Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Colonel Robert Christopher, CO

MISSION – 56 Fd Regt RCA will train to specific environments enabling force

generation of artillery soldiers in support of Canada’s domestic and

international defence objectives. That is our mission, and force generation (FG)

is a key component. One way to FG is to recruit. For now until 31 Mar 2018 we

are expected to hire 24 soldiers. The regiment is having an Open House in

Simcoe during the evening on 11 May and during the day on 13 May 2017. I ask

that every Gunner in this regiment aim to bring at least one prospect to our Open

House. If that is not possible, then refer your prospect directly to our recruiting

Sergeant, Sgt McLaughlin, as soon as you can. A prospect can be a friend, family member, or someone

you know who is looking for work. Sgt McLaughlin can be reached at 519-752-1642 x 7228,

travis.mclaughlin@forces.gc.ca. The recruiting process has been stream lined and sped up. Anyone who joins our unit starts parading

almost immediately, and trains with us while going through kitting, a medical, fitness test etc… Recruiting is

always an important priority. Under the new system which took effect 1 Apr 17 the regiment has more control

and more responsibility to make it work. Send your leads to Sgt McLaughlin today!

Congratulations to all the Gunners of this regiment who visited Vimy on the 100th anniversary – well

done. Bdr Hoo was part of the 2 RCHA Vimy 21 gun salute for the Royal Family. Congratulations to 10th Field

Artillery Battery for acing the St. Julien’s Day Parade. It was a spectacular event! Thank you to the 11 soldiers

who volunteered to support Op LENTUS and assist fellow Canadians ravaged by flood waters.

The regiment stands down for the summer on 18 May 17, and stands to on 7 Sep 17. During this

period many of you will be away on tasks, training, and other duties. I wish you all success - Ubique!

REGIMENTAL BRIEFING NOTE

56TH FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT, RCA–MAY 2017

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Second-in-Command

By Maj Ortiz-Sosa

This month was a particularly important one. We kicked off the fiscal year

with the Centennial of Vimy Ridge. The regiment was well represented in

France with members from each battery in attendance. In the photo 54 Bty’s

Sgt Philpott places a poppy next to the name of his great uncle Pte A. E.

Philpott, who died fighting the Germans at Vimy. Pte Philpott’s name is

carved into the stone of the monument.

Dress and Deportment in the field. As your Unit General Safety Officer

(UGSO) it is my duty to inform you on safety. This month’s theme is dress

and deportment in the field. As we prepare to go out on courses this summer

let’s keep in mind that we need to train as we fight, and that includes dress and deportment including

simple items like wearing Ballistic Eye Wear (BEW), helmets, etc... Of specific note is the requirement

that gloves are mandatory field wear. There are multiple incidents of soldiers injured in theatre because

they are not wearing gloves. These soldiers may be in vehicles that suffer from Improvised Explosive

Device (IED) or rocket attacks and the soldiers suffer flash burns or the soldiers have to try and pull

someone out of one of these burning vehicles. Gloves will protect their hands. Consider our Field

Dress Policy which states all soldiers will operate in a field environment with helmet, BEW, tactical

vest, sleeves down and gloves on at all times. Let’s do our part to train as we fight and adopt these

safety measures.

Ex CO-OP GUNNER 17 & RST

The regiment stands down 18 May 17, and stands to 7 Sep 17. During

this summer period soldiers in this unit will not parade at the regiment,

but rather will take various courses to develop their artillery skills as

Gunners. This is part of Force Generation, and it is our mission here at

56 Fd Regt RCA “…the generation of artillery soldiers in support of

Canada’s domestic and international defence objectives.” The

expectation at this regiment is that every soldier must commit time

during the year, or during the summer period, to complete a course and

or participate in a major field training exercise (FTX) like Stalwart

Guardian. Doing this keeps our skills sets sharp and develops us into

effective Gunners. If you are not meeting this expectation, then speak

with your supervisor as soon as possible for guidance and advice on how

to get course loaded, or assigned to an FTX.

Speaking of FTXs, our 24-25 Mar 17 exercise CO-OP GUNNER 2017 (CG 17) continues to generate

very positive reverberations. At a recent 32 Canadian Brigade Group (CBG) Commanders Update Brief

(CUB) Commander Col Zalvin singled out with positive special attention 56 Fd Regt RCA, in front of

all the Bde’s 13 COs and RSMs who were in attendance. He stated he was impressed with the

outstanding work done by 56 Fd Regt RCA at Ex CO-OP GUNNER, and that the FTX was extremely

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well executed. He then forwarded an email from a CFLC participant who was an observer at CO-OP

GUNNER, and it reads as follows:

“Col Zalvin: I’d like to express my sincere gratitude for providing me with the opportunity to attend a

live fire exercise at CFB Meaford. Our chaperons for the day (Cmdr Davies, Capt Fitzgerald-Sloman,

MCpl Olken) and the many Reservists I met were extremely professional and were very kind to indulge

my 100+ questions throughout the day! It was such a rewarding and educational experience and one

that I will speak very highly of to my colleagues, family + friends. Thank you Sir, for all you’ve done

and continue to do for our great country. Sincerely, Jillian Forrow (Guest of Major John Stewart, 7th

Toronto Regiment).”

The FTX went extremely well. All the Reserve units came together and worked as a team. The

combining of three artillery regiments into one (4 RCA) was almost seamless and totally effective. The

support and participation of the Combat Service Support units such as signals or intelligence was

outstanding. For next year’s FTX CO-OP GUNNER, the 11 Fd Regt RCA is the lead unit. In closing, I

wish to express my sincere appreciation to all who participated in the FTX – it was a job well done!

LCol R. Christopher

Background - CG 17 was a regimental Level IV Field Training Exercise (FTX) conducted at 4th

Canadian Division Training Center Meaford on 24-26 Mar 2017. Participating artillery units from 31

and 32 Canadian Brigade Group formed 4 RCA and included 7 Tor Regt RCA, 11 Fd Regt RCA and

lead unit 56 Fd Regt RCA. Other units attached under 56 Fd Regt RCA’s Operational Control

included 32 Service Battalion, 31 and 32 Signals Regiments, 25 Field Ambulance, 2 Intelligence

Company, The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, and the Canadian Forces Liaison Council

(CFLC). The FTX End State was met by our having completed three regimental missions. About 155

soldiers from all units participated on the FTX, and 100s of artillery rounds were fired. The numerous

CFLC Executrek guests were very pleased and impressed. The FTX also received positive media

attention. (http://barrie.ctvnews.ca/artillery-training-explains-loud-noises-throughout-the-region-

1.3341773).

56 Fd Regt RCA Association

The 56 Fd Regt RCA Association (56 FARA) is looking to grow its

membership. Benefits include receiving the 56 Fd Regt RCA Regimental

Briefing Note and other regimental publications, having special access to the

regiment’s messes for unique occasions, receiving invitations to social and

ceremonial functions, attending professional development events, and

observing live fire field operations as a civilian. The annual membership fee is

$10. Please mail your cheque and make it payable to the Treasurer 56 FARA,

address 56 Fd Regt RCA, 18 Brant Avenue, Brantford, ON, N3T 5G3.

56 FARA will convene a planning meeting on 13 May at 3pm in the Officer’s Mess at the Brantford

Armoury, 18 Brant Street, Brantford, ON. All are welcome. The meeting agenda includes the following

items: increasing membership and fundraising; a proposed three-pronged operating strategy for the

Association; distribution of relevant information to members via the Association's e-mail list; holding

periodic meetings of the membership in the Brantford Armoury for topical presentations; and arranging

major special events at selected venues for our members and the general public. For information contact

Col (Ret’d) Wayne Shiplo at ont56fara@rogers.com.

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Adjutant

Capt David Vandevenne

A reminder that with the end of the training year on 31 Mar 17, the Performance Evaluation Report (PER)

season is once again upon us for the 2016/17 year. Every HQ from the Canadian Army on down will be

tracking the completion rates of PERs using Monitor Mass on a weekly basis starting on 12 May, so it is

imperative that BCs ensure all eligible members receive their PER in accordance with 32 CBG’s directed

timelines. The first batch of PERs (mostly Reg F, but also some senior officers and NCOs) was due at 32

CBG HQ on 8 May 17. PERs will be well written and will be reviewed prior to being signed. To help

ensure that the process runs smoothly, the CO has directed that a PER Professional Development (PD)

writing session be conducted on the weekend of 13-14 May with BCs and other key appointments in

attendance. It will be held in Simcoe, in order to coincide with the recruiting Open House.

BC 10 Lt Pocuca

A special congratulations to all the soldiers returning from France during our

Vimy 100th Anniversary RCA pilgrimage. The trip was very successful.

On 22 Apr 2017, as part of great tradition, the 102nd anniversary of the

Battle of St. Julien was commemorated with a parade and mess dinner at

Lake Street Armory, St. Catharines. Over 150 people participated, including

MP Chris Bittle and MPP Jim Bradley. The Reviewing Officer (RO) was

renowned author and historian Mr. James Steel. The history of this great

event is as follows. On 22 April 1915 in St. Julien, Belgium, the 10th Field Battery (10 Bty), with one

section of guns reversed, kept up fire in two directions for four hours against the Germans. In their attack

the Germans used massive amounts of chlorine gas. This was the first large scale gas attack in the history

of warfare. 10th Bty’s contribution towards stemming the German advance was a success and the

Germans retreated, defeated.

In closing, I would like to remind everyone in 10 Bty to acquire all the necessary paperwork before going

to Regional Summer Training (RST) this summer. Remember the great contribution that we as a reserve

force provide to Canada's security and sovereignty, as well as international stability. Good luck with your

summer!

Have You Read Any Good Books Lately? Padre, Capt Ken Webb

All members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Regular and Reserve, are expected and encouraged to be constantly

improving themselves, their skills and knowledge of their profession. We are expected to maintain standards of

physical training, basic individual soldier skills, as well as those proper to our particular branch or arm of

service. This expectation also holds true for the development and training of our minds: we should be reading and

thinking about various aspects of the profession of arms. The Canadian Army Reading List is only one of a vast

series of collections of recommended books for soldiers to read – and study – in order to improve their

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understanding of the profession of arms and their role in it. To make the point,

the forward to the 2009 edition of the list includes this observation:

“Soldiers today are faced with innumerable challenges in complex and punishing

environments across the globe. Combined with seemingly unending revolutions

and evolutions in warfare, technology, and society, now more than ever we

require a thorough and in-depth understanding of our profession. We can never

spend too much time learning it, thinking about it, and debating it. There is

perhaps no better way to develop the knowledge and confidence required of the

soldier’s calling off the field than a disciplined and focused commitment to a

personal course of reading and study.”

The ability to think about, analyze, evaluate and then decide on how to act in an

increasingly complex and demanding operational environment demands that we

have soldiers who are reading and thinking about the military profession – how

and why we do things, and how and why they were done in the past. A sustained

personal program of reading on matters related to the profession of arms is an

excellent way to equip ourselves for the challenges of the future. To quote from

that forward again: “The soldier’s profession is unique, and we must all do our

utmost to prepare for the heavy responsibilities and challenges of military

service.” We are all busy, with civilian jobs, family, and other commitments, and

there is only so much time available in the day - but we do well to make our ongoing education and professional

learning a priority.

I would like to wish all the best to the members of the regiment as we go into the summer training period. Whether

you are on course, instructing, on a tasking or just taking the summer off, be assured of my prayers, and don’t forget

to read a good book!

Sgt Pynn - Incoming Chief Clerk Effective 24 Jul 17 56 Fd Regt RCA will have a new Chief Clerk (CClk). A

native of Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, Sergeant Terry Pynn joined

the Canadian Armed Forces in 2002 as a RMS Clerk in St. John’s NL. After

completing BMQ and RMS Clerk QL3 training, he was posted to CFB

Gagetown in 2004, where he worked as OR clerk at CFSME, Squadron Clerk

for the Field Engineer Training Squadron and Sqn clerk with 3 ASG Sigs

Sqn. From Gagetown, Sgt Pynn spent six years with recruiting, initially as

File manager in Hamilton, and then to CFRG HQ as 2IC of the Orderly

Room, Acting Chief Clerk, Standards and Quality Control, General Office

Supervisor and National Events Clerk. In 2014, Sgt Pynn was posted to

CFLTC and was promoted to his current rank of Sgt in Jul 16. In Jul 16, Sgt

Pynn was posted to his current position as the Course Director for the

Recruiting Clerk Course at CFTDC, responsible for ensuring delivery of high

quality training, resulting in being awarded The Base Commanders

Commendation for his work at RTC in 2015 at Cornwall. Sgt Pynn is an avid sports fan, enjoys playing

hockey, golf, and baseball. Sgt Pynn is married to Valeria Cruz Pynn and has one daughter Thaila Pynn.

On behalf of 56 Fd Regt RCA I welcome Sgt Pynn to our unit. The position of CClk is very important, and he will be

at the centre of all the unit’s administration. Welcome to the Guns! LCol Christopher

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The Honorary Colonel

HCol The Rev’d Bryan Robertson

For those members of the regiment who participated in the

recent St. Julien celebrations, you will know by now that my

promotion to Honorary Colonel (HCol) of the 56th Field

Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery finally came

through and I was pleased to accept this honour at the parade

in St. Catharines on 22 April. While I previously held the

appointment of Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel (HLCol) from

2011 to 2014, it took quite some time to surmount the paper

wall which seemed to obstruct progress toward my

appointment as HCol. Not much seems to have improved in

this aspect of the military in the 60 years that I have been

associated with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

By way of background, my name is Bryan Robertson and I was born and grew up in Simcoe. I joined the 56 Fd

Regt RCA (69th Field Battery) in May of 1957 and rose to the rank of Bombardier. I was commissioned as a

Second-Lieutenant (8th Field Regiment, 102nd Field Battery, Dundas) in March of 1964. I re-badged as an officer in

the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) in 1966 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and

commanded the RHLI from 1974 to 1977. I also commanded the Ancaster High and Vocational School Cadet

Corps at one stage and was an Honorary Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant-Governors the Honorable Pauline McGibbon

and the Honorable John Black Aird. My employment as a civilian was initially as a secondary school science

teacher in Ancaster and Stony Creek and subsequently as Director of Provincial Schools for the Ontario Ministry of

Education. I am also an ordained Anglican Priest and Honorary Chaplain of the RHLI. I have been married to my

wife Patricia for fifty-five years and we have four adult children – Harry, Michelle, Carole, and Tracy – and three

grandchildren – Lindsay, Julia, and Benjamin. That is enough said about me.

The practice of honorary appointments in Canada dates back more than a century. Although the tasks and roles of

units have changed over the years, it remains the role of the Honorary to serve as a link between the community and

the CAF. The Honorary rank is “honorary and advisory” and does not confer any authority or command (even if the

Honorary previously held a higher substantive rank than that of the Commanding Officer). The role of the Honorary

is to serve as an advocate for the Regiment and the CAF, and to strengthen the military’s bond with the community.

Public relations is an important aspect of this role. The Honorary is expected to be an informed and respected

representative of the Department of National defence, the same as every other serving member of the CAF,

particularly to the media. One of the key responsibilities of an Honorary in the CAF currently is to promote

diversity in the CAF, women, minorities, aboriginals, and greater civilian participation among other things. As one

step toward this end, our current HLCol, Paul Williamson, a prominent business man and outstanding citizen of

Brantford, is the first person without a previous military background to have been appointed an Honorary in our

Regiment. The HCol is also the Chair of the Regimental Senate. The Senate currently is made up of the HCol,

HLCol, former Commanding Officers, and former Regimental Sergeants-Major. One of my goals as HCol is to

expand the Senate to include members with military backgrounds beyond the Regiment and not limited to former

CO’s and RSM’s, as well as the addition of prominent civilian members of the communities of which the Regiment

is a part, and possibly beyond. My target is for the Senate to meet twice yearly, once in May or June and once on

the day of the Christmas Dinner for the Troops in December, with any additional meetings as necessary. I would

also like to see the creation of a Regimental Foundation to build an endowment fund to support the financial welfare

of the Regiment and its soldiers. We are very fortunate that past HCol Don Wilkin and his wife Joanne established a

generous endowment fund with the Brant Community Foundation to support the Regiment with an annual

contribution to the Unit Fund which assists the CO in carrying out activities which require funding beyond that

provided by DND. That said, I am honoured to have been appointed as your HCol and will do my best during my

tenure to promote the best interests of the 56 Fd Regt RCA and our fine soldiers. We belong to a great Regiment

with a colourful history and proud heritage! Ubique.

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56 Fd Regt RCA is Recruiting!!!

Sgt Travis McLaughlin

As you are all aware the regiment is looking to recruit 24 more

soldiers. We currently have a healthy amount of applicants in the

system, however, it always helps to get more. If you know anyone

who would like to join, or has questions in regards to anything

military related please feel free to give them my contact

information below. As well, I hope you all invite friends and family

to the Simcoe Open Houses being held on the 11th and 13th of May.

If you have questions I can be contacted by phone at 519-752-1642

ext 7228 or by email at Travis.McLaughlin@forces.gc.ca. Ubique!

Capt Ohlke Transfers to the Regs

I would like to say thank you for the wonderful experience I have had at

56 Fd over the past eight years. I started in 2009 with 10 Bty, and

became the Non Public Funds Accounting Officer (NPFAO) at HQ

sometime around the fall of 2013. It was always a challenge, though a

rewarding one, to balance reserve service with my civilian career as a

contract archaeologist. Being part of the regiment allowed me to

develop and utilize some entirely different skill sets than the ones I used

in my day job. In the fall of 2015, I somewhat accidentally went full

time, going on Op PROVISION, which took me to CFBs Trenton,

Borden, and Kingston. This led into a summer as 48 Depot Bty BK in

Meaford in 2016, and then to a Class B administrative position in

Borden beginning in Aug 16. For the past year I have not been at the

regiment very often, as I now live in Borden, but I have been

maintaining the regiment’s non-public funds from a distance.

At the end of May I will be taking the next step in my career, a plunge into the world of regular force

logistics. Due to outstanding leave I need to burn before the end of my contract, my last day will be 12

May. As I am coming to find out is standard for the regular force, I am not yet sure what branch of

logistics I will specialize in, or where I will be posted (I am hearing likely Newfoundland for the first go).

Wherever I end up, I am sure the skills I learned and the memories I created at 56 Fd will serve me well.

Although I am a Logistics officer by profession, I have always been made to feel a part of the gunner

family at 56 Fd, albeit likely as the slightly eccentric cousin. I wish you all the best for the future. Ubique!

On behalf of 56 Fd Regt RCA, I wish Capt Ohlke continued success as she transitions from the Reserves to

the Regular Force. Her service to this regiment was outstanding, and she will be missed, but not

forgotten. Ubique!

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Family Support Group (FSG)

Mrs. Pat Cooke

FSG meeting at Crabby Joes in Brantford, Wednesday May 17.

See recent news and events for May to summer on website.

http://www.56familysupportgroup.ca/events/event-by-year?catids=3

Gnr Dowd Promoted to Bdr at St. Juliens

FIGURE 1 CWO RUSS, LCOL CHRISTOPHER, BDR DOWD, HCOL ROBERTSON, RO MR. JAMES STEEL