Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Mar 27/02) - Canadian Armed Forces personnel were front and centre in Rankin Inlet this past week as part of a nationwide communication exercise.

The six unlisted men and one officer were from the Alberta Communication Regiment.

They were in the Kivalliq as part of the 73/74 Communication Group's Iridium West exercise from March 16 through 22.

Capt. T.D.C. Wallace said the purpose of the exercise was to acquire some experience and test their ability to use long-range communications from the North to their central Gateway Command in Edmonton.

The Rankin group worked out of the Forward Operating Location during the exercise.

"We used two communications systems," said Wallace.

"The quick-reaction terminal is a high-frequency radio, which can send secure voice and data. The IMRSAT B satellite terminal has secure voice and fax capability."

Wallace said sovereignty in the North is always an issue in Canada and the military conducts at least one Northern mission per year.

The Rankin Inlet Ranger Patrol and a number of elders were involved with the group during its stay, providing advice on weather and locations.

"We split our people up and they spent time out living on the land. They learned a lot from the Rangers and elders about how to work and live in the North," he said.

"They set up training for our deployed personnel and showed them their traditional methods of fishing, hunting and iglu building. Eating fish and caribou and staying in an iglu you helped build is an experience of a lifetime."

Wallace said he's still amazed at the people who brave the Kivalliq lifestyle, where simple tasks can quickly become tragic events.

"You really have to be aware of where you are and let people know where you're going and what you're doing. I have tremendous respect for the people who call the North their home."