Good morning,
I am Corporal Alexis Brousseau and I joined the Sher H in November 2019. I had several contracts and courses before having the chance to go on contract with C squadron (C squadron being the tank squadron (Leopard 2) of the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD), the squadron is also commonly referred to as the C Sqn) since 1 December 2021.
When I arrived I quickly received my qualification on the MSVS Mack vehicle, which subsequently allowed me to be the co-driver of the ammunition vehicle on the Maple Resolve 22 exercise.
During the exercise I was able to learn how the well-oiled machine of a tank squadron worked, a perfect harmony between combat vehicles and supply vehicles where we had no room for error, even if it was just an exercise. We knew that if these were real situations, the slightest mistake could totally ruin an operation. In addition, Maple Resolve being a deployment training, I was able to see the different stages of preparing a vehicle, equipment and ourselves personally. During the exercise I also had the chance to train with several American colleagues. I was also able to experience the fact that even the biggest vehicles can become invisible to drones if we camouflage ourselves appropriately.
During the summer of 2022 I had the chance to receive my qualification as a main battle tank driver on the Leopard 2. I was therefore able to drive on the Common Ground exercise, which allowed me to see the other side of the job. I was able to realize that in a tank we are one. At the same time, I received a coin directly from the Commanding Officer and the Regimental Sergeant Major, for my excellence in my work for the C Squadron. I was then transferred to the troops, officially becoming a tanker.
At the beginning of February, I was part of the loading team members who received the task of loading the first Leopard 2a4 onto a CF-177 Globemaster which was leaving for Europe, in order to transport the Leopard 2 to Ukraine. Not only did we send our vehicles to Europe very quickly, but we were able to prove that we are ready to be deployed quickly and efficiently.
During February and March 2023 I had the opportunity to follow the gunner/loader course on the Leopard 2 vehicle, an exceptional experience which demonstrates how even the best tanker on the battlefield can't do much without exceptional teamwork of each of its crew members.
In addition, I will eventually have the possibility of being deployed in Eastern Europe with the mission of training with our NATO allies. I will be deployed there as a Leopard 2 gunner, another experience that will certainly be rewarding. It will be an opportunity to demonstrate our advantage, the interoperability we demonstrate, which our adversary does not master as we do. It's a good way to show that we are ready to do anything to defend our interests and those of our allies, no matter what.
Cpl Alexis Brousseau
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