Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 30/02) - Canadian Forces communication experts from all over Western Canada were in town last week testing their abilities to operate satellite equipment in the North.

Private Corey Allen sends a message to Canadian Forces communication experts in Edmonton. - Tara Kearsey/NNSL photo

The Canadian Forces Signalers were exercising the national command and control information system to polish up their expertise in operating the equipment in Arctic climates. The equipment enables the military to establish contact from remote locations.

"It's basically a system that allows us to talk in a secure manner so that no one can pick up our messages to other military units around Canada or wherever we're deployed," said Capt. Brian Martin.

The group set up a field location for the exercise in a gravel pit about 12 kilometres down the Ingraham Trail from Oct. 22 to 26. Using high frequency radio and satellite communications they communicated with Canadian Forces officials in Rankin Inlet, Edmonton and Prince Rupert, B.C.

"We're practising not just to get the people experienced in working out of the North but also making sure our equipment is prepared to work out of the North and we don't run into any problems," said Capt. Sarah-Jo Doucet.

Minor glitches

A few minor glitches did arise during the exercise because of alternating cold and mild temperatures, power supply and technical problems.

"Everybody has problems ... they could have power problems, they could have a crash in the system, it could be anything," he said.

But because of the exercise, members of the communications group now know what to expect and how to prepare for real-life situations that may occur.