SAMBAA K'E/TROUT LAKE - Like most couples Phoebe Punch and Clinton Betthale share many things, among them are matching red sweaters, the hallmark of the Canadian Rangers.

Sgt. Phoebe Punch and Master Cpl. Clinton Betthale, seen here in Yellowknife at a leadership conference, are a Canadian Ranger husband and wife duo from Trout Lake. - Jessica Klinkenberg/NNSL photo

Betthale and Punch are a husband and wife Canadian Ranger duo from Trout Lake. Between them they have more than a decade of experience with the organization and hold the two highest ranks in their patrol.

Being a member of the Rangers gives a sense of being part of something larger, said Betthale.

"I'm part of the Trout Lake patrol and that means a lot to me," he said.

In the patrol Betthale has the second highest ranking, topped only by his wife. The difference in rank isn't a problem, said Punch.

"When I'm on duty I don't treat him as my husband. I treat him as another member of the patrol," she said.

Betthale said he doesn't have a problem taking orders from Punch because as soon as he puts on the red Ranger cap it's all part of the chain of command.

Sgt. Punch joined the Rangers in the late 1990s when a patrol was formed in Trout Lake. Signing up was a way to become the eyes and the ears of the community, she said.

Additional bonuses are the training exercises that, in Punch's opinion, are the best part of being a Ranger. During the exercises you get to go out on the land and there's always something new to learn, said Punch.

Being a Ranger also offers opportunities to be part of larger exercises. Punch was one of four Rangers from Trout Lake who took part in Operation Narwhal in Fort Simpson in April.

"That was a big learning experience," she said.

Training exercises and trips help keep members interested, said Punch. Over the years the Trout Lake patrol has grown to 15 members.

"The patrol is eager to go out on any training exercise outside of the community," Punch said.

Master Cpl. Clinton Betthale is among those who've joined the patrol.

After moving to Trout Lake in 2000, Betthale started talking with members of the patrol about their role. By 2003 he'd signed up.

"For me to be out on the land a lot more is what really caught my interest," said Betthale.

As a truck driver, Betthale said he'd watched a lot of land roll past his window but he'd never had the chance to live on it. Betthale said he's learned a lot of skills as a Ranger, like gun safety. He's also developed a sense of responsibility for the patrol and other Rangers.

"You aren't just one person. You're not there for yourself, you're part of the patrol," he said.

Rangers in Trout Lake will be practising taking orders during a training exercise in the community from Nov. 19 to 30. The event will involve a six-day trip on the land with an instructor from Yellowknife. Some new recruits will also be part of the event.

"They're very excited," said Punch.

After the exercise is finished a graduation parade will be held in the community along with a swearing-in ceremony for the new recruits. At that time the award for top shot will also be given to a member of the patrol.

Rangers are always anxious to find out who has won the award, said Betthale who has taken the honour before.

"It's just like waiting for your Christmas present," he said.