(submitted photo/ Tammy Jim Cook-Searson)

By Nigel Maxwell

Basic training

Aspiring Rangers take aim at challenging test

Nov 19, 2019 | 4:48 PM

When Jimmy Charles first witnessed a Ranger patrol in his home community, he said he knew he wanted to be part of it.

The 29-year-old from Stanley Mission is one of 15 people taking the Canadian Ranger Military Introduction training course this week in La Ronge. Charles revealed to paNOW while the training exercises are challenging, he is also enjoying it.

“We had a shooting day yesterday, and it was snowing and raining at the same time,” he said.

A Ranger has many responsibilities including search and rescue, and also helping their community with evacuations during a flood or fire. Charles said he really enjoys the thought of being able to able to able to protect his own or a neighbouring community.

“Back in school, Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) had brought up the Junior Rangers program in the PAGC communities but the training wasn’t really military like we have now with the Canadian Rangers,” he said.

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The men and women have been exposed a wide range of weather conditions. (submitted photo/ Tammy Jim Cook-Searson)

Sgt. Jim Searson, patrol commander in La Ronge, is among the instructors working with the potential candidates.

“The good thing is you are not just learning from the staff from Edmonton or Victoria, but you are also learning different [search and rescue] techniques from fellow rangers,” he said.

The eight-day training course is split between classroom work and work out in the bush. As part of their training, the Rangers must learn first aid, how to conduct a variety of search of rescue techniques (boats, ATVs, and snow machines) and must also learn how to read maps and communicate through a radio. Searson said Rangers represent the eyes and the ears of their community.

“A lot of times if we are out in the land and we see something that isn’t right, we can get it looked into,” he said.

The potential recruits test out their C-19 rifles. (submitted photo/ Tammy Cook-Searson)

The potential candidates taking the test this week come from Île-à-la-Crosse, Patuanak, Stanley Mission and La Ronge. When members complete the course, they will all return to their respective communities. Searson said watching the potential recruits brings back some good memories of when he himself did the course seven years ago.

“It’s actually pretty exciting and just talking with all the individuals, they are really excited to learn new stuff about the military and what their role is with the Canadian Armed Forces,” he said.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell