Military showcases hardware at Riverbank

Dozens of residents, young and old, gathered at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on Thursday afternoon to see a display of military equipment as soldiers conducted a community open house.

Held in conjunction with a training exercise that continues today at various parks in and around Brandon, the event was designed to showcase the capabilities of 1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery from CFB Shilo, supported by 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron from Edmonton, and promote their efforts to strengthen community relations.

The display included light armoured vehicles fitted with 25-millimetre cannons and M777 Howitzers used for indirect fire support. Six of the howitzers were present at the site, each capable of striking targets up to 30 kilometres away, depending on the type of ammunition used.

The CH-146 Griffon helicopter — a militarized version of the Bell 412 — drew particular attention from onlookers, especially children.

Children crowded around the aircraft, with many smiling as soldiers explained how the guns worked or allowed them to touch the equipment.

“The officers were so welcoming and patient,” resident Folu Afolabi, a 10-year-old, told the Sun.

“It’s not every day you get this close to a helicopter or artillery gun,” he said.

The helicopter is the Canadian Armed Forces’ most used utility helicopter, built in Montreal and primarily used for transporting personnel and cargo. The aircraft can carry up to 11 passengers and, depending on the mission, may be equipped with side-mounted machine guns or operated unarmed for transport duties.

Residents also learned about newer technology like the Raven B — a small drone used for reconnaissance and target acquisition.

The device can fly up to 10,000 feet, but it is usually kept around 1,800 feet, helping locate targets and relay information to the gun line.

The event offered a rare glimpse into military life and technology, resident Ryker Robinson told the Sun.

“It’s pretty cool to see all this up close,” Robinson said. “It’s nice to see them out engaging with the public. I think it’s great exposure for what they do — and I’ll say it again, the military needs more funding.”

Some people don’t see anything like this back home, Brandon University student Cooper Morrison, who is originally from Fort Frances, Ont., told the Sun.

“I learned a lot today — especially about aviation mechanics, which I’m hoping to get into,” he said. “The soldiers were really helpful and answered all my questions.”

Other visitors simply came to satisfy their curiosity.

Resident Coral Strain said it is “cool” to check out the helicopters and military weapons.

“Though I don’t think I’ll be joining the military anytime soon, I appreciate the men in uniform better,” she said.

Van Seechurn, another resident, said the event could inspire others. “It might spark some interest for people thinking about joining the army,” she said. “It’s a unique experience.”

For Joy Xu, the open house was about understanding the human side of military life.

“Usually, soldiers seem distant,” he said. “Today, I got to talk with them, and it helped me understand their job — how they balance work, family and service.”

Thursday’s showcase also included forward observers, target acquisition teams, and command units — all part of the regiment’s artillery tactical group. The equipment on display represented what the soldiers typically use to move, communicate, and carry out their duties in the field.

The training is part of an annual artillery exercise that ensures 1RCHA’s readiness for future operations, a National Defence statement issued on Oct. 31 stated.

While no live ammunition was used, it stated, residents were advised to expect the sounds of vehicles and helicopters as troops moved between CFB Shilo and Brandon.

Lori Truscott, who oversees public affairs at CFB Shilo, said personnel could not comment because of a media blackout imposed in connection with the federal budget.

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