Week One

Week one is now under our belts.  To say the first week was a whirlwind would be an understatement.  Upon arriving in Ottawa the members of the contingent was introduced to each other.  They are from all across Canada from the East Coast to the Yukon.  When you listen to them speak and look in their faces they clearly represent this huge country.   We have worked together long days both in and outside the classroom all week and I will tell you without reservation they are a good crew.  Each of these members brings with them a wealth of experience and a genuine desire to help the people of Sudan.  I am extremely pleased that the group is comprised of very bright men and women who although physically fit and tactically able are not burdened with machismo or ego.  Each is a leader in their own right which is good as they are expected to lead, in their individual posts when they arrive in country.  Our instructors are experienced members who are veterans of other missions.  They have been positive and focused and are doing their utmost to prepare us to the task ahead.

We were issued our uniforms mid week which helped bring the contingent together mentally as a Unit.  I am working hard at ensuring we see ourselves not as individuals from individual police services but rather as Canadian Police Officers.  I believe this will be crucial as we have a short time together to ingrain the responsibility that we are representing the Country and the people of Canada in a far off and vastly different country from our own.

Today was a day off so yesterday evening another member and myself headed off for home to drop of extra clothes and say good bye to our families.  Seeing everyone when I got home was great; leaving this afternoon was hard.  This is a family commitment there is absolutely no doubt about that…

 

This entry is short as I have to iron my uniform for tomorrow as I have called for an inspection first thing therefore I will wish you goodnight.    

 

Don