Van Doos to Afstan too/2 RCR from Feb. to Aug. 2007

Dedicated to protecting our PRT.

The Canadian Forces will pack a bigger punch in Afghanistan next month and will be able to put more resources into the hunt for Taliban insurgents, Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor said yesterday.

Speaking to the House of Commons defence committee, Mr. O'Connor said the arrival of 125 troops from the Royal 22nd Regiment, nicknamed the Vandoos, based in Valcartier, Que., will free up other troops for offensive operations. Along with the newly arrived tanks, he said, the Canadian Forces will be able to deal with the increased violence in the province of Kandahar.

Currently, he said, many troops are protecting the Canadian Forces provincial reconstruction team (PRT), which is offering development and aid in the area.

"When the Vandoos company gets there and goes into Kandahar to protect the PRT, they will be dedicated to protect the PRT. That will allow the battle group and the tank squadron that is streaming in the same time to deal with the insurgency," Mr. O'Connor said.

The minister said the additional protection for the reconstruction team will allow for increased development aid to Kandahar...

The Royal 22nd is scheduled to form the main part of our battle group in Kanadahar for six months from August, 2007. From February to August The Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR) from CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick, will form the battle group.