Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 31/01) - October was training month for the Rankin Inlet patrol of the Canadian Rangers.

Sgt. Yancy Savard of the Canadian Armed Forces has been working with Ranger patrols for more than a year.

There are 58 Ranger patrols throughout the North. Each patrol receives two weeks of training annually.

The training program starts with four to six days in class, focusing on weapons handling, map reading, first aid and surveillance.

The next four days are spent on the land. The Rangers practice a search-and-rescue operation, spend time at the shooting range and work on traditional skills.

"We had 21 participants in this year's training program for the Rankin Rangers," says Savard.

"There were a number of others who couldn't get time away from their jobs to take part in the program.

"We understand that can often be difficult."

There are 10 Canadian Forces instructors in the North to visit all 58 Ranger patrols. The training courses begin in September and usually run until May.

Savard says it's important to Canada's sovereignty to have a Ranger presence in the North.

"The Rangers give us eyes in Canada's North. When they are on the land, they are showing the flag of Canada and our continued presence in the North," he says.

Many Rangers are also members of their local search and rescue units.

"When there's a need for a rescue operation, the RCMP call the local Ranger patrol most of the time."

There is a maximum of 30 Rangers per patrol.

Rankin has 27 Rangers, all of whom are male. That's something Savard would like to see change.

"During this visit to Rankin, I had a couple of females ask me if they could join the Rangers," he says.

"That was promising. A lot of patrols have female members. It's good for the patrol."

The Rankin patrol welcomed four new members into its ranks this year.

Savard says the diversity of the members keeps being an instructor interesting.

"We have a wide range in the age groups, with the youngest being 19 and the oldest being in his 80s. I learn a lot from the members, especially out on the land. It's a very rewarding experience for me."