Canadian Forces Base Shilo (CFB Shilo; French: Base des Forces canadiennes Shilo — BFC Shilo) is an operations and training base of the Canadian Armed Forces, located 35 km (22 mi) east of Brandon, Manitoba and adjacent to Sprucewoods.[2][3] 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.
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, Georgia and RAF Ringway in the United Kingdom.[7] 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,[5] as well as an additional estimated 450 civilian personnel. The base is located within the federal electoral district of Brandon—Souris.
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.[8]
Units
CFB Shilo is the home to the following operational units:[3]
Shilo Training Area Command badge showing the connection with Germany
External connections/partnerships
Throughout the years both Regular Forces and Primary Reserve troops have trained at CFB Shilo. Troops from other countries, such as Germany, France, Denmark and the United States, have used the area for training. In particular the German Army Training Establishment Shilo has, from 1974 to 2000, trained in excess of 140,000 troops.[11]
CFB Shilo has also seen use by Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers and employees of the Manitoba Department of Corrections.[3]
The Royal Canadian Artillery Museum is the only museum in the world that explores the history of Canadian gunners who served Canada since 1855. Established in 1962 at CFB Shilo and provides a national portrait of Canadian gunnery. It includes more than 65,000 artifacts, including more than 150 artillery pieces and vehicles.[12]
Financial information
CFB Shilo expends $105 million yearly in salaries and purchases, has 1,350 military people and employs 350 civilians.[13] Having a population of 1,700 people
References
^Location is for the now closed heliport. Other data is for Shilo (Flewin Field) Heliport
^ abcCanada Flight Supplement. Effective 0901Z 16 July 2020 to 0901Z 10 September 2020.
