During his six months in Latvia, Cpl Mark Wanzel was focused on his job, but did find time to photograph away from work while exploring the communities in the vicinity of where he was posted. But it was the interaction with 1RCHA and 2PPCLI soldiers alongside other NATO nations during exercises which allowed him to let his cameras tell the stories he witnessed up close. He shared some of those images with the Shilo Stag after promising to do so once he returned home to our nation’s capital while at CFB Shilo for deployment training alongside 2PPCLI. Photos Cpl Mark Wanzel 

Cpl Mark Wanzel
Stag Special

I didn’t end up in Latvia by accident.
I’ve been after something relevant since I started my career with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and being part of this six-month tour, understanding our role here, learning and experiencing NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence (EFP) first-hand has definitely checked that box but over time it became more than a “bucket list” item.
As a photographer listening to my subjects often helps me arrive at the images I need to help capture the narrative in my work.
Words like capabilities, cohesion, multinational and deterrence have been used often, reinforcing what I was seeing throughout the mission.
Often my job was made easy — witnessing the awesome power and synergy of the Battle Group performing on and off the range, visually capturing those moments will stay with me for a long time.
The cohesion between soldiers — despite language barriers — and the friendships made were one of the many interactions I enjoyed capturing.
What I wasn’t prepared for was Latvia, which is a beautiful nation rich in history you can see and feel. Exploring the country became an exciting pastime for many of us as we discovered its medieval roots to the Soviet occupation.
This tiny Baltic state has seen its share of conflict and oppression something the country doesn’t shy away from, but encourages as a reminder of what’s possible.
I don’t claim to know everything that’s happened here, but what I do see is a proud people which embraces their culture and now chooses its path and in difficult times can rely on a strong NATO partnership to defend and deny anyone who threatens this sovereignty.
It’s with a heartfelt gratitude I thank both my Chain of Command, the people of Latvia and 2PPCLI for this incredible experience.
• • •
What is Op REASSURANCE? The CAF has military members serving on Op REASSURANCE in Central and Eastern Europe. They are there as part of NATO assurance and deterrence measures. These measures aim to reinforce NATO’s collective defence. It also shows the strength of Allied solidarity.
During this operation which involved 2PPCLI and 1RCHA, the CAF conducted training, exercises, and some NATO-specific tasks.
The most recent deployment had 2PPCLI CO LCol Jesse van Eijk as the Commanding Officer (CO) of the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group in Latvia. He took command June 15, and this month will hand it off to 1PPCLI. 1RCHA’s B Bty will replace A Bty.
Of note, this past deployment marked Canada’s fifth year leading the eFP Battle Group.
The CAF support to NATO — Canada’s largest current international military operation — helps make Central and Eastern Europe more secure and stable. It also shows the CAF is a professional force that is ready for any task.
The history and context of this operation — NATO agreed upon and began to enact a series of military measures on April 16, 2014. They are based on the principles of defence, deterrence and de-escalation meant to: reinforce NATO’s collective defence; and demonstrate the strength of allied solidarity.
The CAF has always been a major contributor to NATO operations and exercises. It has been fully engaged since NATO was founded in 1949.
The CAF is committed to unity, security, and stability on both sides of the Atlantic. In recent years, Canada has been an active participant in NATO-led missions in: Balkans (Op KOBOLD) and Libya (Op MOBILE).
Op REASSURANCE mission timeline:
• April 29, 2014 – the CAF sent its first CF-188 Hornet Air Task Force to Europe. Since then, the CAF had periodically sent air task forces to Central and Eastern Europe.
• May 3, 2014 – the CAF sent a Land Task Force to Central and Eastern Europe, based in Poland.
• May 13, 2014 – the CAF sent a Maritime Task Force of one frigate to Central and Eastern Europe.
• June 19, 2017 – Canadian-led NATO eFB Battle Group Latvia was stood up during a ceremony at Camp Adazi, Latvia.
• August 17, 2017 – The Land Task Force in Poland completed its final deployment.
• July 10, 2018 – The Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau announced the renewal of Canada’s contribution to NATO’s eFP until March 2023. The CAF will also increase the number of members deployed to Latvia from 455 to 540.
• June 28, 2021 – The CAF opened the new multi-national headquarters building, adjacent to the Latvian National Armed Forces Joint HQ. This building currently houses Task Force Latvia HQ and will be poised in the future to house the leadership of the other allied nations that will contribute personnel to the NATO eFP Battle Group.
Cpl Mark Wanzel is a military photographer posted to CFS Ottawa with ADMPA VCS (Visual Communications Support), but before joining CAF was a photojournalist who worked for the Barrie Examiner, Halifax Herald, Post Media and Sun Media