3 Royal Canadian Regiment
Encyclopedia
3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment is a regular force light infantry
battalion
of the Canadian Forces
. As of 2011, 3 RCR was designated Canada's first airmobile battalion. The unit has served Canada well throughout its history, and 3 RCR's most notable service occurred in 2003–2004, when it was the initial Canadian Forces Unit to serve as part of ISAF
, deploying to Kabul
in August 2003. After seeing the unit in the reconstitution phase of the army training operations framework cycle, it was prepared once again for deployment. It stood up as the core of "Task Force 3–08 Battle Group" (TF 3–08 BG) in January 2008 and assumed duties in Kandahar
in September of that year. 3 RCR redeployed to Canada in April and May 2009. Most recently, "O" Company deployed as a component of the Task Force 1-10 BG.
was formed 21 December 1883, under the name of the "Infantry School Corps". The regiment was known by a variety of names until "The Royal Canadian Regiment" became official.
There have been three occasions when there have been more than one battalion of The RCR. First was during the time of the Boer War
, when 2nd (Special Service) Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry constituted Canada's initial involvement in that war. 3rd (Special Service) battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry occupied Wellington Barracks in Halifax, NS
and conducted garrison duties there. Second was at the tail end of the Second World War when a second battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment was formed for duty in Japan. Finally, during the Korean War
, 3rd battalion was formed on 10 January 1951. 3 RCR served in Korea from March 1953 until March 1954.
During a reorganisation of the Canadian Army in the early 1950s, 3 RCR ceased being on the regular force order of battle. 3 RCR was the designation of the militia battalion of The RCR.
3 RCR was once again a regular force battalion when it assumed duties as a mechanized infantry battalion of 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
, taking over 3 (Mechanized) Commando of the Canadian Airborne Regiment. It served in Baden
, Germany
, until 1984, when it was replaced by 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
. It then was based in Winnipeg
as part of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
. It then returned to Germany in 1988, where it stayed until 1993, following the end of the Cold War
. It was then designated a so-called "10/90" battalion and was based at CFB Borden
. (These battalions were composed of 10% regular force members, and 90% reserve force members.)
3 RCR was stood up as a full-fledged regular force infantry battalion in 1998, and was designated as a light infantry battalion, consisting of three rifle companies, a combat support company and a combat service support company:
, Militia regiments, the Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (MG) and The Oxford Rifles were amalgamated and redesignated The London and Oxford Fusiliers (3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment). This unit thus became the Reserve component of The RCR
. In 1958, it was renamed 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (London and Oxford Fusiliers).
The Militia battalion changed from the 3rd to the 4th Battalion in 1970 when The Canadian Guards were reduced to nil strength and the soldiers of that regiment's 2nd Battalion (at CFB Petawawa
) became the restored 3rd Battalion, The RCR
, on the Regular Force
order of battle. This amalgamation also brought to the regiment the perpetuation of a number of battalions of the First World War Canadian Expeditionary Force, including the 1st, 33rd, 71st, 142nd and 168th Battalions as well as the 2nd Battalion of the Canadian Machine Gun Corps.
's commitment to NATO. It assumed duties from 3 Mechanised Commando, Canadian Airborne Regiment in 1977. It was stationed in Baden-Söllingen
, Germany
, as part of 4 CMBG
. It remained there until 1984, when it was replaced by 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. 3 RCR was then stationed in Winnipeg
, Manitoba
. In 1988, 3 RCR was once again rotated to Germany
. At this time, it deployed with four rifle companies instead of the usual three rifle companies. It consisted of the following:
3 RCR remained in Germany
until 1993, when 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
was stood down following the end of the Cold War
.
twice. The first tour was in Kabul
in 2003/2004 as "Roto 0" for Operation Athena
as part of ISAF
, and later as "Roto 6" for Operation Athena
in Kandahar
in 2008/2009.
1st Platoon, M Company of 3 RCR was featured in the Discovery Channel documentary series Combat School while training for their first operational deployment to Afghanistan.
as part of ISAF
, 3 RCR deployed to Kabul
, Afghanistan
, in the summer of 2003. It was based out of Camp Julien
. The 3 RCR Battlegroup (3 RCR BG) was augmented by "C" Company, 1 RCR. 3 RCR BG served in Kabul
until early 2004, when it was replaced by a battle group of the Royal 22e Régiment.
in Autumn, 2008, 3 RCR reroled into a mechanized infantry battalion. It formed the core of Task Force 3–08 Battle Group (TF 3–08 BG), augmented by:
(A Squadron was augmented by a troop from the Royal Canadian Dragoons)
3 RCR BG served in Kandahar
, Afghanistan
from 21 Sept 2008 until 15 April 2009.
In 2010 O Company deployed, in support of 1 RCR, for Task Force 1–10.
Shortly thereafter, N (Airmobile) Company, deployed to Yuma, AZ to participate in the United States Marine Corps WTI. This was done IOT set the foundations for 3 RCR's re-rolling into the Canadian Army's officially designated Air-Mobile Battalion.
O (Fast rope) Company were given greater attention, as well, and have begun preparations to give the battalion a fast-rope capability and have successfully conducted their first series of fast-rope training exercises.
The advanced training currently being conducted provides the Light Airmobile Battalion three feasible insertion methods for light infantry tasks. Currently, 3 RCR is preparing/training in order to welcome the Chinook Helicopter to Petawawa.
In the spring of 2000, he was posted to LFCA HQ Toronto in various staff roles until he was selected for the Army Officer Degree Program. He graduated from RMC with a BMASc and was subsequently posted in Jun 2003 to 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR).
While posted to 2 RCR, LCol Quick was employed as the A/Ops O, OC Cbt Sp Coy and lastly, as OC India Coy Gp. He deployed twice while serving with 2 RCR; Haiti as part of the Multinational Interim Force and to Afghanistan as part of TF 1-07 which saw him awarded the Star of Military Valour upon his return.
LCol Quick was posted to NDHQ upon redeployment in 2007 where he worked for DLFD within the Army structure for 2014 and later attended Staff College in Toronto where he completed his Masters of Defence Studies. Upon graduation, LCol Quick was posted to CSOR in Petawawa as Chief of Operations. Upon promotion to his current rank in 2010, he was posted to Ottawa as J3 of CANSOFCOM. In June 2011, he assumed his current appointment as Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment.
LCol Quick holds an undergraduate degree (Leadership) with a Masters degree in Defence Studies (Psychology of Killing in Combat), from RMC. He is a graduate of CLFCSC as well as the CFCSC.
LCol Quick enjoys family time, whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, personal training, snowboarding, playing guitar and painting/sketching. He is the proud father of Shaeffer Gracie and an enthusiastic husband to a very patient Theresa Sapara of Watson, Saskatchewan.
Two years later he was posted to Baden, Germany remaining with Mike Company 3 RCR. CWO Olstad received his appointment to the rank of Master Corporal in 1989, after completion of the Infantry Section Commander Course in Germany. In late 1990, he deployed to Doha, Qatar as part of the first Gulf War, as a Section 2IC. Other highlights from the tour in Germany included various exchanges and exercises with other Nations, and the opportunity to complete 2 Nijmegen marches and the French Commando Course.
Upon return to Canada in late 1992, he was employed in various positions within the 1st Battalion such as Delta Company, Charles Company, Anti Armour, 9er TAC and deploying to the Balkans with Bravo Coy in '93-'94. CWO Olstad was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1996, and posted to the Land Force Area Training Center and held the position of Section Commander and later the standards NCO for the Jr. Leadership course within Ontario.
In 2001, CWO Olstad was promoted to Warrant Officer and posted to 1RCR Bravo Company, 5 platoon and deployed again to the Balkans as a the Platoon 2IC. Upon completion of the tour he was employed in the Bn as Training WO and Anti Armour Pl WO. CWO Olstad was appointed to Charles Coy Quartermaster in 2005 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 with TF 3-06, 1RCR BG. He was awarded the wound stripe for Sept 4th 2006 events. Due to his leadership efforts while he occupied this position he was awarded the Canadian Expeditionary Force Commander Commendation.
In 2007, CWO Olstad was promoted Master Warrant Officer and posted back to 3RCR, Oscar Coy, as Company Sergeant Major. He held this position until early 2008. August 2008, he deployed with TF 3-08, 3RCR BG, Romeo Coy, as CSM Combat Service Support. For his commitment to the wounded and killed in action of the Battle Group, he was awarded the Canadian Expeditionary Force Commander Commendation.
Upon return to Canada in 2009, CWO Olstad returned to 1RCR and appointed the Drill Sergeant Major. He was employed as the Rear Party SM during the 1RCR BG deployment to Afghanistan.
CWO Olstad is married to Rebecca, and the two of them have three beautiful children; Michael, Derek, and Emma. When not at work the family is actively involved in all their sporting and outdoor activities.
The letters VRI on the cap badge of The RCR stand for Victoria Regina Imperatrix, which is Latin for "Victoria, Queen and Empress". The right to wear the imperial cypher and crown was granted to the regiment by Queen Victoria in 1893.
When a royal or imperial cypher forms part of the badge of a regiment it is normal for it to change with each succeeding sovereign. During the period 1901 to 1919, the officially authorized versions of the regiment's cap badge were those with Edward VII's and George V
's cyphers, although the regiment continued to use the "VRI" ensigned badges throughout this time while petitioning for their formal return. In 1919, George V granted The Royal Canadian Regiment permission to wear "VRI" in perpetuity – a unique privilege.
Light infantry
Traditionally light infantry were soldiers whose job was to provide a skirmishing screen ahead of the main body of infantry, harassing and delaying the enemy advance. Light infantry was distinct from medium, heavy or line infantry. Heavy infantry were dedicated primarily to fighting in tight...
battalion
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
of the Canadian Forces
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
. As of 2011, 3 RCR was designated Canada's first airmobile battalion. The unit has served Canada well throughout its history, and 3 RCR's most notable service occurred in 2003–2004, when it was the initial Canadian Forces Unit to serve as part of ISAF
International Security Assistance Force
The International Security Assistance Force is a NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan established by the United Nations Security Council on 20 December 2001 by Resolution 1386 as envisaged by the Bonn Agreement...
, deploying to Kabul
Kabul
Kabul , spelt Caubul in some classic literatures, is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. It is also the capital of the Kabul Province, located in the eastern section of Afghanistan...
in August 2003. After seeing the unit in the reconstitution phase of the army training operations framework cycle, it was prepared once again for deployment. It stood up as the core of "Task Force 3–08 Battle Group" (TF 3–08 BG) in January 2008 and assumed duties in Kandahar
Kandahar
Kandahar is the second largest city in Afghanistan, with a population of about 512,200 as of 2011. It is the capital of Kandahar Province, located in the south of the country at about 1,005 m above sea level...
in September of that year. 3 RCR redeployed to Canada in April and May 2009. Most recently, "O" Company deployed as a component of the Task Force 1-10 BG.
Battalion origins
The Royal Canadian RegimentThe Royal Canadian Regiment
The Royal Canadian Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Canadian Forces. The regiment consists of four battalions, three in the Regular Force and one in the Primary Reserve...
was formed 21 December 1883, under the name of the "Infantry School Corps". The regiment was known by a variety of names until "The Royal Canadian Regiment" became official.
There have been three occasions when there have been more than one battalion of The RCR. First was during the time of the Boer War
Second Boer War
The Second Boer War was fought from 11 October 1899 until 31 May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State...
, when 2nd (Special Service) Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry constituted Canada's initial involvement in that war. 3rd (Special Service) battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry occupied Wellington Barracks in Halifax, NS
City of Halifax
Halifax is a city in Canada, which was the capital of the province of Nova Scotia and shire town of Halifax County. It was the largest city in Atlantic Canada until it was amalgamated into Halifax Regional Municipality in 1996...
and conducted garrison duties there. Second was at the tail end of the Second World War when a second battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment was formed for duty in Japan. Finally, during the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, 3rd battalion was formed on 10 January 1951. 3 RCR served in Korea from March 1953 until March 1954.
During a reorganisation of the Canadian Army in the early 1950s, 3 RCR ceased being on the regular force order of battle. 3 RCR was the designation of the militia battalion of The RCR.
3 RCR was once again a regular force battalion when it assumed duties as a mechanized infantry battalion of 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group was a formation of the Canadian Army, then Mobile Command of the unified Canadian Forces. The formation served as the main forward deployed land element of Canada's armed forces, and was stationed in West Germany from 1957 until it was disbanded in...
, taking over 3 (Mechanized) Commando of the Canadian Airborne Regiment. It served in Baden
Baden
Baden is a historical state on the east bank of the Rhine in the southwest of Germany, now the western part of the Baden-Württemberg of Germany....
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, until 1984, when it was replaced by 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry is one of the three regular force infantry regiments of the Canadian Army. The regiment is composed of four battalions including a primary reserve battalion, for a total of 2,000 soldiers...
. It then was based in Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Canada, and is the primary municipality of the Winnipeg Capital Region, with more than half of Manitoba's population. It is located near the longitudinal centre of North America, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers .The name...
as part of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group is a Canadian Forces brigade group that is part of Land Forces Western Area of the Canadian army...
. It then returned to Germany in 1988, where it stayed until 1993, following the end of the Cold War
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
. It was then designated a so-called "10/90" battalion and was based at CFB Borden
CFB Borden
Canadian Forces Base Borden is a Canadian Forces base located in Ontario.The historic birthplace of the Royal Canadian Air Force, CFB Borden is the largest training facility in the Canadian Forces...
. (These battalions were composed of 10% regular force members, and 90% reserve force members.)
3 RCR was stood up as a full-fledged regular force infantry battalion in 1998, and was designated as a light infantry battalion, consisting of three rifle companies, a combat support company and a combat service support company:
- M Company (Airborne)
- N Company (Air Assault)
- O Company (Mountain)
- Q Company (Combat Support)
- R Company (Combat Service Support)
Service in the Korean War
3 RCR replaced 2 RCR in Korea in early 1953. Early in May the battalion withstood a strong enemy assault on its position about Hill 187. The attack was repulsed, but the engagement cost the Canadians heavy casualties – 26 killed, 27 wounded and seven taken prisoner.3 RCR as a Reserve battalion
In 1954 two London, OntarioLondon, Ontario
London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
, Militia regiments, the Canadian Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) (MG) and The Oxford Rifles were amalgamated and redesignated The London and Oxford Fusiliers (3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment). This unit thus became the Reserve component of The RCR
The Royal Canadian Regiment
The Royal Canadian Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Canadian Forces. The regiment consists of four battalions, three in the Regular Force and one in the Primary Reserve...
. In 1958, it was renamed 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (London and Oxford Fusiliers).
The Militia battalion changed from the 3rd to the 4th Battalion in 1970 when The Canadian Guards were reduced to nil strength and the soldiers of that regiment's 2nd Battalion (at CFB Petawawa
CFB Petawawa
Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, commonly referred to as CFB Petawawa, or simply "Pet", is a Canadian Forces Base located in Petawawa, Ontario. It is operated as an army base by Canadian Forces Land Force Command.-Base facts:...
) became the restored 3rd Battalion, The RCR
The Royal Canadian Regiment
The Royal Canadian Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Canadian Forces. The regiment consists of four battalions, three in the Regular Force and one in the Primary Reserve...
, on the Regular Force
Regular Force
In the Canadian Forces, a Regular Force unit or person is part of the full-time military, as opposed to being part of the Primary Reserve.Regular Force personnel are employed full-time, and have usually signed long-term contracts committing them to regular service...
order of battle. This amalgamation also brought to the regiment the perpetuation of a number of battalions of the First World War Canadian Expeditionary Force, including the 1st, 33rd, 71st, 142nd and 168th Battalions as well as the 2nd Battalion of the Canadian Machine Gun Corps.
Service during the Cold War
3 RCR was one of two infantry battalions that formed CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
's commitment to NATO. It assumed duties from 3 Mechanised Commando, Canadian Airborne Regiment in 1977. It was stationed in Baden-Söllingen
Baden
Baden is a historical state on the east bank of the Rhine in the southwest of Germany, now the western part of the Baden-Württemberg of Germany....
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, as part of 4 CMBG
4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group was a formation of the Canadian Army, then Mobile Command of the unified Canadian Forces. The formation served as the main forward deployed land element of Canada's armed forces, and was stationed in West Germany from 1957 until it was disbanded in...
. It remained there until 1984, when it was replaced by 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. 3 RCR was then stationed in Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Canada, and is the primary municipality of the Winnipeg Capital Region, with more than half of Manitoba's population. It is located near the longitudinal centre of North America, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers .The name...
, Manitoba
Manitoba
Manitoba is a Canadian prairie province with an area of . The province has over 110,000 lakes and has a largely continental climate because of its flat topography. Agriculture, mostly concentrated in the fertile southern and western parts of the province, is vital to the province's economy; other...
. In 1988, 3 RCR was once again rotated to Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. At this time, it deployed with four rifle companies instead of the usual three rifle companies. It consisted of the following:
- M Company (Mechanized Infantry)
- N Company (Mechanized Infantry)
- O Company (Mechanized Infantry)
- P Company (Mechanized Infantry)
- Q Company (Combat Support)
- R Company (Combat Service Support)
3 RCR remained in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
until 1993, when 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group
4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group was a formation of the Canadian Army, then Mobile Command of the unified Canadian Forces. The formation served as the main forward deployed land element of Canada's armed forces, and was stationed in West Germany from 1957 until it was disbanded in...
was stood down following the end of the Cold War
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
.
Service in Afghanistan
3 RCR has served in AfghanistanAfghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
twice. The first tour was in Kabul
Kabul
Kabul , spelt Caubul in some classic literatures, is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. It is also the capital of the Kabul Province, located in the eastern section of Afghanistan...
in 2003/2004 as "Roto 0" for Operation Athena
Operation ATHENA
Operation Athena is the Canadian Forces contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.-Overview:Operation Athena was a two phase Canadian Forces mission...
as part of ISAF
International Security Assistance Force
The International Security Assistance Force is a NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan established by the United Nations Security Council on 20 December 2001 by Resolution 1386 as envisaged by the Bonn Agreement...
, and later as "Roto 6" for Operation Athena
Operation ATHENA
Operation Athena is the Canadian Forces contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.-Overview:Operation Athena was a two phase Canadian Forces mission...
in Kandahar
Kandahar
Kandahar is the second largest city in Afghanistan, with a population of about 512,200 as of 2011. It is the capital of Kandahar Province, located in the south of the country at about 1,005 m above sea level...
in 2008/2009.
1st Platoon, M Company of 3 RCR was featured in the Discovery Channel documentary series Combat School while training for their first operational deployment to Afghanistan.
Service in Kabul
As part of Canada's commitment to AfghanistanAfghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
as part of ISAF
International Security Assistance Force
The International Security Assistance Force is a NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan established by the United Nations Security Council on 20 December 2001 by Resolution 1386 as envisaged by the Bonn Agreement...
, 3 RCR deployed to Kabul
Kabul
Kabul , spelt Caubul in some classic literatures, is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. It is also the capital of the Kabul Province, located in the eastern section of Afghanistan...
, Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
, in the summer of 2003. It was based out of Camp Julien
Camp Julien
Camp Julien was the main base for the Canadian contingent of the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan.The camp was named after Corporal George Patrick Julien, a Canadian soldier who was awarded the Military Medal as a Private, for his actions at Hill 187 in Korea in May 1953...
. The 3 RCR Battlegroup (3 RCR BG) was augmented by "C" Company, 1 RCR. 3 RCR BG served in Kabul
Kabul
Kabul , spelt Caubul in some classic literatures, is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. It is also the capital of the Kabul Province, located in the eastern section of Afghanistan...
until early 2004, when it was replaced by a battle group of the Royal 22e Régiment.
Service in Kandahar
In anticipation of its deployment to AfghanistanAfghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
in Autumn, 2008, 3 RCR reroled into a mechanized infantry battalion. It formed the core of Task Force 3–08 Battle Group (TF 3–08 BG), augmented by:
- A Squadron, Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)Lord Strathcona's Horse is a regular armoured regiment of the Canadian Forces. Currently based in Edmonton, Alberta, the regiment is part of Land Force Western Area's 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group...
- D Squadron, The Royal Canadian DragoonsThe Royal Canadian DragoonsThe Royal Canadian Dragoons is an armoured regiment of the Canadian Army. It is one of three armoured regiments in the Regular Force and forms part of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps....
- 24 Field Squadron, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment2 Combat Engineer Regiment2 Combat Engineer Regiment is a regiment of the Canadian Military Engineers. It is located at CFB Petawawa, and is part of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group...
- F Battery, 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery
(A Squadron was augmented by a troop from the Royal Canadian Dragoons)
3 RCR BG served in Kandahar
Kandahar
Kandahar is the second largest city in Afghanistan, with a population of about 512,200 as of 2011. It is the capital of Kandahar Province, located in the south of the country at about 1,005 m above sea level...
, Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
from 21 Sept 2008 until 15 April 2009.
In 2010 O Company deployed, in support of 1 RCR, for Task Force 1–10.
Post-deployment and reconstitution
In 2010, the M (Parachute) Company Group, consisting of combat engineer, mortar team, medical, and signals attachments took shape. They deployed as a group for the first time in February 2011 participating in an exercise with the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division.Shortly thereafter, N (Airmobile) Company, deployed to Yuma, AZ to participate in the United States Marine Corps WTI. This was done IOT set the foundations for 3 RCR's re-rolling into the Canadian Army's officially designated Air-Mobile Battalion.
O (Fast rope) Company were given greater attention, as well, and have begun preparations to give the battalion a fast-rope capability and have successfully conducted their first series of fast-rope training exercises.
The advanced training currently being conducted provides the Light Airmobile Battalion three feasible insertion methods for light infantry tasks. Currently, 3 RCR is preparing/training in order to welcome the Chinook Helicopter to Petawawa.
Commanding Officer
LCol David Quick enrolled in the CF under the Officer Candidate Training Program and departed for training in Jan 1994. Upon completing his training he commissioned into The Royal Canadian Regiment in Aug 1995. His first regimental tour was with 1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment (1 RCR) where he commanded a Rifle Pl, Recce Pl and was 2IC of Cbt Sp Coy. While serving with 1 RCR he deployed twice; Bosnia in 1998 and Kosovo in 1999.In the spring of 2000, he was posted to LFCA HQ Toronto in various staff roles until he was selected for the Army Officer Degree Program. He graduated from RMC with a BMASc and was subsequently posted in Jun 2003 to 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR).
While posted to 2 RCR, LCol Quick was employed as the A/Ops O, OC Cbt Sp Coy and lastly, as OC India Coy Gp. He deployed twice while serving with 2 RCR; Haiti as part of the Multinational Interim Force and to Afghanistan as part of TF 1-07 which saw him awarded the Star of Military Valour upon his return.
LCol Quick was posted to NDHQ upon redeployment in 2007 where he worked for DLFD within the Army structure for 2014 and later attended Staff College in Toronto where he completed his Masters of Defence Studies. Upon graduation, LCol Quick was posted to CSOR in Petawawa as Chief of Operations. Upon promotion to his current rank in 2010, he was posted to Ottawa as J3 of CANSOFCOM. In June 2011, he assumed his current appointment as Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment.
LCol Quick holds an undergraduate degree (Leadership) with a Masters degree in Defence Studies (Psychology of Killing in Combat), from RMC. He is a graduate of CLFCSC as well as the CFCSC.
LCol Quick enjoys family time, whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, personal training, snowboarding, playing guitar and painting/sketching. He is the proud father of Shaeffer Gracie and an enthusiastic husband to a very patient Theresa Sapara of Watson, Saskatchewan.
Regimental Sergeant Major
Chief Warrant Officer Olstad enrolled in the Canadian Forces on 02 August 1985. After completion of Recruit and Basic Training in 1986, he was posted to 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment, Mike Coy, Kapyong Barracks, Winnipeg, Manitoba. During this time, he attained Infantry specific courses such as Communicator, Machine Gun, Driver Wheel and Driver Track.Two years later he was posted to Baden, Germany remaining with Mike Company 3 RCR. CWO Olstad received his appointment to the rank of Master Corporal in 1989, after completion of the Infantry Section Commander Course in Germany. In late 1990, he deployed to Doha, Qatar as part of the first Gulf War, as a Section 2IC. Other highlights from the tour in Germany included various exchanges and exercises with other Nations, and the opportunity to complete 2 Nijmegen marches and the French Commando Course.
Upon return to Canada in late 1992, he was employed in various positions within the 1st Battalion such as Delta Company, Charles Company, Anti Armour, 9er TAC and deploying to the Balkans with Bravo Coy in '93-'94. CWO Olstad was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1996, and posted to the Land Force Area Training Center and held the position of Section Commander and later the standards NCO for the Jr. Leadership course within Ontario.
In 2001, CWO Olstad was promoted to Warrant Officer and posted to 1RCR Bravo Company, 5 platoon and deployed again to the Balkans as a the Platoon 2IC. Upon completion of the tour he was employed in the Bn as Training WO and Anti Armour Pl WO. CWO Olstad was appointed to Charles Coy Quartermaster in 2005 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 with TF 3-06, 1RCR BG. He was awarded the wound stripe for Sept 4th 2006 events. Due to his leadership efforts while he occupied this position he was awarded the Canadian Expeditionary Force Commander Commendation.
In 2007, CWO Olstad was promoted Master Warrant Officer and posted back to 3RCR, Oscar Coy, as Company Sergeant Major. He held this position until early 2008. August 2008, he deployed with TF 3-08, 3RCR BG, Romeo Coy, as CSM Combat Service Support. For his commitment to the wounded and killed in action of the Battle Group, he was awarded the Canadian Expeditionary Force Commander Commendation.
Upon return to Canada in 2009, CWO Olstad returned to 1RCR and appointed the Drill Sergeant Major. He was employed as the Rear Party SM during the 1RCR BG deployment to Afghanistan.
CWO Olstad is married to Rebecca, and the two of them have three beautiful children; Michael, Derek, and Emma. When not at work the family is actively involved in all their sporting and outdoor activities.
The RCR cap badge
"An eight-pointed diamond cut star; upon the star a raised circle surmounted by the crown; within the raised circle, the block letters "VRI", the Imperial Cypher of Queen Victoria." (Description of the badge of The RCR as presented in Regiments and Corps of the Canadian Army, published by the Army Historical Section, 1964)The letters VRI on the cap badge of The RCR stand for Victoria Regina Imperatrix, which is Latin for "Victoria, Queen and Empress". The right to wear the imperial cypher and crown was granted to the regiment by Queen Victoria in 1893.
When a royal or imperial cypher forms part of the badge of a regiment it is normal for it to change with each succeeding sovereign. During the period 1901 to 1919, the officially authorized versions of the regiment's cap badge were those with Edward VII's and George V
George V of the United Kingdom
George V was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 6 May 1910 through the First World War until his death in 1936....
's cyphers, although the regiment continued to use the "VRI" ensigned badges throughout this time while petitioning for their formal return. In 1919, George V granted The Royal Canadian Regiment permission to wear "VRI" in perpetuity – a unique privilege.