Carrying on a proud and unique tradition among graduation ceremonies in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) six newest Search and Rescue (SAR) Technicians parachuted Thursday into 19 Wing Comox.
It marked the end of 11 months of intense training.
The graduates of SAR Technician Course 46 have a wide range of previous experience: some were infantry soldiers, while others were members of Canada's Special Operations Forces. Graduates also include an ex-military vehicle technician, an ex-combat engineer and a former RCAF fire fighter.
SAR Technician training is run by the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue at 19 Wing Comox.
For CAF members aspiring to become SAR Technicians, they must first pass a rigorous pre-selection course before attending the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue. Typically, out of approximately 30 applicants, only 10 will be selected for the course.
"I'm extremely proud of their accomplishments," said Warrant Officer Sean Calis, training non-commissioned officer for Course 46. "I am most confident that this year's graduating class is fully prepared to perform at a high level during any SAR operation. I look forward to working side by side with one of them helping Canadians in distress."
The Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue prepares SAR Technician candidates to perform life-saving missions in rugged and remote locations, while dealing with some of the harshest weather and environmental conditions Canada has to offer.
Upon graduation, candidates are equipped with the mental and physical stamina required to overcome these obstacles and reach those in need.
The six new SAR Technicians will soon be posted to various SAR squadrons across Canada. They join an elite branch of the Canadian Armed Forces dedicated to their motto: "That others may live."
— 19 Wing Comox