UW student, reservist gets targeted training
Royal Highland Fusiliers master mortar weapons
WATERLOO — Shooting a big, 95-pound gun isn’t a skill you would expect from a second-year University of Waterloo student, but Pte. Edmond Wang is one of few who can list it on his resumé.
The young soldier with the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada is part of a small group of reservists trained to use the mortar weapon system, a large gun used to fire long distances.
Wang recently returned from a 10-day training trip in Grayling, Mich., and said the experience was challenging but exciting.
“It can be pretty complicated to figure out at first,” Wang said of the complex piece of weaponry. “It was fast-paced but also fun. We just had to keep practising and practising.”
Reservists are typically trained to use standard-issue weapons like the C7 rifle, so a mortar weapon system is definitely out of the ordinary, especially for a young part-time soldier like Wang who joined the army less than a year ago.
The mortar weapon system has recently made a comeback in the reserves as reservists have not been trained to use this type of artillery for decades. This new assignment for the Royal Highland Fusiliers is part of a longterm goal to assign a primary tactical responsibility to each reserve unit. Wang’s unit was one of few designated to specialize in using the 81-millimetre mortar system, a privilege for someone like himself, he said.
“It was nerve-racking, but it feels like a true honour being part of a mortar platoon. It allows us to fill that role (in active duty) if we ever need to, knowing we have these skills.”
Unlike weapons such as rifles, this particular medium-weight mortar system requires three soldiers to operate. It also takes a bit of math to pinpoint accurate sight lines.
“It’s pretty simple math, anyone can do it really,” Wang said. “For me the most challenging part was getting used to all the terminology.”
Working as a team was also a great learning experience, he added.
Aside from the discipline, glory and honour that comes with joining the army, the second-year finance student said there is one other reason he decided to join.
“It looks really good on co-op applications,” Wang said.
The Canadian Army Reserve will host an open house and job fair at B1-550 Parkside Dr., Waterloo on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.