Canadian Rangers Training

The premise behind the Canadian Rangers is that they are well equipped, experienced outdoorspeople, who need only minimal instruction in order to redirect their skills to benefit the community and the Canadian Forces. Consequently, Canadian Rangers receive only basic training, which seeks to augment their highly developed knowledge of how to survive on the land.

More experienced members can opt to participate in advanced Canadian Ranger Patrol Leaders training which qualifies them to be in charge of the patrol. Canadian Ranger Patrol Leaders are responsible for the training and good conduct of all the Canadian Rangers in the patrol, and are the point-of-contact for the Canadian Ranger Instructors from each of the CRPG (Canadian Ranger Patrol Group) Headquarters.

Exercises

Each Canadian Ranger Patrol must undertake a minimum of one exercise on the land per year. These exercises differ in nature according to the most likely scenario in the surrounding area. These annual exercises afford the Canadian Rangers an opportunity to brush up on their skills and to work as a team in a controlled environment. Canadian Ranger sergeants also take advantage of these annual excursions to take inventory of wear-and-tear on issued equipment and to discuss new policy and directions with their patrols. Canadian Ranger exercises can last anywhere from a few hours to a week or more depending on the skills being practiced.

Doing Business Canadian Ranger-style

Canadian Rangers are required to report all unusual or unfriendly activity in their area of responsibility, regardless of whether or not they are out on an organized patrol, walking alone in the bush, fishing, sailing, working with Search and Rescue patrols, etc.

Salute

In order to gather the appropriate facts before reporting potential incidents, Canadian Rangers rely on the mnemonic "salute".

S – size (how many people?)
A – activity (what are they doing?)
L – location (grid reference or name of place)
U – uniform (what are they wearing?)
T – time (local time in 24 hours system)
E – equipment (description of vehicles, weapons, clothing)

Rangers

Canadian Rangers are also required to perform First Aid when the need arises. They use the mnemonic of "rangers" to remind them of what they should do if they come upon an accident scene, or find an injured person. "Ranger" also provides valuable advice for day-to-day living.

R – reckless handling may kill
A – assess the extent of the injuries
N – notify the medics or local health/emergency
G – give psychological first aid
E – extra precautions prevent diseases or further injury
R – remain calm
S – stay healthy in order to train and serve effectively

Survival

Canadian Rangers often perform their duties out on the land. This means they are exposed to the conditions, even in harsh and difficult weather. Finding yourself alone, isolated, cold and wet in a desolate area can frighten even the most stalwart Canadian Ranger. Remembering the mnemonic "survival" can help in these unpredictable situations.

S – size up the situation
U – undue haste makes waste
R – remember where you are
V – vanquish fear and panic
 I – improving (you can always improve the situation)
V – value living
A - act like the natives
L – learn basic skills

The Canadian Ranger training handbook is currently being re-evaluated in light of recent changes in technology and expansion plans. A copy will be made available on-line to members once it is completed.