Morinville might play host to real troops shooting fake bullets this fall as part of a training operation by the Canadian Forces.
Morinville fire chief Brad Boddez told town council June 14 that the town is in talks with 1 Service Battalion to host the group’s annual training exercise from Sept. 26 to Oct. 7.
The event is in its early planning stages, but Boddez said the town anticipates it will involve soldiers in full combat fatigues and equipment participating in generic combat situations, “including the use of blank rounds and other military manoeuvres.”
In an interview, Capt. Ryan Bartlette of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (which includes 1 Service Battalion) said this exercise is meant to give troops training in urban operations. Most of it will happen at CFB Edmonton, but some will occur in Morinville and Gibbons. Area residents might be recruited to play characters who will interact with the troops.
Boddez said the town is excited to host this exercise and will ensure all safety precautions are followed during it.
Bartlette said 1 Service Battalion will have more details on what residents should expect from this exercise later this summer.
