Troops with fake guns will try to protect a VIP in St. Albert this weekend without anyone noticing them, says a military spokesperson.
Lt.(N) Joshua Ehnisz of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade sent out a notice May 31 about military training set to happen in the north Edmonton, St. Albert, and Sherwood Park region from June 1 to 4.
This exercise is meant to prepare members of 1st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry for overseas missions where they have to serve as bodyguards for an important person (a VIP) while drawing minimal attention from the public, Ehnisz said. As such, the troops will be travelling to various locations while wearing civilian clothing, driving civilian vehicles, and sometimes wearing concealed rubber or wooden 9-mm pistols as they escort a mock VIP.
“For the most part, the hope is that the public don’t notice them at all,” Ehnisz said.
Ehnisz said police have been informed of this training and specific notices have gone out to people in the areas where it will take place. While he could not disclose exactly where the troops will be training, he confirmed that they will not be at the International Children’s Festival currently in progress in St. Albert — they thought about it, but decided the fake guns might draw too much attention.
Ehnisz said anyone who spots someone acting suspiciously in public with what appears to be a gun in these next few days should still call their local police department, even if it ends up being a soldier participating in this exercise.
Questions on the training should go to Ehnisz at 780-973-4011 x 7415.
