The US has been conducting a long-range convoy throughout Europe. This training might be aimed at enabling Canada to do the same in the future

will involve close to 4,500 military personnel from Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom traveling 4,000 km across Canada

A 70 military vehicle convoy is currently moving from Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Valcartier, based in Quebec, to CFB Wainwright in Alberta. According to Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander Canadian Army:

“It is important for the Canadian Army to be challenged with the most realistic and dynamic experiences possible in regard to operational situations such as cross-border logistics, driving in inclement weather, navigating unfamiliar roads, and training with our US partners, all to achieve excellence in operations and seamless coordination with our allies.”

More than 70 military vehicles are moving through northeastern Ontario as part of Maple Caravan. The Canadian Armed Forces says it's partnered with the United States Army to move equipment from Quebec to Alberta. (Master Corporal Simon Duchesne/supplied)

The military convoy is a partnership between the US Army and the Canadian Armed Forces under the name of Exercise MAPLE CARAVAN.

“Exercise MAPLE CARAVAN provides an exceptional opportunity for the Canadian Army to practise a joint logistical operation with its American ally, while using a cost-effective way to manage a large equipment movement to a major training exercise site,” according to Major-General Jean-Marc Lanthier, Commander of the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre.

The convoy includes vehicle, mowers, tents and tables, which will be used during Exercise Maple Resolve. The US Army’s expertise in large-scale military convoys is enabling Canada to learn valuable experience in moving a great amount of equipment on such a distance.

The 4,000 km logistical move is possible due to US Army vehicles. No specific routes were given due to privacy reasons—mostly likely for Operational Security (OPSEC).

Exercise MAPLE RESOLVE is a high-readiness exercise that will be conducted from April 20 to May 23, 2015, at the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre in Wainwright, Alberta. The exercise will involve close to 4,500 military personnel from Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.

There is nothing to be alarmed about. In fact, frequent joint exercises are conducted by Canada and the United States and Ex MAPLE CARAVAN is only another routine joint exercise.

However, the United States has been conducting a long-range convoy throughout Europe. This training might be aimed at enabling Canada to do the same in the future.

With Canada involved in Operation REASSURANCE, its soldiers have been doing a number of military manoeuvers throughout Europe.

Operation REASSURANCE:

refers to the military activities undertaken by CAF to support NATO assurance measures through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations and assigned NATO tasks. Canada is a strong supporter of NATO and is committed to doing its part as a member of the alliance. In coordination with its NATO partners, Canada is continually looking for opportunities to contribute to peace and stability in Central and Eastern Europe and planning is ongoing for future activities related to Op REASSURANCE.

The convoy will return to CFB Valcartier in June, after Ex MAPLE RESOLVE.