CADET Deployment 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a deployment, a unit experiences a 'blue-on-blue' incident. What has occurred?
- A unit has mistakenly occupied a position assigned to a different friendly unit
- Friendly forces have engaged each other accidentally, resulting in casualties to own or allied forces (Correct answer)
- Two allied units have exchanged patrol areas without proper coordination
- A communications failure has caused two friendly units to report to the same headquarters
Correct answer: Friendly forces have engaged each other accidentally, resulting in casualties to own or allied forces
A blue-on-blue incident (also called fratricide or friendly fire) occurs when friendly forces accidentally engage and cause casualties to their own or allied forces.
Question 2: What is the significance of a 'No-Strike List' during a deployment?
- A list of personnel prohibited from participating in combat operations
- A list of protected sites, persons, or objects that must not be targeted under international law (Correct answer)
- A roster of soldiers who have been disqualified from weapons qualification
- A schedule of prohibited activities during certain hours of the operational day
Correct answer: A list of protected sites, persons, or objects that must not be targeted under international law
A No-Strike List identifies locations such as hospitals, cultural sites, and protected persons that must not be targeted, in compliance with international humanitarian law.
Question 3: A deployed unit commander receives intelligence that an enemy force will attack at 0300 hours. Which immediate action best demonstrates sound tactical decision-making?
- Withdraw the unit to a safer position to avoid the engagement
- Stand-to the unit, reinforce positions, adjust the defensive plan, and alert higher headquarters (Correct answer)
- Wait for confirmation from a second source before taking any action
- Launch an immediate pre-emptive attack to disrupt the enemy before 0300
Correct answer: Stand-to the unit, reinforce positions, adjust the defensive plan, and alert higher headquarters
The correct response is to stand-to, reinforce positions, refine the defensive plan, and alert higher command — this prepares the unit without overreacting or abandoning the position.
Question 4: In a UN peacekeeping deployment, Canadian soldiers observe two local factions beginning to fight. Under a Chapter VI mandate, what are they authorized to do?
- Use all available force to decisively defeat the aggressor faction
- Use force only in self-defense while attempting to de-escalate the situation through mediation (Correct answer)
- Withdraw immediately and report the incident to the UN Security Council
- Arrest the combatants and detain them in the UN compound
Correct answer: Use force only in self-defense while attempting to de-escalate the situation through mediation
Under a Chapter VI (Pacific Settlement) mandate, peacekeepers may use force only in self-defense and must attempt peaceful de-escalation rather than offensive military action.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'Dead Ground' assessment when selecting a defensive position?
- To identify ground that cannot be seen or covered by fire, which enemies could use for concealed approach (Correct answer)
- To locate areas where soldiers who fall in battle are to be temporarily held
- To find low ground suitable for establishing vehicle maintenance areas
- To identify terrain features that provide overhead cover from artillery fire
Correct answer: To identify ground that cannot be seen or covered by fire, which enemies could use for concealed approach
Dead ground is terrain hidden from observation and fire from a position — identifying it is critical because enemies can use it to approach undetected.
Question 6: During a deployment, what is the primary role of a 'Liaison Officer' (LO)?
- To lead reconnaissance patrols into enemy-held territory
- To facilitate communication and coordination between two or more commands or organizations (Correct answer)
- To manage all administrative and logistical requirements for the unit
- To serve as the legal advisor for the commanding officer during operations
Correct answer: To facilitate communication and coordination between two or more commands or organizations
A Liaison Officer's primary role is to facilitate coordination, communication, and mutual understanding between different commands, units, or organizations during operations.
Question 7: A Canadian soldier is captured by enemy forces during a deployment. Under the Geneva Conventions, what information is the soldier required to provide?
- Full operational details of their unit's mission to avoid being harmed
- Name, rank, date of birth, and service number only (Correct answer)
- Unit designation, strength, and current location of friendly forces
- Name and rank only, refusing to confirm any other details
Correct answer: Name, rank, date of birth, and service number only
Under the Geneva Conventions, a prisoner of war is required to provide only their name, rank, date of birth, and service number — no other information must be given.
CADET Deployment 5
During a deployment, a unit experiences a 'blue-on-blue' incident.
What has occurred?