Members of the 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton listen to Major-General Marcel Duval speak before they board a plane to Afghanistan Monday morning. (James Hees/CBC)

Thirty Edmonton-based members of the military's 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron left Monday for a five-month mission in Afghanistan to help Canadian soldiers get around by air for the first time, an initiative that could leave Canadian troops less vulnerable to attack.

The soldiers will make up most of the new Canadian Helicopter Force.

They will operate six new Chinook helicopters recently acquired by the Canadian government. The Chinooks will be escorted by eight smaller Griffon helicopters which will also be deployed in Afghanistan.

Up until now, Canadian soldiers have travelled by land, said Maj. General Marcel Duval, the commander of One Canadian Air Division.

"We will finally have capability to take them off the road in most cases and fly them and their re-supplies by helicopters," he said.

"So you're avoiding the ambushes, you're avoiding the landmines, you're avoiding the improvised explosive devices and that should result … in reduced casualties."

The Chinook helicopters can carry two dozen troops as well as supplies.

The deployment of the helicopters was one of the recommendations of an independent panel headed by former Liberal cabinet minister John Manley that looked into Canada's future role in Afghanistan.

The 30 soldiers will be joined by about 35 others at Khandahar Airfield for more training.