CFB Shilo

Canadian Forces Base Shilo (or CFB Shilo) is an Operations and Training base of the Canadian Forces, located 35 km east of Brandon, Manitoba. During the 1990s, Canadian Forces Base Shilo was also designated as an Area Support Unit, which acts as a local base of operations for south-west Manitoba in times of Military and Civil Emergency.

History and demographics

CFB Shilo has been a training facility for the Canadian Forces since 1910, and saw an increase in its use as a training facility following the outbreak of World War I. The principal purpose of this base is for training in Artillery and Munitions, activities audibly recognized, though not begrudged, by generations of nearby residents. In 1942, training of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion was transferred here from Fort Benning in the state of Georgia (U.S.A.). The existence of the base has enhanced the economic stability of the surrounding area through contracted employment with the Department of National Defence, and provision of off-base services to staff and trainees. CFB Shilo provides employment for approximately 1,400 military personnel, as well as an additional estimated 450 civilian personnel. The base is located within the federal electoral district of Brandon—Souris.

Geographic/geological significance

The landscape in this area is particularly well suited to these operations. The rolling hills are well suited to hidden target firing drills. Soil compositions of loose sand/gravel aggregates are also ideal for Artillery and Munitions training. The lack of surface bedrock outcropping greatly reduces the chances of hazardous ricochets during live-fire exercises and also assists in the safe retrieval and secure disposal of both detonated and un-detonated ordnance.

Associated units

CFB Shilo is the home of the:
*1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery
*2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry "(2PPCLI)"
* Home Station of the Royal Canadian Artillery.

In addition, CFB Shilo lodges training units such as:
*Western Area Training Centre Detachment Shilo
*Communications Reserve School.

It also serves as a base for some support units of Land Force Western Area, including 731 Signal Squadron.

External connections/partnerships

In addition to providing training for the Canadian military, CFB Shilo also hosts military personnel from other North Atlantic Treaty Organization member nations who undergo rigorous training at this facility. The past has also seen CFB Shilo used to train Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers and employees of the Manitoba Department of Corrections.

Fiduciary concerns

Since the late 1970s, CFB Shilo has been the subject of much political debate regarding the possibility of ceasing operations due primarily to the costs associated with operating and maintaining the base. These political arguments arise regardless of which political party forms the respective Federal and Provincial governments. At this point, the issue has been debated for approximately 25 years and there are still no definitive decisions as to the continuation or cessation of operations.

External links

* [http://www.army.dnd.ca/CFB_SHILO/cfb_shilo_home.htm Department of National Defence - CFB Shilo]
* [http://www.inkymark.com/pressrel/20000523a.htm Example of political pressures facing CFB Shilo]