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Canadian Griffons prepare for the Vancouver Olympics
Canadian Armed Forces Griffons are taking part in huge security exercise in Vancouver as the city prepares for the 2010 Winter Olympics early next year.
Exercises Pegasus Guardian 3 and Spartan Rings are taking place in the Vancouver and Whistler area from October 19 to 23, 2009.
These full-scale police and Canadian Forces exercises are focused on validating the readiness of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)-led V2010 Integrated Security Unit (ISU) and test communications, planning and interoperability among various law enforcement agencies and the Canadian Forces.
It will also give locals an idea of the security levels they can expect in the coming months, particularly with the Olympic Torch Relay which starts at the end of the month.
By February, about 4,500 Canadian Forces personnel will be in the city to assist the RCMP, these will be supported by a reported 20 CH-146 Griffon helicopters equipped with EO/IR systems. But their use is controverial, as many Canadians believe the aircraft would be better employed supporting coalition forces serving in Afghanistan.
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