CFB Gagetown Today

CFB Gagetown encompasses over 1100 square kilometres and measures up well to its requirements. The permanent campsite, located in the northeast, is about 100 kilometres from Saint John. The terrain of the training area is well suited to all types of training. There are open stretches with scattered woods, ideal for armoured and infantry tactics; there are very thick woods and swamps, some of which adequately simulate jungle conditions; and there are mountains, although not very high, for mountain warfare training. The climate, although quite humid, changes seasonally with ample snowfall in winter and high temperatures in the summer enabling personnel to conduct training throughout the year.

Located adjacent to the main campsite is Camp Argonaut, the Atlantic Region Army Cadet Camp. The camp's 350 staff members train l200 cadets, both male and female, each summer in the virtually self-contained seasonal camp.

CFB Gagetown's training area includes small arms, grenade, mortar, rocket launcher, anti-tank, field firing, artillery and air defence ranges as well as tracked and wheeled vehicle driving area. Field Engineers also conduct bridging and demolitions training in the training area. All activity in the training area is controlled and coordinated by Range Control, ensuring safe use of the training area.

CFB Gagetown is located adjacent to the Town of Oromocto where the PMQs are located. The combined Oromocto/CFB Gagetown population is approximately ten thousand, of which 70 percent are military personnel and their dependants. The very close relationship between CFB Gagetown and the Town makes Oromocto unique in Canada.

CFB Gagetown employs approximately 500 full time civilians in various occupations as well as over 3000 military personnel. Being one of the largest employers in the province of New Brunswick, CFB Gagetown is considered a very significant contributor to the economy of the area.

Leisure services and recreational facilities are found both at CFB Gagetown and in the Town. It is one of the rare places where the civilian and military communities are integrated in most aspects of life for the benefit of everyone.