World War II vets, USASOC, civilians watch Canadian Army jump, conduct training Exer

[Dan]

RELEASE NUMBER: 050813-02
DATE POSTED: AUGUST 15, 2005

PRESS RELEASE: World War II vets, USASOC, civilians watch Canadian Army jump, conduct training exercise
By Sgt. Joe Healy
U.S. Army Special Operations Command

CALAGARY, Alberta (USASOC News Service, Aug. 12, 2005) —World War II veterans of the First Special Service Force, Soldiers from the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and members of the public watched the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry conduct an insurrection demonstration Aug. 12.

The FSSF, a one-of-a-kind unit comprised of both Americans and Canadians that fought side-by-side in the Aleutians, France an Italy during the early 1940s and are considered the fathers of today’s Special Forces units are celebrated their 59th reunion here in Calgary.

Approximately 200 audience members watched the 40 Canadian infantrymen conduct the exercise.

“The young guys really know how to Soldier,” said Bert Winzer, a World War II veteran and a member of the FSSF.

“The PPCLI conducted an excellent demonstration,” said Master Sgt. Sarun Sar, a team sergeant, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, USASOC. “It was a pleasure to address the Soldiers before the demonstration.”

A free-fall jump, repelling and the creation of two firebases fighting against a fictional village in a combat theatre of operations were the demonstration’s highlights, said Lt. Jeff Code, platoon commander, 3rd Battalion, PPCLI.

Six Soldiers jumped from 8,000 meters, conducting a High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jump with the FSSF, Canadian and American flags waving underneath their elevated feet as they landed on a fresh-cut hayfield.

The jump was followed by six Soldiers repelling from helicopters. Immediately after the repelling, Canadian snipers initiated contact with the enemy. The fictional enemy retaliated with small-arms fire, which then PPCLI’s primary and secondary firebases opened up an assault element, Code explained.

Pvt. Daniel Aguilera, an infantryman, 3rd Battalion, PPCLI, said his unit’s demonstration was successful because of teamwork, building a good firebase and cultural knowledge of the enemy.

Aguilera, a 27-year-old paratrooper, said someday he would like to train and jump with U.S. Special Forces at Fort Bragg.

PPCLI Soldiers answered questions from FSSF veterans, USASOC Soldiers and the public, concluding the demonstration.

-usasoc-

[Dan]

Audience members cheer as a paratrooper assigned to the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry lands safely after conducting a High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) jump Aug. 12 in Calgary, Alberta. The paratrooper is holding The First Special Service unit's colors. The FSSF, a one-of-a-kind joint Canadian and American unit, fought together in World War II and celebrated their 59th annual reunion Aug. 12-14. (Army photo by Sgt. Joe Healy, USASOC Public Affairs)

[Dan]

Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry assault a fictional enemy village during a insurrection demonstration Aug. 12 in Calgary, Alberta. The demonstration entertained World War II veterans of the First Special Service Force, Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and the general public. (Army photo by Sgt. Joe Healy, USASOC Public Affairs)

[Dan]

Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry assault a fictional enemy village during an insurrection demonstration Aug. 12 in Calgary, Alberta. The demonstration entertained World War II veterans of the First Special Service Force, Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and the general public. (Army photo by Sgt. Joe Healy, USASOC Public Affairs)

[Dan]

A Soldier assigned to the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry provides security during an insurrection demonstration Aug. 12 in Calgary, Alberta. The demonstration entertained World War II veterans of the First Special Service Force, Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and the general public. (Army photo by Sgt. Joe Healy, USASOC Public Affairs)