Fort Smith (Jan 24/05) - Members of the Canadian Armed Forces will be riding into the NWT once again.

They are planning a long-distance snowmobile ride similar to last year's trek from Fort McMurray, Alta., to Fort Smith.

This year, the trip will again begin in Fort McMurray, but go as far as Yellowknife with stops along the way.

Master Corporal Mike Rude of the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre in Edmonton says the journey will be for both recruiting and public awareness.

Soldiers from the Princess Patricia's Light Infantry will stop in Fort Chipewyan, Alta., and be in Fort Smith on March 1. They will then continue on to Hay River, Fort Providence and Yellowknife, with possible stops in Fort Resolution and Rae.

"In these communities, not too many regular forces come through," Rude notes.

In 2004, the round trip lasted eight days. This year, it will take about two weeks.