B.C. Dragoons set to expand with new signals squadron

KELOWNA – The B.C. Dragoons, a Kelowna-based reserve unit, is planning an expansion with the formation of a new signals squadron.

“This is an excellent opportunity for young and old to join the Canadian Armed Forces on a part-time basis,” Capt. Jeff Daley, a senior member of the Dragoons, said in a press release.

Daley said the Dragoons would be looking to hire and train 34 new soldiers, both men and women, and that plans are for this to happen as early as this September.

The expansion follows similar moves in other parts of Canada over the last ten years, including Prince George, Yellowknife and Halifax, Daley said.

The value of the reserves have been proven repeatedly since then during the Afghanistan mission, the Vancouver Olympics and during natural disasters within the country.

“This is a very important strategic location for the Canadian Army Reserves as was demonstrated during the (Okanagan Mountain Park) fires of 2003,” Daley said. “Having this new signals squadron in the Okanagan will provide much needed communications capability in the event of a natural disaster occuring in B.C.”

Daley said the new soldiers, while part-time, will be fully integrated into the armoured reconnaissance unit. 

“While the B.C. Dragoons… train to fight on the ground as infantry and as a mounted crew member in one of the regiment’s vehicles, those joining the new signals squadron will develop the technical skills to operate combat net radio vehicles, satellite ground terminals and complex modern communications systems.”

If you’re interested or require further information, contact a B.C. Dragoon recruiter at 250-712-4227.

To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infonews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.