Staff
The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will conduct Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER, a joint Counter-Explosive Threat (CET) exercise, in the training areas of Canadian Forces Base Borden and 4th Canadian Division Training Centre Meaford, from October 5 to October 19.
Throughout the exercise, residents in communities near the training areas will periodically hear loud blasts and explosions between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Residents may also see military personnel, vehicles, and equipment from the CAF and soldiers from international militaries who have been invited to take part in this training event.
A new element for this year’s exercise is a two-day scenario that will take place within the community of Meaford. The intent is to give municipal staff, police, and first responders an opportunity to work together with the CAF in a realistic training environment. The two-day scenario was set to take place on October 10 and 11.
All of the training scenarios taking place during Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER will be conducted in a manner consistent with the CAF’s focus on safety to protect both the general public and the soldiers taking part in the training. The CAF will also conduct this training in such a way as to minimize impact on the environment.
The purpose of this annual CET exercise is to hone the skills of Canadian and international Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Improvised Explosive Device Defeat (EOD/IEDD) operators. It also aims to strengthen CET interoperability between the Canadian Armed Forces, its allies, civilian law enforcement and security agencies, and local government agencies.
