During his visit to the RTA to observe Reservists involved in three different courses being run by 3 CDTC Det Shilo C Coy, A/3Div Comd BGen David Awalt had an opportunity to fi re the last of 48 rounds being used by DP1 Gunner students. They had saved it specifically for him to fire a “last round” in honour of his long CAF career, with BGen Dewalt having 47 more days of work as of Aug. 11 before he retires. He even loaded his own 30-pound shell into the 105 howitzer, before the command to fire was given and he yanked the lanyard. Photos Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag.

Jules Xavier
Shilo Stag

With 47 days remaining before he retires from the CAF, A/3Div Comd BGen David Awalt was asked to fire a round alongside graduating DP1 Gunner students.

While his military background is Signals Officer, he was all smiles when an opportunity to pull the lanyard on a 105 howitzer was offered by 3 CDTC Det Shilo C Coy OC Maj Melissa Marshall.

“Sure, that would be nice,” he said when learning of the opportunity when a summer instructor let it slip he was scheduled to fi re the last round before chatting with the Reservists

from across western Canada who were assembled Aug. 6 in the RTA.

He received a safety briefing from a Gun Detachment Commander from Red Deer, Alberta, who showed him all of the safety procedures required of him, before pulling the lanyard on his command.

BGen Awalt was asked if he wanted to also load his 30-pound shell, which he happily agreed to do while the Reservists around the 105 howitzer looked on.

When it came time for that last round to take flight across the RTA, BGen Awalt eagerly took his spot on the right of the 105 howitzer. He was momentarily startled when the gun fired, after being hit by the concussion. But he still managed to follow the instructions to have the shell ejected.

With a beaming smile, BGen Awalt then held high his shell, after it was allowed to cool a bit.

His first 11 years years in Reg Force was employed as a Signals Officer, at which point and time he then switched to Reserves, and has been working with the Reservists for the last 20-plus years.

Spending the day in the RTA, with Maj Marshall and MWO Hood as his guides, BGen Awalt was able to visit with every summer Reservist at their respective final course locations.

He was able to observe and question Reservists involved in the following courses run by 3 CDTC Det Shilo C Coy staff this summer: Observation Post Detachment Member course, Reconnaissance Technician course, and DP1 Gunner course.

Up first was the Observation Post Detachment member course, where Reservists were located high up on a ridge overlooking where the DP1 Gunner course students were targeting their rounds. Using the MSTAR, the Reservists were able to track where the rounds hit specifi c target locations.

BGen Awalt spent time up close with the students, questioning them on their respective jobs and about the equipment  they were using.

A/3Div Comd BGen David Awalt looks out on the RTA terrain to observe the placement of three rounds fired by DP1 Gunner students while initially visiting Reservists enrolled in the Observation Post Detachment Member course run by staff from 3 CDTC Det Shilo C Coy. Photos Jules Xavier/Shilo Stag.

3 Div DComd advises Reservists to ‘be ready’

He then held a Q&A after giving the attentive Reservists and their instructors a summary of Canadian Army (CA) future plans, including what’s going to happen in 3 Div for the next three years.

This includes new CADPAT being rolled out, including new Army boots, in 2023.

“You’ll be able to order your CADPAT and boots online,” he explained, noting 2 Div is supposed to be first in line for the new clothing.

He also acknowledged the green colour will be replaced by a blend of green and tan, so the working uniforms will be compatible with different geographical terrains.

When asked about the CAF providing new weapons and other military equipment in the future, BGen Awalt could not provide a definitive answer, noting that certain resources are being allocated by Canada for use by the Ukrainian Army in the defence of their country by the invading Russians.

BGen Awalt then spent time with Reservists and instructors on the Reconnaissance Technician course. He was shown how the T-16 is used, and learned from the students this a key tool in co-ordinating where artillery is established so commanders can track where it is in relation to the battlefield.

Pocket calculators, or those on an iPhone if needed, were put to good use as Reservists calculated positions using formulas they learned in the classroom before moving out into the training area.

He also shared the latest CA news with this group, including having another Q&A.

At each of his stops, he also made sure to address each Reservist, asking them where they called home, plus what they did when not soldiering as Reservists. He noted having diverse backgrounds and skill sets only enhances the military experience when Reservists are integrated working alongside Reg Force soldiers.

BGen Awalt pointed out the CA in the future will be looking at more integration between Reg Force and Reservists. It will start this winter, with two rotations, in BC for Op PALACI.

Instead of 1RCHA running the show, 38 Brigade will fire the 105 howitzer as part of avalanche control in the Rockies. With 1RCHA stretched with soldiers deployed to Latvia, with B Bty replacing A Bty in December, only a few Reg
Force members will compliment the Reservists tasked for this winter.

Moving forward with Op PALACI, BGen Awalt said 39 Brigade will then take over this domestic deployment in 2024.

BGen Awalt then moved on to observe the DPI Gunner course members in action, having seen their earlier work from his position with the Observation Post Detachment Member course students.

Before his Q&A session, he was given a chance to fire his “first and last round” before his retirement and departure from Garrison Edmonton to his home in Victoria, BC.

“Be ready,” advised BGen Awalt to the Reservists with the changes coming in the CA, when it comes to their involvement. “Have your passports ready. I’ve had to remove people going on deployment because they did not have their [updated] passport … it was next man up who did go.”