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The Argylls have been allocated the three specializations
of Urban , Mountain, and Domestic Operations under the
current training plan. Both urban and mountain operations
are physically and psychologically demanding, effectively
pushing a soldier to his or her limits. It is a testament
to Argyll skill and determination, as well as the Argyll
commitment to excellence, that the unit has been given
these extremely difficult specializations. Without a
doubt, it is what separates the Argylls from everyone
else.
Unlike
urban and mountain ops, domestic ops can either be a
conflict oriented situation (such as aid civil power
in the case of an act of terrorism or riot), or it can
be a humanitarian mission, such as assisting in a flood,
or providing shelter to homeless persons during a mid-winter
blackout. Anything that happens is Canada is considered
domestic operations, and the unit must be prepared to
react to any and all situations on the homefront.
Urban
Operations >> Operations In Built Up Areas (OBUA)
History
is marked by urban battles. From Stalingrad to Somalia
and Iraq, urban operations has played a central role
in global conflict. Moreover, the difficult nature of
urban combat, and the increased likelihood of fighting
in urban environments, demands that the military develop
expertise in combat and non-combat operations in urban
terrain.
Urban
operations are primarily conducted by the infantry,
and combat operations in an urban environment are normally
fought at the platoon and company size. In other words,
urban engagements are highly tactical and limited in
scope and duration.
The
urban battlefield has its own characteristics that separate
it from other operational environments. These characteristics
include:
- Three dimensional
battlefield >> Soldiers need the ability to
fight in all three areas of at, above, and below ground
level. Forces often exploit roof-tops, high-rise buildings,
as well as sewer and subway systems.
- Restricted fields
of fire and observation >> Due to close proximity
of urban structures.
- Cover from fire
and difficulty locating the enemy >> Due to
the vast number of buildings and rooms.
- Close quarter
battles >> Fighting is often room-to-oom and
hand-to-hand.
- Restricted vehicle
movement >> Due to battle damage, movement of
support or combat vehicles may be severely limited.
- Chemical and biological
weapons >> A desparate enemy, in particular
during assymetric warfare, may employ weapons of mass
destruction in order to create massive waves of casualities.
- Logistical support
>> May be extremely limited due to battlefield
damage.
Training for urban
operations involves learning how to:
- Move through or
around obstacles
- Move from building
to building, room to room
- Remove obstacles
or booby-traps
- Improvise weapons
and equipment
- Use grappling
hooks and ladders
- Conduct entry
drills
- Camouflage fire-bases
- Conduct clearing
drills
- Evacuate prisoners
and civilians
- Organize a patrol
- Conduct assaults
- Use of weapons
and demolitions
- Conduct defensive
operations
Night
vision permits a soldier to see in low levels of natural
illumination. For example, NVGs will allow soldiers
to drive trucks, read maps/navigate terrain, and conduct
patrols and recce missions in darkness. Such equipment
is especially important for urban operations.
NVGs
do not need active light or infrared for visibility.
However, the user may use an infrared illumination diode
in conditions of total darkness in order to see objects.
Length:
320 mm
Width: 200 mm
Height: 130 mm
Weight: 0.774 kg
Focus Range: 25 cm to infinity
Brightness Amplification: 20,000 to 35,000 times
Power Source: 2 X AA batteries
Operating Temperature: -40 to +49 Celsius
Mountain
Operations >> Rugged And High Altitude Terrain
Due
to its inherent flexibility, the infantry will play
a dominant role in mountain operations. In order to
be effective in this environment, the highest level
of standard for junior command, physical toughness,
fieldcraft, and survival skills will be necessary of
all infantry soldiers.
Mountain
operations are particularly demanding due to a variety
of threats such as snipers, obstacles, sabotage, and
unpredicatable weather. As such, physical fitness, hygiene,
mental acuity, and knowledge of mountain ailments must
be standard training for all soldiers. In addition,
soldiers must be particularly adept at navigation, tactical
air support, and night movement.
Factors
to consider in mountain operations include:
- Mobility
- Logistical support
- Observation of
fire
- Fire support capability
- Fire effect and
range
- Air safety
- Mine clearance
- Individual load
carrying
- Close air support
and air recce
- Environmental
conditions
- Non-coventional
means of transport
- Partisan link-ups
Domestic
Operations >> Aid to Civil Power and Helping in
Emergencies
>> details coming soon <<
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