Located in southwestern Manitoba, 35 kilometres east of Brandon, Canadian Forces Base/Area Support Unit Shilo has been the site of military activity in the region since 1910.
The training area of CFB/ASU Shilo covers almost 40,000 hectares, an area approximately 15 km by 30 kms. Its mission is to provide support services and limited service support to operations, all supported units as well as visiting formations, units or agencies.
CFB/ASU Shilo is home to First Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (1RCHA), and Second Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI). Both of these units are part of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group.
The base is also home to a component of the Western Area Training Centre, 742 Signals Squadron Detachment Shilo, and 11 CF Health Services Centre, as well as being the “Home Station” of the Royal Canadian Artillery. Other supported units include 26 Field Regiment, RCA Brandon’s Reserve Unit and 38 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters, located in Winnipeg.
CFB/ASU Shilo also provides training facilities for a number of other organizations including the RCMP and Manitoba Corrections. In addition to the many Canadian soldiers who train at Shilo troops from several foreign countries, including Germany, France, Denmark and the United States, have trained at the base.
Additionally, CFB/ASU Shilo supports domestic operations as required. With a current population of approximately 1,700 people the base has approximately 600 private married quarters, operates its own sewer and water system and provides fire and ambulance services to base residents and neighbouring communities.