Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River (Mar 15/04) - Mounties don't learn about Northern winters during basic training in Regina.

For that, there's the 'G' Division's Winter Indoctrination Training Course.

"Some people from the cities have never fired up a Coleman stove," noted Jack Kruger, the search and rescue/training co-ordinator with 'G' Division.

Most Mounties coming to the North are newcomers to living and working on the land, Kruger said.

"You had better make sure their skills are commensurate with their duties."

Among the things taught are how the global positioning system (GPS) works, use of a map and compass, care of chainsaws and axes, use of rations and snowmobile operation and maintenance. Participants also construct a lean-to and learn how to build a signal fire and a snow house.

The course is also given to search and rescue personnel, Coast Guard employees and firefighters.

"If someone is lost on the land, there's no point getting on a snowmachine and going out unless you know what you're doing," Kruger said.

The one-week courses have been presented for the last eight years.

Kruger says many Mounties view completing the course as a personal accomplishment, not just training for work.

"One is equally as important as the other. It tends to make their time up here more enjoyable," he said.

Holman's Const. Kim Deniger, who is originally from Valleyfield, Que., took the course in mid-February.

The 23-year-old recalls being 30 km out on Great Slave Lake using GPS for the first time to find a target flag.

"I was so glad when I found the flag," she said, noting it was difficult because there was nothing but white all around. The course was also her first experience using a compass and riding a snowmobile in deep snow.

"I got stuck the first tim."

Deniger says she learned a lot and had fun at the course. She said it will help her adapt to her new surroundings.

"It's a great experience."

During the course, Const. Jeremy White of Fort Smith said the North is unlike anywhere else in Canada and the course helps members of the RCMP adapt.

"Some have never been on a snowmobile before," said the native of Newfoundland.

Aklavik's Const. Ryan Kelly, originally from Nova Scotia, said the course will better prepare him for search and rescue cases.