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Whether it be across the world or here at home, Edmonton-based 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (1CMGB) is sharpened for any scenario.

“We are first and foremost prepared to assist Canadians at home,” said Col. R.T. Ritchie, the commander of the Edmonton brigade, in a year-end interview with Postmedia.

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“A lot of the more technical skills that we must develop and maintain to operate in these exceptionally complicated theatres around the world, naturally and organically, develop the same types of agility, skill, leadership, and culture that are required to be successful at home.”

1CMBG is housed at CFB Edmonton and consists of eight regular force units. The brigade is a land-based professional force consisting of 4,500 soldiers.

Under the direction of Public Safety Canada, 1CMBG and other members of the Canadian Armed Forces can respond to emergencies across the country. Troops can help to fill and place sandbags for floods, mop up fires, evacuate populations, deliver air supplies to remote communities, help law enforcement and assess infrastructure.