ExecuTrek – A Day at 8 Wing Trenton – by BARNEY MOORHOUSE
It definitely was not a typical day at the office. Although I arrived at 7.00 a.m., the appointed hour, I was late as 31 other civilian invitees had begun arriving at 6:30 a.m. for some insight of activity at Canada’s largest air base. Mind you many had stayed overnight at 8 Wing Trenton. Only Damon Bennett showed up after me, camera crew in tow, filming for his proposed television show. Readers may recall Bennett from his prominent role on the Mike Holmes show for 10 years.
While we rapidly changed in the mod(ular) tent from civvies into our military fatigues we could hear the commands bellowing to form up. It was time to learn some basics. And my size Large jacket turned out to be a Small. A late medical withdrawal was, fortunately for me – a Large.
On the parade ground I found myself wishing that I had spent attention learning the fundamentals of parade ground behavior when I was the Civilian Instructor Sports Officer for Bancroft’s Viking Sea Cadet Corp in the early ‘70s. Learning to STAND AT ATTENTION; AT EASE; AS YOU WERE … to a count of 1 -2,3 -1 under intense scrutiny was downright stressful. Then we had to learn to turn – left and right. Always march beginning with your left. And don’t forget to point your thumbs and swing those arms! It was the most challenging time of the day. When marching to our bus every Sergeant called out, “Left, right, left, right, left …” – but not in unison, making timing and co-ordination most challenging. Later a loadmaster admitted that was the most amusing part of his day.
During breakfast we listened to the day’s briefing that included a weather report, which at times was hard to hear due to the rain pounding on the roof. The weather report had called for 40% chance of rain! We listened to various plans for the day, where aircraft were deployed and other pertinent operations.
Earlier our breakfast had been interrupted by the command “ROOM!” That meant we stopped what we were doing (eating, chatting) and watched as Col. Kiever, the Base Commander for 8 Wing, entered. He put as at ease and proceeded to deliver his well articulated message emphasizing the quality of military men and women and how they, once retired, would make an excellent choice as an employee in the civilian world. He also talked about the importance of Reservists. In fact, our P.M. Justin Trudeau could do well to enlist the Colonel as a speech therapist.
After breakfast we marched to the bus. My seatmate was a taxation lawyer from Montreal. He was most interested in following up the day by researching the possibility of serving in the Reserves.
First stop was 426 Squadron where a whole lot of training takes place ranging from Loadmasters, a.k.a. loadies, and pilots learning how to avoid ground fire to maintainers learning to maintain the aircraft. Divided into workable/teachable groups, we took turns trying to get the feel of avoiding Sam Missiles, flying an aircraft in the SIM, trying out the NVGs (night vision goggles), inspecting a Herc’s landing gear and exchanging a damaged antenna in the undercarriage of the aircraft. The timing was precise and before we knew it we were off to the firing range where we learned to shoot assault rifles which had been modified for lasers and computers. The two best shots, both women, were rewarded with some handgun practice.
While waiting in line for our lunch of field rations featuring lamb stew or chili in the ambience of a Hercules aircraft we talked to members of the historic Hasty Ps who had set up a display. Post lunch we were able to tour static displays of a King Air, a Challenger, and a Griffon helicopter before being bused off to the rappelling and parachute facilities.
As a matter of record yours truly had to promise The Resident Wife that he would NOT rappel nor participate in the parachute jump. BUT – like a moth to the flame – I could not resist. For one, our army instructors were so very knowledgeable, professional and capable that one couldn’t help but be assured of success. This reminded me of George Plimpton, the journalist who tried his hand at wildlife photography (the charging elephant made him forget to take photos), at playing quarterback for an NFL team, or pitching for a pro baseball team, and being a trapeze artist in a circus, among other adventures. In order to write about something you really have to try it.
Then we were off to the airfield where two Hercules aircraft awaited out arrival.
After being evicted from the Chief’s seat near the rear of the plane I was invited to the cockpit where I had a great view of our flight. And when they opened the back for an air drop I had a good view as well. Both pilots were attentive to a myriad of details with the First O masterfully flying the craft while the Aircraft Commander constantly made adjustments, her fingers at times dancing from switch to switch. Time literally flew by and before long we were making our landing approach, the only casualty being my camera which, due to some amount of excitement, I had forgotten to secure. Suffice it to say, the camera’s landing wasn’t as smooth as the plane’s. (Time to upgrade!)
We returned to our base where we had started the day to watch a Search & Rescue mission during which a volunteer was hoisted into a hovering Griffon strapped to what looked like a spinal board and two more individuals were lifted in tandem.
Following a very fine bar-b-que supper the Canadian Forces Liaison Council (CFLC) made a presentation promoting the Reserve Force highlighting the benefits of Reserve training and operational experience to the civilian workplace. The Council encourages civilian employers and educational institutions to voluntarily grant reservists military leave, without penalty, to carry out their duty. There are approximately 26,000 reservists in Canada, most hold civilian jobs with about one-third being students. Typically training is during evenings and weekends. Sometimes Reservists are deployed for longer periods. Job protection legislation has been passed since 2012, federally, provincially and territorially. Beginning in 2016, the Compensation for Employers of Reservists Program has provided grants to eligible employers of reservists and self-employed reservists who serve on a designated Canadian Armed Forces’ operation.
Both Colonel Kiever and the CFLC wanted to emphasize to the ExecuTrek participants the merits of employing both reservists and retired regular force members who are well educated, trade trained, reliable, strong in communication skills, accustomed to solid teamwork, leadership and as Col. Kiever summed up, “They are used to boatloads of responsibility.”
The interaction of civilians and military was an intensive 12 hours of inspiration, adrenaline rush and significant insight into a smattering of what takes place on a daily basis at a military base. (This day was organized by Capt. Jeff Moorhouse in association with Honorary Colonel John Smylie.) 2016