Jules Xavier
Shilo Stag
The inaugural Ex TOUGH GUNNER definitely tested the mental and physical mettle of 1RCHA soldiers.
This is exactly what CO LCol Joe O’Donnell was looking for when he came up with the idea to add this event to 1RCHA’s to do list after taking command in 2022.
“The primary goal of Ex TOUGH GUNNER is to foster teamwork, pushing individuals to collaborate closely while tackling obstacles and overcoming physical challenges,” he told the Stag.
“This event serves as a test of participants’ fitness levels, pushing their endurance and strength to the limit. By embracing the demanding nature of Ex TOUGH GUNNER participants have the opportunity to build resilience and strengthen their mental and physical toughness.”
He added, “It’s an event that combines camaraderie, physical fitness, and personal growth into one thrilling experience.”
While this event was going on using the Base’s seven-kilometre walking trail, plus the confidence course, 1RCHA’s Ex MOUNTAIN RAM team had their own set of challenges as they forego the obstacles and, instead, conducted a canoe portage to prepare them for the 1CMBG exercise in August.
LCol O’Donnell also participated, pushing his foursome while tackling the 21-kilometre course. There was a seven-kilometre and 14-kilometre challenge for the Gunners participating in an event which started with rain after the starting gun fired a round at 7:30 a.m.
Joining LCol O’Donnell’s team was his RSM CWO Sean McGowan, RCPO Capt Kyle Nielsen and A The Queen’s Bty BC Maj Chris Lewington.
Besides finishing the 21-kilometre distance, LCol O’Donnell was able to observe others participating, as well as listening to their thoughts and critiques on how to make this event better for the second annual Ex TOUGH GUNNER.
Feedback on these events outside of the normal artillery training is important, according to the 1RCHA CO.
“I saw this morning the soldiers of 1RCHA are committed to mission success. As professional war fighters we have to always develop and embody our fighting spirit to overcome hardship and I feel we achieved that this morning and we did it through some solid teamwork,” he offered.
“Throughout the challenge, I really got to witness this. Whether it was on a challenging obstacle or on the route with seasoned NCOs inspiring their newer subordinates who hadn’t pushed this hard in their career.”
He added, “Teams undertook this challenging task, showcased an unwavering will to succeed, demonstrated grit and the will to fight against all adversity. This is a vital source of strength for us as Gunners and the bond between team members, and the unwavering dedication to the our ethos was on display for sure.”
For Ex TOUGH GUNNER in 2024, LCol O’Donnell has plans formulating in his head to make it “longer, heavier and with more obstacles.”
Inaugural Ex TOUGH GUNNER provided plenty of action photos from the Base’s walking trail, as well as the confidence course for Stag editor Jules Xavier. With the first group finished the seven-kilometre challenge, Xavier observed Gunners relaxing or snoozing, with most up at dawn to be ready for the 7:30 a.m. start. Awards to the top three teams in each of the distance classes were handed out by 1RCHA CO LCol Joe O’Donnell and RSM CWO Sean McGowan. A special trophy was built by 1RCHA woodworking staff, as well as wood “coins” as keepsakes for the distances each of the foursome winners covered — seven, 14 to 21 kilometres.
