Fort Simpson (Feb 11/05) - Members of the Fort Simpson Ranger patrol are gearing up for four days of outdoor winter training.

Evening classroom sessions were held this week in preparation for the annual exercise. The lessons consisted of basic survival skills, treating hypothermia, map reading, using global positioning systems (GPS), drill, gun safety and Ranger history.

Some of the land-based endeavours will include building protective shelters, establishing a temporary airstrip and a marksmanship competition.

Sgt. Dave Scouten, a Ranger instructor from Yellowknife, is leading the training. He will join the dozen or more Rangers on the land from Feb. 12-15.

It's important for Rangers to take the exercise seriously as there is an element of danger involved, said Cpl. Lynn Wharton. Although the Rangers take several radios along, last year's exercise was cut short after a few Rangers lost contact with the remainder of the patrol for several hours near Kelly Lake. In addition to mechanical problems with snowmobiles, there was great difficulty navigating through "overflow" water on the frozen surface of a lake.

"We had an awful lot go wrong in one day last year, and we coped with it," Wharton said. "What we did learn last year was that as a team we have an awful lot of strength."

Despite the setbacks encountered in the last winter exercise, many patrol members are eager to take on nature again.

Ria Letcher, who joined the Rangers a couple of years ago, said she loves being on the land. The fact the Rangers allow her to go is a bonus, she added.

For Cpl. Mike Byland Jr., who has five years of Rangers experience, joining the patrol was a natural progression after being involved with cadets from age 13 to 18.

"I like the outdoors and I enjoy everything that has to do with it," he said.

Betty Anne Betsedea, a recruit, said she wants to learn to use a map, compass and GPS. As well, she said she's looking forward to tenting in the bush and setting a fish net.