Blast analysis is another important area that DRDC covers. The centre develops material that is resistant to blasts to protect equipment and personnel and is also studying the effects blasts have on the brain.
The Suffield Research Centre works with a range of agencies and has been partnering with NATO for training since 2003. The agency has worked with the RCMP, Canadian Forces and City of Calgary sharing knowledge on explosives and bio- chemical hazards.
While the threats to soldiers and civilians continue to evolve so does the work at the research site. From mustard gas to bio-chemical toxins, improvised explosives and modern weapons, DRDC works against it all.
“Our work focuses around the most dangerous components that the Canadian Forces face,” he said.
DRDC employs approximately 190 staff on base, including 160 scientists and 30 support staff.
British Army Training Unit Suffield
BATUS delivers world class live fire and manoeuvre training as well as force on force exercises using state of the art simulation technology. Established in 1971 with CFB Suffield, BATUS continues to foster a close relationship with the Canadian Forces and the civilian community in southeastern Alberta.
“The British and Canadian Forces have had a longstanding partnership for 80 or 90 years,” explained Major Rob Page, BATUS Chief of Staff. “We have been at this location for more than 40 years and have a great relationship here.”
The local site is the largest training area operated by the British Army anywhere in the world.
“The size and scale of what’s available to us is important,” said LCol Arwyn Lewis, BATUS Deputy Commander. “It allows us to do things here that we would not be able to do elsewhere.”
Each year 8,000 British troops come to the base to go through battle group formations and training exercises in preparation for the next conflict. Four times a year, groups of 1700 people come at one time going through 11 days of live fire training and 19 days of simulated training. By accessing the services of
civilian businesses, the military is able to perform training exercises with lasers in settings that resemble areas of conflict around the world.
“We plan, construct and maintain mock up houses, roads, targets and living situations that add a sense of realism to the training,” said Page. BATUS goes so far as to employ civilian role players from neighbouring communities to make the simulation as authentic as possible. “Without a sense of realism it would just be going through the motions.”
Major Rob Page, BATUS Chief of Staff
February 1941 11 June 1941
Assessment and repair of the 1,300 vehicle fleet operated by BATUS is another major undertaking. With the assistance of civilian contractors, the vehicles are repaired and maintained on an ongoing basis.
“We benefit from the set of skills available in Alberta and in Medicine Hat and area,” said Page.
In addition to the troops rotating through the program each year for training, BATUS employs 230 permanent military staff and roughly that many civilian staff across all trades.
“Working in a first world country allows us to easily draw on support from the local economy in a number of ways,” said Lewis, siting medical access, technology and skilled labour forces as huge assets.
In addition, the relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom in general and the personal experiences of the soldiers locally is extremely positive.
“It’s really important to mention how welcome we feel here,” said Page.
The mix of services, scenery and people in Alberta make it hard for soldiers to leave according to both Page and Lewis.
“They all want to stay,” said Lewis.
“It truly is a home away from home and anyone who comes leaves a changed person,” said Page.
1942–57 1946 30 April 1947 1952 1955 1957 1959 1964 1966–71
CFB Suffield important dates
October 1940
Discussions between UK and Canada on establishing a joint chemical warfare testing and evaluation establishment
Final agreement reached
Canadian Army assumes responsibility for the Experimental Station, Suffield
Late August 1941 First building completed; site occupied
1942–45
Activities expand beyond the initial joint agreement to address specifically Canadian requirements
RCAF support unit collocated with Experimental Station
British financial support withdrawn; majority of ~600 Canadian wartime staff depart
Responsibility for the Experimental Station assumed by the newly established Defence Research Board (DRB)
Largest low-speed wind tunnel in Canada opened
New state-of-the-art Central Laboratory opened
Peak postwar staffing of Experimental Station (494 personnel + 70 RCAF)
First large-scale (500 pounds TNT) blast trial conducted
500-ton blast trial conducted
Recurring Mobile Command (Canadian Army) exercises; establishment of the Suffield [Military] Training Area to accommodate such use
26 June 1967 August 1967 March 1970 20 August 1971
First visit by British military personnel to evaluate suitability of Suffield for armour training
Experimental Station renamed Defence Research Establishment Suffield (DRES)
Formal UK request to conduct training at Suffield
UK-Canada agreement authorizing British training signed
1 December 1971 CFB Suffield established Cont. page 82 81
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