Calgary reserve unit gets simulated combat training

A Canadian Armed Forces reserve unit got some combat training in Calgary Sunday but they managed to stay warm and dry.

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King's Own Calgary Regiment part time soldiers are using maps and computers to simulate combat operations, a type of virtual military training.

Maj. Christopher Hunt says the soldiers are learning basic skills that will help them in real life situations.

"How to plan military operations, how to coordinate those operations in a nice warm environment, and learn those skills here," Hunt said.

"So that when we go out to the field, and it's minus 20, they're cold, they're tired, there's lots going on, that they're building on that solid foundation and they're not doing it for the first time."

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He says while the training may be virtual, it's thorough.

"We're training commanders how to coordinate with each other, how to plan operations, how to do things like call in artillery, call in fighter attack aircraft, and coordinate combat operations against an enemy force," Hunt explained.

King's Own Calgary Regiment is made up of part-time soldiers who train on Wednesday nights and some weekends.