, Operation UNIFIER, Task Force Surgeon. “These courses are a strong indicator of the mission’s success-to-date, and are the way forward for our medical training here.”

The inaugural course complete, Operation UNIFIER medical staff are now on to the next challenge: they will be mentoring the next CFA serial being delivered to Ukrainian Combat Engineers by Ukrainian instructors.

Photo credit for attached pix:  Joint Task Force Ukraine

 

[The Bread Guy]

It appears the anti-UKR info-machine is shooting out a bit more Canadian content ...

• 9 Sept 2016:  "11 Canadian Mercenaries Go Home in Bodybags After “Master Class” in Donbass -- A master-class of “maple leaves” in the fight against militias ended in disaster. A group of at least 20 people (three reconnaissance groups) from the Canadian forces CANSOFCOM tried to attack the militia positions in the area of the Ukrainian punisher operation.  It ended in disaster for them. The operation was under development without the involvement of the Ukrainian fighters for the demonstration of a “master-class of fighting against terrorists”.  Those responsible were from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. The military attache of Canada in Ukraine Colonel Ron Ubbens was in charge of the matter. All this, of course, is unofficial ..." - original article in Russian here
• 19 Sept 2016:  "Canadian Instructors Train UAF Fighters for Urban Combat in Donbass -- LPR reconnaissance has found that instructors from Canada are deployed with Ukrainian servicemen near the contact line in Donbass. This was said by the official representative of the LPR militia Andrey Marochko. According to him, the Canadian military work with the Kiev Armed Forces in combat tactics in an urban environment.  “According to our intelligence, in the area of the settlement Schastia, the 2nd division of the 28th battalion Guard Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces are being trained for combat in an urban environment under the leadership of Canadian instructors,” said Marochko ..." - original article in Russian here

 

[cavalryman]

It appears the anti-UKR info-machine is shooting out a bit more Canadian content ...

• 9 Sept 2016:  "11 Canadian Mercenaries Go Home in Bodybags After “Master Class” in Donbass -- A master-class of “maple leaves” in the fight against militias ended in disaster. A group of at least 20 people (three reconnaissance groups) from the Canadian forces CANSOFCOM tried to attack the militia positions in the area of the Ukrainian punisher operation.  It ended in disaster for them. The operation was under development without the involvement of the Ukrainian fighters for the demonstration of a “master-class of fighting against terrorists”.  Those responsible were from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. The military attache of Canada in Ukraine Colonel Ron Ubbens was in charge of the matter. All this, of course, is unofficial ..." - original article in Russian here
• 19 Sept 2016:  "Canadian Instructors Train UAF Fighters for Urban Combat in Donbass -- LPR reconnaissance has found that instructors from Canada are deployed with Ukrainian servicemen near the contact line in Donbass. This was said by the official representative of the LPR militia Andrey Marochko. According to him, the Canadian military work with the Kiev Armed Forces in combat tactics in an urban environment.  “According to our intelligence, in the area of the settlement Schastia, the 2nd division of the 28th battalion Guard Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces are being trained for combat in an urban environment under the leadership of Canadian instructors,” said Marochko ..." - original article in Russian here

Hey, I'm glad to see Baghdad Bob got himself a new gig.  Always liked the guy's over the top shtick.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Hey, I'm glad to see Baghdad Bob got himself a new gig.  Always liked the guy's over the top shtick.

</Boris Badinov accent>I am being here all week -- try the perogies ...</Boris Badinov accent>

 

[The Bread Guy]

Some of the latest from the UKR military info-machine ...

Canadian instructors conduct First Educational Methodological Course ‘Training of Junior Leaders’ at Demining Centre

The Canadian instructors conducted the First Educational Methodological Course ‘Training of Junior Leaders’ for non-commissioned officers at the Demining Centre, Kamianets-Podilskyi.

During three weeks junior leaders gained knowledge and skills to train subordinates under the NATO standards. A lot of attention was paid to develop teaching, communication and leadership skills of future instructors.

The chief of the centre thanked the Canadian colleagues for cooperation, professionalism and creativity.

More pix viewable as part of the linked article.

 

[The Bread Guy]

More from the UKR Info-machine, this time on Canadians continuing to help train MP's and Canadians helping teach EOD folk.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Not strictly part of op UNIFIER, but word of a few Canadians & allies getting about UKR -- from the UKR General Staff's FB page (Google translated from Ukrainian)...

The inspection team from Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark and the Netherlands under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Colonel Francois Kasso* met with the command of the 93-th separate Guards Mechanized Brigade Kharkiv ...

A few photos ...

* - Likely the result of a transliteration/misspelling of LCOL Casault's last name (Arty guy, less-than-ideal beret, middle photo), from Canada's SJS Arms Control Verification folks - more on some of their previous work here and here.

 

[MilEME09]

Looks like someone needs to work on forming his beret

 

[The Bread Guy]

Looks like someone needs to work on forming his beret

I was being polite when I called it less-than-ideal  ;D

 

[The Bread Guy]

An update from the CAF Info-machine:

A Canadian Army officer says efforts to bring the Armed Forces of Ukraine up to speed on NATO military policing practices as part of Operation UNIFIER (Op UNIFIER) have been a great success.

Op UNIFIER is the name of Canada’s contribution to an ongoing multinational training mission that is building capacity in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Canadian troops have been on the ground there since the summer of 2015 as Joint Task Force-Ukraine, sharing their expertise in a wide range of soldiering skills.

Major Greg Losier recently returned to his position at the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre in Kingston, Ontario after spending several weeks leading a team charged with training Ukrainian troops in various aspects of military policing.

In the following interview, Maj Losier discusses the challenges of the task, the enthusiasm of both his team and the trainees, and the role of the international military policing family ...

 

[The Bread Guy]

From the UKR MoD Info-machine ...

Maple Arch 2016 kicks off in Ukraine

The International Peacekeeping and Security Centre hosted an opening ceremony of Maple Arch 2016 exercise. Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Canada delegated more than 200 soldiers for participation in it.

“Maple Arch 2016 multinational exercise strengthens cooperation and interaction with Polish, Lithuanian, and Canadian Armed Forces. Ukrainian soldiers have valuable combat experience and are ready to share it with military partners. I am sure the joint efforts will be efficient and successful,” Lt.Col. Ihor Skybyuk, Ukrainian co-director of the exercise, stressed.

Military maneuvers will last about two weeks.

“Ongoing global situation and situation in eastern Europe requires these exercises, as national security can be ensured thanks to participation in collective security. Trained, combat-ready military component is the most important condition to observe international law and execute international treaties. Participation in Maple Arch contributes to formation of guarantees and hence we demonstrate our readiness to respond to crisis, hybrid threats, train multinational components and national elements of defence system,” Col. Volodymyr Shvorak, Commander of 80th separate assault airborne brigade participating in this exercise, said.

 

[The Bread Guy]

And now, the CAF Info-machine's version of the Maple Arch 2016 announcement ...

The opening ceremony for Exercise MAPLE ARCH 16 (MA16) was held today at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center (IPSC) in YAVORIV, located near LVIV, Ukraine.  Approximately 200 military personnel from Canada, Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania gathered on the parade square to mark the beginning of the exercise as their national flags were raised to the sound of their countries’ national anthems.

The NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) exercise MAPLE ARCH (MA) is a series of annual joint exercises that have been traditionally hosted on a rotational basis between Lithuania, Poland and Ukraine under NATO’s PfP program.

Exercise MAPLE ARCH 16 is a 10-day command post exercise (CPX) focussed on combat, peacekeeping and stability operations to ensure a safe and secure environment within an identified operating area. This year’s exercise will be conducted from 7 Nov - 18 Nov 2016 in Ukraine.

In addition to the activities related to the MA16 scenario, the Canadian Contingent will also participate in a Remembrance Day ceremony along with their brothers and sisters in arms from Op Unifier, Canada’s contribution to support Ukrainian forces through capacity building, in coordination with the U.S. and other countries providing similar training assistance.

Quick Facts

    DND/CAF has been supporting EX MA through the Military Training Cooperation Program since planning for the first exercise began in 1994, in accordance with the Program’s Treasury Board mandate to enhance PSO interoperability among Canada’s partners and achieve influence in areas of strategic interest to Canada.
    The MAPLE ARCH series provides an opportunity for the Canadian Army (CA) to foster international military relations through the conduct of a multinational exercise; enhance interoperability among troop contributing nations using common SOPs, the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) and the Operational Planning Process (OPP); and promote collective competence and confidence.

Quote

“MAPLE ARCH 16 will allow participating nations to build and maintain effective working relationships with friends and allies to better prepare for the challenging global security environment in which we operate.”

LCol John Woodgate, Commander Canadian Component, MAPLE ARCH 16

A few more pix the UKR Info-machine missed attached as well (source).

 

[The Bread Guy]

Mo' on Maple Arch via the UKR Info-machine ...

Maple Arch 2016: Exercise participants begin planning and decision-making process

In the framework of the Maple Arch 2016 Ukrainian, Polish, and Lithuanian servicemen led by Canadian instructors begin planning and decision-making process.

Staff officers from Ukrainian Assault Airborne Battalion, Lithuanian Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Polish 5th Podhale Riflemen, Air Defence, Combat Logistical, Engineer and Headquarters Battalions have worked tirelessly on the analysis of the higher HQ mission.

“We understood the Multinational Brigade Commander’s intent, did research on our area of responsibility and began developing options for the Ukrainian Airborne Battalion operation. This is a challenging task and it requires efforts and experience in the field of NATO procedures. We employ these practices with the mentorship of the Canadian instructors. I am sure, that after participating in this Exercise my subordinate staff will be better prepared to execute overseas operations” explained Major Oleh Balias, Ukrainian Airborne Battalion Commander.

According to Colonel Volodymyr Yudanov, the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Brigade Deputy Commander, MAPLE ARCH 16 will allow the troops to develop their professionalism, sharpen their skills and develop a common vision on operational processes among the LITPOLUKRBRIG affiliated units. Joint training brings an opportunity for participating nations to learn about their partners’ best techniques in conducting Crisis Response. This knowledge transfer will contribute to building long-lasting relationships and build trust among participants.

 

[The Bread Guy]

Remembrance Day in Ukraine, via the Pentagon Info-machine (photo credit: Spc. John Onuoha, U.S. 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs) ...

Bottom photo (3 saluting) caption: 

"YAVORIV, Ukraine - Leaders of the allied nations with the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine, salute fallen Soldiers during Canadian Remembrance Day ceremony here, November 11, 2016. From left to right are Col. Nick Ducich, commander of JMTG-U, Polish Lt. Col. Dariusz Czekaj, Lithuanian Lt. Col. Eligijus Senulis. Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed by the Commonwealth of Nations member states since the end of the First World War to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. JMTG-U focuses on building a sustainable and enduring training capacity and capability within the Ukrainian land forces."