August 2, 1996
(Executive Council)

The following is being distributed at the request of Land Force Atlantic Area:

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Media invited to observe realistic training in a realistic way

For the first time, media representatives from across Atlantic Canada will be able to observe ARCON '96, the annual Reserve Force concentration at CFB Gagetown, August 17-24 for the duration of the exercise week. Media Access Teams will be organized and escorted throughout the training area as they might be in a theatre of operations in order to facilitate safe media access during live-fire training and to enhance realism of training.

Upwards of 2,000 reserve force soldiers from across Atlantic Canada will deploy to Gagetown to form the Atlantic Training Brigade Group for ARCON '96. The concentration consists of two 72-hour exercises based on a mobilization scenario for the brigade group conducting defensive operations. Soldiers will train under realistic battlefield conditions including live fire, air fire, air strikes by CF-18 aircraft, a controlled enemy force, refugees, casualty treatment and evacuation, and other tasks.

In order to ensure maximum safety during the live-fire exercises, media representatives will be able to enter the training area as part of a Media Access Team, similar in concept to the media groups organized in theatres of operation. Comprising of a military public affairs officer and several media representatives, each MAT will be able to observe all aspects of ARCON from the first deployment of the main body on August 17 to the redeployment of home units on August 24. Facilities are available to permit filing of copy, pictures and radio and television segments from the public affairs offices at CFB Gagetown while the exercise is under way.

For media representatives in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, limited space is available on military flights bringing troops to Gagetown at the beginning and the end of the exercise and rations and quarters can be provided, MAT's will be able to deploy with units and will be equipped to live in the field for up to seven days at a time.

Media representatives wishing to attend ARCON '96 and/or obtain additional information should contact the Land Force Atlantic Area Public Affairs office to make necessary arrangements.

Contact: Lieutenant Ed Hollett, (902) 427-0239.