highly - Defence Reserves Support

ISSUE 18 NOVEMBER 2010
RESERVISTS
HIGHLY
COMPETITIVE
RRF- NO
CHALLENGE
TOO BIG
THE BAYONET
GOES VIRAL
5%
discount
alth
on Defence He
mbined
ita
hosp l or coactive
cover for s
Reservist
commander’s column
Majgen Craig williams, AM
2010 has been an especially busy year for all Brigades
of the Division. Going by the number of our soldiers
deployed, this has been our busiest year in recollection,
with more than 1,000 Second Division soldiers deployed
over the course of the year.
Picture: Courtesy of realview
Our soldiers deployed in 2010 on Force Element (FE) rotations
involving OP ANODE R20, 21, 22 and 23, OP ASTUTE TLTG-2,
OP RESOLUTE TSE-55 and TSE-58, OP MUSTANG, AACAP, OP
VICFLOODS, Rifle Company Butterworth RCB88. In conjunction
with these deployments, there have been more than 140 individual
soldiers deployed on operations.
The good work done by our deployed soldiers is very much appreciated across ADF. Everyone in the Division has every right
to be proud of their achievements. Personally I am proud of
your achievements. I congratulate each and every one of you
who has played a part in these deployments, either as a soldier
deploying, or as one of the myriad of essential unit, training and
support staff or reserves.
THE BAYONET GOES VIRAL
By Major Keith Wilkinson
The September 2010 edition of “The Bayonet” was the first edition to be published electronically. To date, The Bayonet has been
published in a hard copy A4 magazine style with a distribution of
around 9,000 copies. It is expected the new electronic format has
the potential to double the previous distribution.
However, mid this year, to keep up with a fast paced, ever changing electronically based communication world, The Bayonet has
“come of age” and was produced electronically. The electronic
production of The Bayonet will allow for far quicker distribution and
greater circulation. The magazine can be directly posted/linked to
DRN and civilian e-mail accounts and Defence and www websites.
2nd Division Commander, Major General Williams said he encouraged the extensive distribution of The Bayonet so the achieve-
ments, skills, and expertise of 2nd Division soldiers can be showcased widely.
“The Bayonet plays a significant role in showcasing the very
worthwhile achievements, skills and expertise of soldiers in the
2nd Division. I also encourage wide dispersal of The Bayonet to
family, friends and employers of soldiers of the Division,” MajGen
Williams said.
The Bayonet will also be posted to the 2 Div website at http://
www.army.gov.au/hq2div and DRN: http://intranet.defence.gov.au/
armyweb/sites/HQ2DIV
You can also access The Bayonet on the World Wide Web at http://
bayonet.realviewtechnologies.com/
Contents
THE BAYONET GOES VIRAL
COMMANDER’S COLUMN
RSM SAYS
DEVELOPING A STRONG SAFETY CULTURE FROM WITHIN
RIDE SMART
RESERVIST GET “REAL” ON ANODE
WAR GAMING - ANODE 23 VIRTUAL TRAINING
RESERVISTS TRANSITING FROM CIVI TO MILITARY LIFE
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
SWAPPING THE BLUE FOR THE GREEN
RESERVES BOLSTER BORDER PROTECTION
COMBINED ARMS TRAINING
4 BRIGADE TESTS ITS METTLE
RRF – NO CHALLENGE TOO BIG
SIMULATED EXERCISE BONDS RESPONSE GROUPS
PADRE’S PEACE
NATIONAL TRAINING SCHEDULE
11
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
Those of you who have deployed, have rightly enjoyed all the
rewards and recognition from your deployed service, and have I
am sure, drawn immense personal satisfaction from a job well
done. Those of you who have not deployed have been essential in
ensuring our soldiers meet the many administrative, medical, legal,
logistic training and other requirements for deployment. You also
pitch in to ensure the families of deployed soldiers are supported
while their soldier is away, and you support soldiers as they return
to normal life after deployment. It is a huge team effort, and I appreciate contributions by so many right across the Division.
Current planning shows that more than 1,000 of our soldiers will
deploy in 2011.
Since 2003 the Army Reserve has progressively evolved from being a strategic reserve to an operational reserve. The Army Reserve
is recognised as an essential asset, an integral part of a total Australian Defence Force. We are needed to deploy to relieve, raise,
train, sustain and concurrency pressure on the full-time force; and
we play a valuable and indeed essential role in operational deployments and peacekeeping operations. Now, more than ever, our
part-time service is increasingly delivering real time capability.
On the training front, across the Division we are implementing an
initiative which will see significant enhancement to collective and
combined arms training and better integrated individual training.
We have seen improvements in training design, and the closer
management of resources has had positive flow-on effects in the
individual and collective training space. The Division is making every
dollar count, and maximising resources to provide our soldiers with
increasingly worthwhile, realistic and necessary training.
All soldiers from section level right through to combined arms
teams will be part of better planned, better integrated training in
their units. The training will culminate with participation in full time
major exercises. The initiative, called the training Design Framework, will see more soldiers from Infantry, Light Cavalry, Artillery
and Engineers working together with combat service support
soldiers all in combined arms settings.
The first example of combined arms training culminating in a major
level combat team exercise for a Company is with Ex Talisman
Sabre 2011. This year’s exercise will focus on soldiers from the 4th
Brigade’s High Readiness Reserve who will prepare in home locations up to July and then deploy to Shoalwater Bay Queensland
to be under command of 7th Bde. This is one of the Army’s three
manoeuvre formations. The 4 Bde Company will perform important
roles written in to the exercise scenario and will be a showcase of
relevant capability from the Second Division. This training will also
be the platform for 4 Bde soldiers preparing for deployment to East
Timor as part of OP ASTUTE later in 2011.
I have spoken with many employers this year and last. It is becoming increasingly clear to employers, that the skills and experiences
each of you gains in training and on deployment are of great value
to civilian employers, and they can enhance your civilian career as
well as enhance the employer’s enterprise, whatever that may be.
As you gain these skills and this experience, I encourage each of
you to talk with your employers, and explore what opportunities
there may be to capitalise on them, to the benefit of the business,
the benefit of your career, and the benefit of your personal job satisfaction. Who knows, it may even lead to promotion in your civilian
work in due course, once you have demonstrated your skills. I wish you and your family safe travels, a happy and enjoyable
Christmas and New Year.
I am mightily proud of your service to our nation. Thank you for
your efforts throughout the year.
Front Cover Photo: Soldiers of the 1st/15th New South Wales Lancers process an ‘enemy’ soldier during Exercise Morshead Renascent.
Send your BAYONET contributions to hq2div@bigpond.com. All contributions should be first cleared through the chain of command and your unit’s Public Affairs Officer.
Editor: MAJ Keith Wilkinson. The BAYONET is published under the authority of Commander 2nd Division, MAJGEN Craig Williams, AM.
2 The Bayonet
The Bayonet 3
RSM’s Say
Your support troops
WO1 GARY MYCHAEL, CSM.
“The Division is now contributing
large force elements to two
operations, ANODE and ASTUTE, by
providing high value capability.”
Another busy year is nearing completion. Upon reflection, did we
achieve the desired end states? Was every training opportunity
fully exploited? Are we more capable, ready and relevant than this
time last year? Does the ADF believe we are a value proposition
contributing to operational success? With the exception of training exploitation I would say yes. We are too frequently conducting
under panelled courses due to a lack of commitment. Obtaining
rank and trade qualifications in an expeditious manner should be
the goal for all members of the Division.
The Division is now contributing large force elements to two
operations, ANODE and ASTUTE, by providing high value capability. Our continued successes in domestic and off shore operations
reinforce the importance of the Division and its contribution to the
whole of Army strategic objectives. In order to maintain this level
of capability we must achieve directed training levels and standards
by maximising every training opportunity. The continued success of
the Division is in your hands, please contribute or step aside.
Since the last Bayonet I have had the pleasure of conducting assessments and supervising the selection of the Division’s team
for the Cambrian Patrol 2010, congratulations to the 5/6 RVR team
on being this year’s winner. To the other teams, thank you for your
participation, application of skills and teamwork. All participating
members can be proud of their efforts in this demanding activity.
Health Insurance
During the patrols I observed weaknesses in some very basic
skills. Commanders must plan for their troops to EAT. Every patrol
worked though the 24 – 36 hrs without stopping for a meal. This
will work for a short period i.e. a training weekend; however, if the
patrolling was open-ended you would have a very unhappy ineffective patrol. These breaks need to be part of your time and space
appreciation and will require you to provide security at the halt to
allow meals to be consumed. Individual soldiers need to know how
to live off combat ration packs for extended periods this means
knowing how to break down the pack, selecting what they want
for each meal, what they discard, how to prepare meals and where
to carry meals for easy access. I have learnt that a hot brew can
improve morale dramatically when troops are tired, cold and wet.
Obstacle crossings were another noted weakness. Remember,
every member must be covered by fire when crossing and that
the scouts must clear the entire frontage before the remaining
members are called across. There are no short cuts when patrolling your arcs and selecting fire positions, either at the halt or in
attack, comfort over protection does not cut it. Teams preparing
for next year’s selection need to concentrate on the basics and
the rest will happen.
For the full time members leaving the Division on posting or discharge, I thank you for your selfless devotion and tireless mentoring and coaching of the Reserve members in your unit. Regardless
of your rank I am convinced that your long hours and dedication
have contributed to the achievements of 2010 and will have an enduring effect on the Division’s future successes. I ask that you take
with you positive messages to those of the full time component
that have not yet had the honour of working with part time soldiers.
Educate them on our high levels of dedication and professionalism
and our ability to provide much needed capability, our strengths
and the challenges associated with Reserve service. Again I thank
you and wish you good soldiering into the future or with new endeavours. I also thank the Reserve members for their dedication to
their formations and 2 Div.
To all I wish you and your families a merry and safe Christmas.
Relax and spend some quality time with your family – they have
earned it. Balance your family, work and Army commitments and
remain fit, ready and relevant.
As a member of the ADF your extended family is eligible for Defence Health membership. That means
your mother, father, brothers and sisters, children, grandchildren, ex-partners, in fact all your support troops.
If you or a family member want to join call 1800 335 425 or visit www.defencehealth.com.au
4 The Bayonet
The Bayonet 5
9 Brigade
Training
Officer,
WO1 Steve
Lanigan and
his Honda.
DEVELOPING A STRONG SAFETY CULTURE WITHIN
Safety is everyone’s responsibility and instilling a strong safety culture must come from the top. Leadership is essential in
making sure safety is managed the way it needs to be. A strong safety culture is derived directly from the commitment
displayed by our leaders who inspire safety behaviours. It is complimented by the allocation of resources and ensuring systemic safety procedures and practices are developed and effectively implemented. 9 Bde added a Ride Smart component to
its usual mandatory lectures and training during this year’s Army Safety Day. Another safety initiative has been implemented
by the Perth-based 13th Brigade which has trained 30 soldiers in the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) qualification.
LEADING THE WAY TO A SAFETY CULTURE
By Major John Liston
Accidents are frequently traced to failures
in safety management systems (SMS) and
investigations sometimes reveal SMS are
little more than sets of manuals occupying
metres of shelf space and bearing little
relation to what goes on in the workplace.
Professor Andrew Hopkins in Safety, Culture and Risk (2005)
No set of safety rules can cover every possible scenario; this is
why even the most thorough safety system is useless without a vibrant, positive all pervasive safety culture. A positive safety culture
is where everyone in the workplace is active in ensuring that safety
is intrinsic in all we do all the time.
The Army has a risk and safety policy stemming from its legal obligations to have safe practices and safe management of its personnel, equipment and property. Managing risk and safety compliance
is for the purposes of “enhancing force preservation and mission/
task achievement”.
Safety requires the commitment of every individual, all working as
a team towards a common goal to build trust drive and a proactive
culture. OHS Manager for 13 Combat Service Support Battalion
(CSSB), Captain Mark Tamblyn, believes the role leaders’ play in
creating a safety culture is a vital compliment to the commitments
given by individuals.
“Culture is often derived from the commitment displayed by our
leaders who inspire positive safety behaviours and allocate resources and ensure systemic safety procedures and practices are
developed,” he said.
The support from the senior leadership is important because it sets
the condition for safety success and sets examples for others to
follow. This commitment is seen through tangible actions which are
clearly understood throughout the whole unit.
“Even though safety is everyone’s responsibility, instilling a safety
culture comes from the top. Effective leadership changes the way
safety is achieved within the unit,” Capt Tamblyn said.
As the Environmental Health Manager for a local government shire,
Captain Tamblyn understands the challenges Reservists can face
developing a safety culture within the Army.
“Real involvement in safety can’t be ’turned on and off’ at the front
gate of the barracks,” he said. “A true commitment to safe behav-
iour is developed by encouraging safety as a 24/7 requirement both
on and off duty, and in the field or in barracks”.
Unit commanders must mandate their safety requirements through
documents such as their command philosophy, training directive
and Occupational Health and Safety Policy Statement.
Leaders at all levels must use this guidance to support safety management in the Unit. Through their practical actions like; conducting
training, measuring their team’s performance, or implementing a
reward system, they can ensure that behaviour of their soldiers is
aligned with these important organisational values.
Organisations with a “safe culture” all have common characteristics. These include:
An informed safety culture
• Personnel with safety management responsibilities undertake
appropriate training and all personnel receive site and activity
specific OHS training on an as required or annual basis;
• Personnel are provided with OH&S induction training and training in
the Technical Regulatory Framework and Military Risk Management.
• Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is issued and
training in its maintenance and correct use is provided; and
• Legislation and mandatory requirements are complied with.
A healthy and effective reporting culture
• An environment of trust ensures that “no blame” reporting of
incidents;
• All incidents (including near misses) are reported;
• Safety performance is visible and maintained through the implementation, recording and documentation of the results of annual
workplace inspections and audits; and
• All activities, new equipment, substances, policies and directives
are thoroughly examined for risks and hazards, mitigation strategies are adopted and unnecessary hazards eliminated or documented to reduce risks.
A risk aware planning culture
• Risk management is applied to all unit planning;
• Residual risks in activities are consistent with the relative importance of the activity and are relevant to core objectives; and
• Personnel are involved in risk management through consultation
and cooperation in the resolution of safety issues.
A learning culture
• A search and review of information pertaining to a previous/similar activity is conducted;
• Analysis of incident and post activity reports, examination of lessons learnt and applications to current situation; and
• Use of historical / statistical data pertaining to a location or environment.
Ride Smart 2010
By Captain Stephen Turner
This year’s Army Safety Day saw the usual range
of mandatory lectures and training but there was
a different activity on the parade ground at 9th
Brigade’s Keswick Barracks. The usual sound
of boots on tarmac was replaced by the roar of
motor bikes. Ok, not so much roar as rumble,
but there appeared to be fun being had.
The training is provided by the Army as an extension of the Safety
Day and was overseen by Graeme Rudd. Graeme was keen to
run the rider training on Army Safety Day saying: “The Chief of
Army sponsors the Ride Smart Project so I thought it particularly
pertinent for it to be held on Army Safety Day”. In fact there was
a risk the program might fall foul of budget cuts but its value was
recognised by the Chief of Army who personally intervened to save
it from the scrapheap.
A mixed bag of riders and bikes negotiated orange cones while
coping with a variety of exercises provided by instructors from
Honda Australia’s non-profit training arm. Trainer Paul McEvoy
pointed out that it was daft to train a pilot to fly a multi-million dollar
Blackhawk and then have him injure himself in a stupid and preventable bike accident out of work hours. The same logic applies to
the well-being of our well trained soldiers in 2 DIV.
Just to make life a touch more dramatic, it rained during the training, making the tasks more difficult, but also more realistic. On
the barrack’s parade ground the riders completed a range of tasks,
A 9 Brigade soldier practises his skills
on the “track” – note the dead cones.
and while it looked easy, it wasn’t. Low speed loss of control is,
apparently, the most common cause of falls from motor bikes. I
know that’s true because I fell off mine while stationary at a petrol
station. I was only 16 at the time!
What’s really interesting about this activity is the Army doesn’t
have to do it. None of these riders ride for Defence as their job. It’s
unusual for any organisation to look that far outside their immediate responsibilities but here the Army looks at what members do
away from their workplace and how it can help protect them. In
turn that, of course, protects the Army’s interests.
This course can be attended by any serving ARA or Reserve
members. The value can be very practical. 9th Brigade’s WO1 Steve
Lanigan is living proof of its worth. The training possibly saved his
life. “This is the third course I’ve done. I hit a Kangaroo at 100kmh
and survived thanks to this safety training” he said. “The training
helped me stay upright. The bike was well damaged, the Kangaroo
was dead, but I walked away from the accident.” Living proof of
training money well spent.
SAFE DRINKING – WA LEADS THE WAY
By Major John Liston
An initiative to improve soldiers’ safety during
their off-duty hours has been rolled-out in WA.
The Perth-based 13th Brigade has trained 30
soldiers in the Responsible Service of Alcohol
(RSA) qualification.
DQ, 13th Brigade, Major Marcus Blackie, said out in the wider
community the RSA course is required for all bar staff with patron
contact on any licensed premises.
“Although the state liquor licensing laws do not apply to bars
operated by non public monies accounts on Commonwealth land,
we have a great responsibility to our soldiers’ welfare and we also
want to ensure that our messes and unit clubs remain the fantastic
condition of military service that we all enjoy,” Major Blackie said.
It is widely recognised in the liquor industry that responsible
service of alcohol training is an integral tool in providing consumers
with safer, more responsible venues that are committed to practicing harm-minimisation techniques.
“When our soldiers are appointed to a mess committee we train
6 The Bayonet
A 9 Brigade soldier “concentrates”
on the Ride Smart training course.
them in administering non
public monies accounts, often
for very meagre turnovers, but
there is often no training in the
responsible service of alcohol.
This has surprised many of us
here so 13th Brigade decided
to trial the concept prior to end
of year function season. Trialling this training for us seemed
the logical progression in
mitigating risks associated with
alcohol”, he said.
Major Marcus Blackie (right)
, DQ 13 Bde, and Captain
Ray Galliott, Officers’ Mess
Secretary, “road-tested” the
introduction of the responsible
service of alcohol course.
“We were able to harvest
many industry lessons from
the course that will shape our
own responsible service policies, as well as provide us with
better situational awareness on
the downstream effects of alcohol consumption”, he said.
The 13th Brigade now intends to provide this course annually at
changeover for Mess and Soldiers Club committee members.
The Bayonet 7
RESERVISTS GET “REAL” ON ANODE
110 Army Reservists, from 5 Brigade recently returned from a successful deployment as peace-keepers in the Solomon
Islands, where they put their skills to good use in an operational environment. 5 Brigade was replaced by Victorian
soldiers from 4 Brigade on the challenging RAMSI mission to the Solomon Islands. At the same time soldiers from 9th
Brigade were participating in pre-deployment War Gaming for Op Anode.
5 HRR SOLDIERS SHINE ON OP ANODE
By Captain Michael Brooke
The soldiers of Op ANODE Rotation 21 were
formally welcomed home during a parade
at Holsworthy Barracks by the Hon Alan
Griffin MP, the former Minister for Defence
Personnel and the Commander 5 Brigade
Brigadier Paul Brereton.
The soldiers returned home on 3 August following a successful
four month deployment to the Solomon Islands, where Australia
and her Pacific partners are helping the local government to enhance peace and stability.
The detachment in combination with the Centre for Army Lessons
(CAL) have captured the lessons learnt on deployment formulating
corporate knowledge for successive 2nd Division force elements
deploying to Op ANODE.
During the deployment the soldiers carried out urban and provincial
patrols and other designated tasks in support of the Participating
Police Forces (PPF) and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF)
within the Solomon Islands.
Op ANODE R-21 included more than 50 soldiers from the 5 High
Readiness Reserve (HRR Combat Team) and 5 Ready Reserve
Force (RRF), who had earlier developed their individual and collec-
tive training skills during their successful three month stint with
Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB) 88 earlier in the year.
The Reservists from 1st/15th RNSWL, 4 Bn RNSWR and 1st/19th
RNSWR took the opportunity to serve on back-to-back deployments
and to deliver capability to the Army and Australian Defence Force.
A key task in support to the RSIPF and PPF is to conduct patrols in
provincial regions of the country. Rotation 21 conducted provincial
patrols to the North West and North East regions of Guadalcanal as
well as on the country’s second largest island, Malaita. Their patrolling areas where further afield than on many previous rotations.
PTE Brendan Seckold, from 1st/19th RNSWR, said that “learning
and practising Pijin during Force Preparation really allowed us to
improve our language skills. These skills were very useful and enhanced the effectiveness of provincial patrols. Also, it was rewarding to interacting with the local communities.”
The community policing activities undertaken include patrols to
local schools and villages, where they were able to engage in
community building activities and public awareness campaigns.
The patrols are useful in deterring the drinking of home brew called
Kwaso and marijuana use in communities and help develop respect
for Solomon law.
WAR GAMING – ANODE 23 VIRTUAL TRAINING
By Captain Stephen Turner
Getting our soldiers training in the
environment they’re going to is obviously
difficult. We can go to similar locations and
climates but there’s nothing quite like the
real thing. What we can do is get close to
the “real” thing thanks to clever use of new
simulation technology.
The soldiers break up into normal operational sections and role play
a large range of scenarios where they will soon be tested for real in
the field. LT McDougall says: “We’ve got all the same equipment,
same vehicles, and same weapons, everything we would expect to
have in reality. They’ve recreated the terrain and the environment
pretty much exactly.”
In a building at Adelaide’s Keswick barracks soldiers of Operation
Anode’s rotation 23 are immersed in a virtual Solomon Islands
environment. They are rehearsing procedures for what will soon be
their day to day activities. It’s a Local Area Network (LAN) gamer’s
paradise with dozens of linked laptops driven by four servers and a
mass of wiring. Combined with superb and accurate graphics the
training is not only valuable but can also be a lot of fun. There were
even multiple War Gaming steering wheels and pedal sets in use
for around the “location”. No hooning here though!
Thomas’s presence is of great benefit to the soldiers. They have
someone they can rely on to get an immediate response to how
the police force would deal with a developing situation. In turn, the
police learn from the ADF how they will face the same “reality”.
This is another good example of the increasing world of crossorganisational cooperation.
The training is part of the force preparation for the upcoming rotation 23 that involves 9th Brigade which includes South Australian
and Tasmanian soldiers. LT Cameron McDougall is one of those Tasmanians, hailing from Hobart’s 12/40 Royal Tasmanian Regiment.
Cameron is heading out on his first overseas deployment and says
he’s looking forward to the experience.
Thomas O’Connor is an Australian Federal Police officer with the AFP’s
pre-deployment training group. He’s in Adelaide to assist with the
Anode 23 training and provides a police perspective on the scenarios
as they unfold in the virtual Solomon Islands in Keswick Barracks.
By this point in their training rotation 23 had bonded as a team
and were starting to have a bit of fun. In a totally professional way
of course! The training regime is very thorough and there is much
work yet to be done before the RAAF transports them to their
destination. Meanwhile a couple of days behind a Momo steering
wheel can provide realistic virtual training.
Op Anode 23 soldiers engrossed in their virtual world.
“This has been an immensely rewarding experience. We have contributed significantly to RAMSI and its’ mission. We are very proud
to be handing the baton to Rotation 22” said Major Brian Willsher.
Trooper Adrian Johan and Trooper Ross
Spencer conduct a routine perimeter
patrol of the Rove Central Correctional
Centre in the Solomon Islands.
Rotation 23 in virtual training - On duty in the “Solomons”
8 The Bayonet
Soldiers from 9 Brigade in predeployment training - Going for a
drive with your virtual mates.
The Bayonet 9
RESERVISTS TRANSITING FROM CIVI TO MILITARY LIFE
Transitioning from being a QANTAS pilot in charge of a Boeing 737 to leading 30 soldiers on operations in the Solomon
Islands, or from the role of police officer filling positions on military deployments in Australia’s neighbouring archipelagos,
from the war fighting to training at Rifle Company Butterworth for the stability operation environment of Operation ANODE. Reservists are regularly transiting from their civilian jobs into their military role, bringing with them invaluable and
varied skills and life experience.
SWAPPING THE BOEING 737 COCKPIT FOR AN ARMY PATROL
By Major Phil Pyke
The cockpit of a Boeing 737 is certainly a
world away from leading 30 soldiers on
operation in the Solomon Islands. However,
for Qantas pilot, Anthony Nicholas, his role
as a Lieutenant in the Army Reserve saw
him join Operation ANODE, which is part of
the Regional Assistance Mission Solomon
Islands (RAMSI).
“I am here in the Solomon Islands on Op Anode, and my role is to
lead 30 infantry soldiers,” said Lieutenant Nicholas.
He agrees his civilian and Reserve position are very different,
but sees the transition to an operational military deployment as
reasonably easy due to this Army training.
in use on the mission, including the Minimi light machine gun and
the larger (and louder) MAG 58 – general purpose machine gun.
“I think she’s a natural shot actually, and she seemed to be keen to
fire some of the larger weapons,” he said, with a laugh.
Lieutenant Nicholas sees the transition from operations back to
the cockpit as being “interesting.” “Qantas will put me through an
amount of training to bring me back up to speed in being able to
return to flying their aircraft after his 6 month stint on operational
service within Army.”
Alexandra enjoyed her BOSS LIFT experience. “We have
experienced so much in the past four days it would be fair to say. I
am overwhelmed in some regards.”
“Boss Lift has been an eye-opener in seeing the conditions the
soldiers are living in, working in, the work they are undertaking and
the good results they are achieving here in the Solomon Islands.”
she said.
“I knew what to expect before I got here and so I was well
prepared for the deployment.”
Recently, Qantas Human Resources Manager, Alexandra Tocchini
joined a group of New South Wales-based employers travelling
as part of BOSS LIFT, to the Solomon Islands, to meet with their
Reservist employees deployed as part of Operation ANODE.
BOSS LIFT is conducted by the Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division (CRESD), which has the responsibility for facilitating
employer support for Australia’s Defence Reservists.
“I knew what to expect before
I got here and so I was well
prepared for the deployment.”
Recently the Commissioner for South Australia Police, Mal Hyde,
joined Exercise Boss Lift 02/10 to view first-hand the roles being
undertaken by Reservists while on operations. Commissioner
Hyde gained additional benefit of viewing the contribution of the
Participating Police Force – the Australian contingent comprising
of Federal Police and others from Victoria and Tasmania – and the
manner in which the Army and Police work together.
“As we all know, reality is the best educator. You can do as much
training and preparation as you like, but until you go to the field,
you don’t gain the full understanding of what an operation is like. In
this context, I have gained much out of BOSS LIFT in seeing the
Reserves on operations.” Commissioner Hyde said.
NSW’s Police Orana Local Area Command covers a large area
of Central NSW. Local Commander, Superintendent Stan Single
travelled 6000km to southern Malaysia for a four-day visit to Rifle
Company Butterworth, Rotation 88 to catch up with his employee,
Private Brett Tolhurst.
In March this year, three members of Western Australian Police
joined Boss Lift to visit their employees on operations in the Solomon Islands. Superintendents Kevin Looby (Goldfields/Esperance
District), Ian Thomas (East Metropolitan) and Senior Sergeant Wayne
Hawes (Forestfield Police Station) joined with 17 other employers to
travel to the Solomon Islands for a four day visit to Rotation 20.
Lieutenant Nicholas said the highlight of the four month
deployment was the interaction with the Solomon Islanders.
10 The Bayonet
Being one of the largest employer groups in the
country, police services on a state and territory
basis consistently make a sizeable contribution
to the ADF Reserves. It is not uncommon
to find police officers filling positions on
deployments around the world, from stability
operation roles to the training environment of
Rifle Company Butterworth or the operational
environment of Operation ANODE.
Superintendent Single returned home impressed with what he had
seen. The result was that Private Tolhurst was given leave to join
Operation ANODE, an absence from the workplace of some ten
months, and another Orana officer, Private Clifford Ball, also being
allowed to deploy as well.
The majority of Reservists deployed under the RAMSI as part
of the Combined Task Force 635 (CTF 635) Rotation 21 are from
NSW-based units, particularly 5th Brigade, and it was from within
this pool the employers were identified.
A highlight for Alexandra was the range activity where she fired,
under the guidance of Lieutenant Nicholas, a number of weapons
By Major Phil Pyke.
“Brett is a twenty year veteran of NSW Police,” Superintendent
Single said, “I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on Exercise
Boss Lift and I can see how Brett’s skills can be transferred between his role as a police officer and his role here as a Reservist.”
CRESD ensured the four day Boss Lift program highlighted the
important role the Reserves play in the Australian Defence Force,
through allowing employers to experience directly the important
military roles played by their employees.
“Speaking, mixing and living with the locals in the rural parts of the
country has been amazing. Their acceptance of us has been truly
touching and quite special at times and it was heartening to see
that Qantas was interested in seeing what I was doing over here in
my Reserve role by sending Alexandra,” he said.
SWAPPING THE BLUE FOR THE GREEN
Lieutenant Anthony Nicholas indicates the direction of the target for his
civilian employer Alexandra Tocchini, prior to a live fire shoot of a 9 mm
browning pistol during Exercise Boss Lift in the Solomon Islands.
The visit gave Superintendent Looby an opportunity to catch up
with one of his officers, Paul Coventry. As a Major in the Army
Reserve and the Officer Commanding of the rifle company under
Rotation 20, Paul’s role is a sharp contrast to his civilian position as
a senior constable at Esperance Police Station.
Lance Corporal James Swan shows his
boss, Superintendent Rodney Smith of
NSW Police the finer points of shooting.
Commissioner Mal Hyde with three
Tasmanian members of the Participating
Police Force in the Solomon Islands
Human Resources Manager for
Orana Command, Ms Kerry Seaton,
chats with Private Clifford Ball.
“It is also good to see the work that you’re doing as a Reservist here
in the Solomon Islands being recognised back at home as well.”
It is positive to be able to come and see the different roles that
Paul and our other police officers perform over here in the Solomon
Islands. Obviously there are challenges in policing but what the
guys face here and how they perform is just amazing.” Superintendant Looby said.
Despite the differences in responsibilities from the rank of senior constable to that of commanding a rifle company of around
120 members as a Major, Superintendent Looby sees the roles
being complimentary.
“There would be many occasions where Paul has had to step up
and show leadership at incidents where he is representing the
entire Western Australia Police – particularly in isolated areas.”
For Detective Constable Brett Fowler, Exercise Boss Lift saw him in a
unique position with two bosses arriving in the Solomon Islands – being Superintendent Ian Thomas and Senior Sergeant Wayne Hawes.
As a Lieutenant heading the Civil-Military Liaison (CML) cell, Brett’s
role is to liaise with local communities across the country. “These
two bosses have been great supporters of my Reserve work and it
was good to see them over here.”
Senior Sergeant Hawes said careful consideration was given before
allowing Brett to undertake the deployment. “In doing the work
here in the Solomon Islands ultimately gives him the weight of
experience and knowledge that he could bring back to the office.”
Superintendant Thomas said policing was about engaging the community and from what he has witnessed of Brett in his CML role,
he has picked up the skills that would benefit his civilian workplace.
“When he returns with these skills, the maturity and experiences
of this deployment, I would expect that Brett will become a leader
in the workplace,” Superintendent Thomas said.
Steve Smith, Coordinator of Exercise Boss Lift said. Boss Lift is primarily about bringing employers of Reservists, that is their civilian
employees, to operational or training areas to facilitate an awareness of what the Reservist does in that environment.
“This awareness also includes the benefits of the transferable skills
that the Reservist can take back into their every day jobs.”
The Bayonet 11
PARTNERS IN SERVICE –
RESERVES BOLSTER BORDER PROTECTION
By Captain Adrian Dolahenty
The eyes of the Norcom headquarters were
on Army Reservists from NSW involved
in border protection in the north-western
Australian waters with the Navy’s fleet of
Armidale-class patrol boats.
8 Brigade (8 Bde) soldiers and officers have manned Transit
Security Element 58 (TSE 58) as part of Operation Resolute and
performed their roles at sea day and night.
They supplemented Navy crews in security duties intercepting suspected illegal entry vessels (SIEV) and illegal fishing vessels (IFV)
and the Navy patrol boats until early November.
They worked with the high quality performance of 2nd Division
soldiers over many TSE’s in recent years. 2 Div has set the scene
mounting ongoing TSE rotations for Operation Resolute. The
performance of the 8 Brigade soldiers stake the claim for ongoing 2
Div deployments, based on the sustained success of reservists.
8 Bde provided soldiers and officers for TSE 55 last year with two
soldiers – Corporal Ashley Jones and Lance Corporal Andrew
Harrington from 41 Royal New South Wales Regiment (RNSWR) –
backing up for their second Op Resolute deployment on TSE 58.
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The 2nd Division relishes providing this capability to the ADF, and
its commander MajGen Craig Williams is proud of the contribution
2 Div has made.
TSE 58 soldiers were primed to carry out their role of securing
potential illegal immigrants (PII) during vessel boardings, successfully integrating with the boat crews ahead of being Force Assigned
in late July.
The willingness of the soldiers to get on with the operation was
evident as they carried out the final training in boarding and security drills on Darwin Harbour by Navy trainers utilising a tug boat
and rigid hulled inflatable boats (RHIB) in late July.
Over three days, the Navy’s Fleet Gunnery and Seamanship Officer
Minor War Vessels Lieutenant Commander Nick Watson, Chief
Petty Officer Clayton Rowe and Petty Officer Clint Lee ran a series
of scenarios based on recent actual events involving SIEV and fishing boat boardings on previous rotations.
“When providing security on a ship you need to look after yourself
and your partner, protect your weapon and decide quickly what action to take in the situation” Petty Officer Lee said.
“You need to ask someone first to do something nicely, then if
they don’t do it, be direct in telling them, before, only if necessary,
resorting to physically moving them. You don’t just keep asking.
Pte Carlo Labra from 2/17 RNSWR D Company at Blacktown and
a civilian engineer, said he felt confident and well prepared for the
operation by his military self defence training, 9mm pistol qualification and navy training.
“The change of pace is an interesting contrast to infantry” Pte
Labra said.
Tpr John Ellis a qualified Bushmaster driver from 12/16 Hunter
River Lancers at Armidale and a gym instructor said: “The boat
training has been great”.
Pte Jennifer Cousemacker from the University of NSW Regiment’s
Q store and a university student in Australian history and Human
Resource management in Sydney, said she liked being in Darwin
and found the training informative.
“Beforehand I was a bit anxious, but now that we have trained in
Darwin I know what to expect,” Private Cousemacker said.
Some of the soldiers could spend weeks at sea then be required
to perform long days of security work depending on the number of
boats arriving in Australia’s northern waters.
TSE 58 Officer Commanding, Reservist Maj Greg Overton from
41 RNSWR A Company at Tweed Heads said his soldiers had been
very enthusiastic in the way they approached the training in July.
“Once again, Army Reservists will provide valuable capability to the
ADF through their sheer positive attitude, willingness to work hard
and work as part of a team with Navy,” Maj Overton said.
8 BDE Commander Brig Phillip Bridie commended his Reservists
for volunteering for the four months valuable service.
Reservists from NSW
on border protection in
the northern waters for
the last time.
Humanitarian assistance requires the security team to keep those
aboard the SIEVs calm by communicating clearly and presenting as
a strong force.
The Reservists could encounter PIIs who could have been at sea
for weeks and could potentially behave irrationally and aggressively
if they think their bid for asylum in Australia is in jeopardy.
For Petty Officer Clint Lee the key to being a good member of a
TSE was to behave maturely and exercise good experience.
The Bayonet 13
COMBINED ARMS TRAINING
More than 450 soldiers participated in the 5 Brigade Combined Arms Training Activity (CATA), which was designed to develop the skills necessary for 5 Bde Reservists to deploy on peace support operations such as Operation Anode (Op Anode)
and Operation Astute (Op Astute). At the same time almost 450 personnel from Victoria’s 4th Brigade took part in Exercise
Jacka CATA, which was based on a scenario in Timor Leste and included elements from all ten units within the brigade.
EX MORSHEAD RENASCENT
5 BDE’S BIGGEST TEST IN 15-YEARS
A soldier from 1st/15th RNSWL
after a ‘contact’ assaults an ‘enemy’
position.
By Captain Michael Brooke
Ex Morshead Renascent (Ex MR10) was a
Combined Arms Training Activity (CATA) conducted
at Singleton Field Training Area and surrounding
townships during 3-18 July, which marked the first
time the Brigade Headquarters and its units had
deployed concurrently into the field for 15 years.
The CATA provided the soldiers with the opportunity to enhance
their collective training alongside Army Kiowa helicopters, 105mm
artillery, light cavalry vehicles and anti-tank weapons, and also
to fulfil their training obligations for the High Readiness Reserve
(HRR) and Ready Response Force (RRF).
More than 450 soldiers participated in the Brigade CATA, which
was designed to develop the skills necessary for 5 Bde soldiers
to deploy on peace support operations such as Operation Anode
and Operation Astute and domestic response operations such as
Operation Deluge and Operation Testament.
Ex MR10 saw the deployment of Headquarters 5 Brigade (HQ 5
Bde), 1/19 Royal New South Wales Regiment (RNSWR), 4/3 Royal
New South Wales Regiment (RNSWR), 1/15 Royal New South Wales
Lancers (RNSWL), 5 Combat Engineer Regiment (5CER), 21 Construction Regiment (21 Const Regt), 23 Field Regiment (23 Fd Regt) and 5
Combat Service Support Battalion (5CSSB), supported by 173 Aviation
Squadron (173 Avn Sqn). Force elements were grouped into light
combat teams and battle groups in a range of operational scenarios.
Lance Corporal (LCpl) Matthew Daly, from Charlie Coy, 4/3
RNSWR, is a member of the HRR and has deployed on Op Anode.
He said he has never before been involved in a field exercise of
such size and complexity.
“I came here to complete my training obligations for the HRR but
what impressed me most is how the Brigade brought together so
many different capabilities. It was a real eye-opener to combined
arms operations,” he said.
Private Felicia Pell, 18, of 5CSSB, said the CATA marked a real
learning curve as she only joined the Reserve straight from High
School six months ago.
“There is no class-room or course that can teach you what I have
learnt from this deployment into the field. I have learnt there are just
so many moving parts to an exercise of this size and scale,” she said.
In addition to achieving a range of individual training competencies, combat teams deployed to the nearby towns of Denman
and Broke, to conduct cordon and search operations to neutralise
fictional disruptive elements, and conduct VIP extractions.
The Commander 5 Brigade, BRIG Paul Brereton, said Ex MR10
14 The Bayonet
Soldiers process an ‘enemy’ soldier.
Soldiers of 4/3 RNSWR use their
RRF skills to disperse ‘protesters’ in
the town of Broke.
achieved numerous training objectives and reinvigorated collective
and command and control capabilities.
He said the CATA exercised all levels of command in the Military
Appreciation Process, the preparation and dissemination of orders,
and battle tracking, in a variety of tactical situations.
“Ex MR10 allowed our Reservists to practice their collective tactics, techniques and procedures, over a sustained period,” he said.
“Even more importantly, it enabled our officers and Non Commissioned Officers to practice their skills and military art in a collective,
combined arms setting.”
Health Company 5 CSSB established a Level 2 health facility comprising two evacuation teams, two resuscitation teams (capable
of resuscitating six persons prior to resupply), Primary Health care
Team (RAP) capable of treating 40-60 people per day, Dental (able
to treat 15-20 persons per day), and Environmental Health (able to
inspect three x COY positions per day).
The Health element conducted No Duff CASEVACs (four, completed within five minute response time), Scenario CASEVACs (five,
completed within five minute response time), Sick Parade (111
completed), Environmental Health (33 inspections completed with
an average of three per day), Post Operation Psych assessment (10
completed), Army Health Assessments (23 completed), Vaccinations (79 completed with an average of two per person (49% of
stocks used), and Dental Tasks (49 completed).
4 BRIGADE TESTS ITS METTLE
By Major Ian Toohill
Residents near the sleepy hamlet of Toolleen,
central Victoria, were surprised to see a
military convoy of some 150 soldiers move
into the area at dawn recently. The activity
code named ‘Banana Harvest’ was the
culmination of a two week exercise based at
Puckapunyal, involving almost 450 personal
from Victoria’s 4th Brigade. Exercise Jacka, the
combined arms training activity (CATA), was
based on a scenario in East Timor and included
elements from all ten units within the brigade.
The main purpose of the exercise to was practice the HRR component of the brigade and to evaluate the performance of Brigade
units in a security operations scenario, simultaneously achieving
real –time tasks for the logistic, CIS and engineer units integral to
the formation.
A large part of providing security and stability operations is the
ability for soldiers of an Australian force to build a rapport with the
local community. Consequently planning involved enlisting the aid
of local Police, business owners, schools, other community groups
and local government agencies. Members of the local community
in the vicinity of Puckapunyal were visited by the Civil Military
Liaison team (CML) and those visited were encouraged to give
information about real community needs to add a sense of realism
to the exercise.
For the Combat Services Support Battalion (4CSSB), 108 Signals
Squadron and the two engineer regiments it was about real tasking, albeit within the context of the exercise scenarios. This was
particularly true for 22 Construction Regiment which produced real
and lasting outcomes over the exercise. The Commanding Officer
of 22 Construction Regiment LtCol Campbell Smith said,: “We
Captain Terry Fulton acting in the role of a Civil Military Liaison officer chats to
restaurant owner Gary Warner about the ‘needs’ of the local Avenal community
during Exercise Jacka. Local community members were very happy to role play
during the exercise, which was based on a security and stability scenario.
began planning well before Exercise Jacka and our tasks were approved by July this year.”
The five high level Mission Essential Tasks (METL’s) which were
targeted were project management, vertical and horizontal construction, winning resources in the form of construction rock and
sawmilling timber needed for construction tasks.” Unit members
crushed over 600 cubic metres of rock used for road construction
and 350 linear metres of timber used for form work and strong
points in the permanent compound at Puckapunyal.
The rock was crushed to prepare and lay 1,200 metres of military load
carrying class 30 single lane road, on the Puckapunyal Range.” Framing
for a large hangar with equipment bays was also erected as part of the
ongoing upgrade of the Regiments compound. In a spirit of cooperation 17 Construction Squadron sent five engineers who assisted with
the construction tasks. All this was achieved without injury due to
strong adherence to the Army Safety Management System.
The Commander of the 4th Brigade Brigadier Robert Marsh was
also impressed with the focus and achievements of his soldiers.
Brigade Major, Maj Philip Whitehead summed things up when he
said: “I was really delighted by the soldiers level of professionalism, commitment and ability to assimilate within the operational
context and design of the exercise.
This CATA was unique for many as it involved ‘free play’ and practiced all brigade elements in aspects of an operational tour of duty
which included some real outputs such as those provided by 22
Construction Regiment, the sustainment provided by the 4th Combat Supply Services Battalion and the combat information systems
provided by 108 Signals Squadron.”
The local PowerFM radio program promoted the Battle Group’s
Information Operation themes and messages, on the eve of an
operation that served to neutralise a terrorist element seeking to
undermine normalcy in the countdown to UN-mandated elections
in the mythical country of Legais.
The exercise was well supported by Army Kiowa helicopters from 6
Aviation Regt.
Overall, the CATA has considerably enhanced 5 Brigade’s capacity to support ADF operations and deployments. In recent years 5
Brigade has deployed peacekeepers to the Solomon Islands, and
also to Timor Leste, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as on domestic
security tasks such as supporting APEC in 2007, the Pope’s visit in
2008 and Op Vic Fires Assist in 2009.
Soldiers from 22 Construction Regiment erecting the frame for a large
storage hangar in the Regiment’s compound at Puckapunyal.
The presence of VICPOL members for the Exercise added a
layer of realism. Here a role player ‘person of interest’ is taken
into custody, after having their ‘illegal weapon’ confiscated.
The Bayonet 15
RRF- NO CHALLENGE TOO BIG
NO ‘BRIDGE TOO FAR’ FOR 5 RRF
By Captain Michael Brooke
THE 5th Brigade Ready Response Force
(RRF) proved there is literally no ‘Bridge
Too Far’ when it comes to demonstrating
the RRF capability in complex urban terrain
within a multi-agency Whole of Government
environment. The 5RRF recently successfully
conducted EX STEEL GUARD on the iconic
Sydney Harbour Bridge (SHB) which enhanced
interoperability with civilian agencies, and
Command and Control with those agencies
including the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) and
the Roads and Traffic Authority.
Ex STEEL GUARD, from 8-10 October, saw 46 members of 5RRF
deploy to the SHB where they rehearsed low risk search techniques with NSW Police search specialists on the eve of the annual
Breakfast on the Bridge, where some 6,000 members of the public
enjoyed ‘breaky’ on the iconic structure. Breakfast on the Bridge,
which aims to showcase Sydney as a friendly and safe destination
for international tourism.
EX STEEL GUARD provided an important opportunity for 5RRF
to practice its skills as part of a major public event. Although the
RRF has conducted many operations previously, this exercise was
unique in that it was the first time that an RRF exercise was ‘blistered’ onto a civilian major event and its police security operation.
In doing so the exercise planners were required to plan the activity
in a real time environment with civilian agencies, rather than exercise in a notional and isolated activity.
The 5RRF soldiers and NSWPF search specialists honed their low
risk search (LRS) techniques on the SHB on the eve of the bridge
being closed to traffic and the deck rolled with grass in anticipation
of the Breakfast on the Bridge.
The 5RRF soldiers relished the challenge of conducting LRS on
the enormous SHB, which they noted resembled the bridge at
Nijmegen in the WWII movie “A Bridge Too Far.”
RAE Search Advisor Sgt Brad Scaroni, said the 5RRF soldiers practiced LRS and interoperability with the NSWPF on a high profile
venue in a real-time police operational environment and that the
police were very impressed with the professional conduct of the
16 The Bayonet
5RRF soldiers and members of the
NSW Police Force working hand in
glove on the search exercise.
5RRF soldiers dwarfed by the size of
Sydney’s Harbour Bridge practice their
LRS techniques.
RRF search which located all the ‘objects’ that had been hidden
before the exercise commenced.
“RRF soldiers searched the Harbour Bridge pylons and the underdeck of the road lanes which saw them in crawl-spaces some
50-metres above the ground or water,” he said.
Cpl Nathan Carroll, B-Coy 1/19 RNSWR, said he was a section 2IC
who led searches of the SHB pylons and the under-deck, which
impressed the NSWPF search coordinator.
The 46 soldiers practiced their search techniques of the SHB for a
period of seven hours, during which time they enjoyed their own
‘Dinner on the Bridge’ when they ate their evening BBQ hotboxes,
some 12 hours before the public Breakfast on the Bridge event.
The NSWPF sang the praises of the planning and execution of Ex
STEEL GUARD, with Senior Sgt Justin Waters commending the
conduct of the search, and Police Commander Superintendent
Anthony Crandell saying he was so impressed with the outcome
he would tap into the RRF expertise again in the future.
“This training was a great opportunity to enhance our interoperability
and C2, the success of which bodes well for potential future tasks
where we would work together in an operational environment,” he said.
OC 5RRF, Maj Brian Houlahan, said Ex STEEL GUARD was conducted successfully and perhaps more importantly safely, due
to the professionalism and commitment of the planners and the
search teams, the RRF liaison officers at the NSW Police Operations Centre and very robust military risk management implemented by the RRF HQ at Holsworthy.
“The success of the exercise not only emphasises the capacity of
the RRF to operate in a Whole of Government environment, but also
the culture of safety within the 2nd Division and the Army,” he said.
COMD 5 Bde, Brig Paul Brereton, said the success of Ex STEEL
GUARD speaks volumes of the 5RRF’s capacity to be ready at shortnotice and to deploy in support of the civil community or civil authority.
“This exercise provided invaluable experience for both NSWPF and
5RRF members to practice interoperability in a major urban based
event providing a realistic training environment,” he said.
SIMULATED EXERCISE BONDS
RESPONSE GROUPS
By Major Kate Ames
Rockhampton-based 11th Brigade soldiers
took part in a large biennial emergency
response exercise in September, designed to
test the emergency plan of the Rockhampton
Regional Council. The bi-annual exercise
was held at Rockhampton Airport, and
involved the Queensland Ambulance Service,
Queensland Fire and Rescue, Queensland
Police, State Emergency Services (SES), and
airport fire services and personnel.
Army Reserve members were involved as role players at the
request of the local regional council to provide an added sense of
realism to the exercise, and the activity provided an opportunity for
Reserve soldiers to work with emergency services personnel and
experience simulated emergency response at a local level.
Ten soldiers participated in the activity, which combined security
Pte Eva Kadan, medic with
31/42RQR, enjoyed the opportunity
to test her medical skills.
Rockhampton-based soldiers were
invited to participate in one of
the region’s largest emergency
response exercises.
and medical emergency response based on a scenario involving
hostages and possible explosives on an aircraft.
Transport driver Private Amy Wilkes said she enjoyed the opportunity to experience the exercise from “the other side”, as she is a
human resources officer with the Rockhampton Regional Council in
her civilian life.
“It was interesting to be a participant and see all the different parts
working together, and I can now really see why this type of activity
is necessary,” she said.
Officer in Command of Charlie Company, 31st/42nd Battalion Major
Ed Mosby said while the role of Army in the exercise was one of
support, it was a great opportunity to witness how a mass casualty
scenario was managed.
“One of the RRF’s main roles is to provide support to civil agencies
when required and participation in this activity serves to foster important relationships with local emergency service organisations,” he said.
4 RRF HELPS TO BATTLE FLOODS
BY Lieutenant Danielle Perkins
More than 50 Army Reserve soldiers from Victoria’s 4th Brigade (Bde)
Ready Reserve Force (RRF) pitched in to fill and lay thousands of
sandbags when rivers across much of Victoria burst their banks and
threatened to inundate homes. They took over from the soldiers of 53
Battery based at Puckapunyal, who had been supporting the Emergency
Services in the Maroopna, Shepparton and Kialla Lakes area.
The 4 Bde soldiers worked in conjunction with emergency services
personnel in Shepparton, around Echuca and Moama, as the flood
peaked along the Murray, Goulburn and Broken rivers. The soldiers
were kept busy supporting the State Emergency Services, with
sandbagging tasks as well as being on call to offer other assistance
to threatened and isolated residents.
RRF Officer Commanding Major Paul Middleton said two-thirds of
the 54-strong taskforce was made up of RRF soldiers, with the rest
coming from 4 Bde depots across Victoria. He said the force spent
four days in the north west of the state.
“We were tasked with filling 12,000 sandbags and laying 4,000 of
them around the Echuca side of the Murray River,” he said. “The
council reserved about 3,000 of the sandbags that we had packed
and they and the SES were going to use them to move down the
river, to chase the flood as the peak moved further downstream.”
Major Middleton said the soldiers
were happy to lend a hand. “They
were stoked, absolutely rapt, to
be given the call and the chance to
support the community,” he said.
Image: Courtesy of Riverina Herald.
Challenge after challenge has been thrown at 5 BDE’s RRF who have in return responded with a high degree of professionalism and diverse capability proving that each challenge was not too BIG. The 5 Brigade Ready Reserve Force (RRF)
recently successfully conducted EX STEEL GUARD on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge (SHB). The exercise enhanced
interoperability with civilian agencies and Command and Control. Separately 11th Brigade soldiers took part in a large biennial emergency response exercise in September, designed to test the emergency plan of the Rockhampton Regional
Council and more than 50 Army Reserve soldiers from Victoria’s 4 RRF pitched in to fill and lay thousands of sandbags
during the Victorian Floods.
Pictured L to R, Private Maria Gulay,
Rowville, CFA’s Rob Tarquinio
and Echuca SES’ Shane Howe
sandbagging a sewer pit at Echuca.
The flood peak passed through the northern Victorian town of
Shepparton on September 8, with concern quickly moving to towns
and properties further north.
The soldiers concentrated in Shepparton on September 8 before
spending the following days travelling between Echuca and Shepparton to assist the Emergency Services where they could.
After days of concern, the flood peak passed through the region
with only minor inundation of homes and properties, although
hundreds of people were isolated by the rising water.
The Bayonet 17
PADRE’S PEACE
national training schedule 11/10
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD
What a way to start your ninetieth birthday. It
is five thirty in the morning and Doris has been
awake for three hours. She can no longer use
her legs and she relies on her daughter June
for help. She is uncomfortable and can’t move
so she decides to just wait. Happy birthday
Doris, what a start to another birthday!
June flies out of bed at six with the alarm still ringing. Mum needs to
be up early for all that must happen today. It’s her ninetieth birthday
and so much is planned for today but they need to start “running”.
Breakfast first, then an early blood test. “If we get to the pathologist
twenty minutes before opening we should be first in the queue and
then we won’t be late for the rest of the day’s fun,” she says.
Doris is very frail but light, moving her is not a problem but you still
have to be careful. Into the wheel chair and down the lift, around
the corner and… there’s a queue!
Since Ken joined Michael ten minutes ago they have been talking
about the weather. It is a cold and brisk morning and both had
commented on how the staff were usually kind enough to arrive
early letting people wait inside for the eight am start.
When Doris arrived in her chair the men said hello and June said
they were disappointed that they weren’t first as it was Doris’s
90th. Michael noted that and the other things he had been speaking about with Ken and decided to give Doris his place in the
queue. Inside as they were given their “sequenced call numbers”
and Michael gave his number “one position” to Doris saying - happy
birthday. It was an unexpected and simple gift of kindness. It cost
so little but it was valued very highly. Michael couldn’t appreciate
what it meant to both June and to Doris.
For Doris the kind attention of a handsome young man on her
birthday was reward enough and set her day back on a joyful track.
For June it saved her a forty minute wait and made the day flow
with the fun, celebration, goodness and spontaneity she remembered from her youth. For Ken, it was an opportunity to grumble.
If first place was up for grabs it should have been his; he was there
before the old lady and it just wasn’t fair…..
For Michael, the day was just ordinary but nice. He had no idea
about the way he had influenced three other people’s lives by his
act of kindness.
Why would I tell this story?
When the first Christmas happened and Jesus was born into the
world it was almost an unremarkable event with only a few notable
consequences. Mostly, people didn’t notice. Only later people began
to see that goodness starts with ordinary decision and love begins
with simple commitments. This Christmas, could you give a gift of
goodness and help? Maybe you and your family could help one, two
or three people? Perhaps you won’t know just how they will feel or if
it will do any good but you will never know unless you try.
For the Love of God, do good.
Ian
(As at November 22, 2010)
CAM - RAINF/LT CAV/RAE/RAA
LT CAV
RACT
209602 - IET PT MOD 1
02 to 17 Oct 10
30 Oct to 14 Nov 10 (60)
06 to 21 Nov 10 (60)
12 to 28 Nov 10 (40)
05 to 19 Dec 10
29 Jan to 13 Feb 11
15 to 30 Jan 11
12 to 27 Feb 11 (60)
05 to 20 Mar 11
30 April - 15 May 11 (60)
7 to 22 May 11
21 May to 05 Jun 11
28 May to 12 Jun 11
28 May to 12 Jun 11
28 may to 12 Jun 11
18 Jun to 4 Jul 11
203242 - Cav Scout GD 1
07 to 22 Aug 10
MUR
203243 - Cav Scout GD 2
07 to 22 Aug 10
12 to 27 Feb 11
04 to 19 Jun 11
MUR
MUR
MUR
120048 - C2 Cse
03 to 18 July 10
31 Jul to 15 Aug 10 (LR3)
23 Oct to 7 Nov 10
08 to 23 Jan 11
19 Feb to 06 Mar 11(LR3)
28 May to 12 Jun 11
MonUR
QUR
WAUR
MonUR
QUR
WAUR
203244 - Cav Scout Patrol COMD
07 to 22 Aug 10
MUR
12 to 27 Feb 11
MUR
200279 - C2/LR3 Cse
31 Jul to 15 Aug 10
19 Feb to 06 Mar 11
QUR
QUR
202658 - PMV Dvr Cse
200025 - MR2 Cse
03 to 18 July 10
10 Jul to 25 Jul 10
30 Oct to 14 Nov 10
08 to 23 Jan 11
26 Feb to 13 Mar 11
07 to 22 May 11
MonUR
WAUR
QUR
MonUR
WAUR
QUR
201260 - IET PT MOD 2
03 to 18 Jul 10(cancelled 28
Jun 10)
17 Jul to 01 Aug 10 (60)
14 to 29 Aug 10 (Cancelled
27/4/10)
11 to 26 Sep 10
18 Sep to 03 Oct 10 (60)
19 Sep to 03 Oct 10
16 to 31 Oct 10
13 to 28 Nov 10 (60)
20 Nov to 05 Dec 10 (60)
28 Nov to 12 Dec 10
29 Jan to 13 Feb 11 (80)
30 Jan to 13 Feb 11
20 Mar to 03 Apr 11
15 to 30 May 11 (40)
21 May to 5 Jun 11
28 May to 12 Jun 11
11 to 26 June 11
12 to 26 Jun 11
WAUR
UNSWR
MUR
QUR
SUR
MUR
QUR
UNSWR
SUR
AUR
WAUR
MUR
SUR
QUR
UNSWR
WAUR
WAUR
MUR
AUR
SUR
AUR
QUR
WAUR
UNSWR
MUR
QUR
MUR
QUR
SUR
AUR
WAUR
SUR
UNSWR
QUR
202520 - SIO-S MOD 1
01 to 13 Mar 11
02 to 16 Apr 11
28 May to 09 Jun 11
4 BDE
SUR
31/42 RQR
202509 - SIO-S Mod 2
14 to 29 Aug 10
29 Apr to 15 May 11
01 to 15 May 11
9 RQR
SUR
4 BDE
202519 - SIO-S Mod 3
24 Jul to 07 Aug 10
23 Oct - 07 Nov 10
09 to 17 Oct 10
06 to 21 Nov 10
16 RWAR
SUR
25/49 RQR
5/6 RVR
RAA REGT OFFR CSES (Not RITC)
203283 - RAAC ROBC MOD 1
12 to 27 Feb 11
MUR
203284 - RAAC ROBC MOD 2
07 to 22 Aug 10
MUR
RAAMC
200449 - CMA Mod 1
04 to 19 Dec 10
08 to 23 Jan 11
ALTC
ALTC
200450 - CMA Mod 2A
03 to 18 July 10
16 to 31 Oct 10
ALTC
ALTC
201001 - CMA Mod 2B
14 to 29 Aug 10
02 to 17 Apr 11
ALTC
ALTC
207701 - CMA Mod 3
205307 - Sub 4 CPL Mod 1
18 Sep to 3 Oct 10
19 Feb to 6 Mar 11
ALTC
ALTC
206526 - Sub 4 CPL Mod 2
13 to 28 Nov 10
ALTC
206527 - Sub 4 SGT
21 May to 05 Jun 11
ALTC
RAE
120269 - IET Phase 1
17 to 31 Jul 10
06 to 21 Nov 10
19 Feb to 06 Mar 11
30 Apr to 15 May 11
120270 - IET Phase 2
30 Jul to 14 Aug 10
19 Nov to 05 Dec 10
14 to 28 May 11
SUR
SUR
SUR
SUR
SUR
SUR
SUR
120211 REGT OFFR GNY MOD 1
11 to 20 Jun 11
SOA
120272 - IET Phase 4
14 to 28 Aug 10
202353 REGT OFFR GNY MOD 2
21 to 27 Jun 11
SOA
RAA Mortar Conversion (Not RITC)
202354 REGT OFFR GNY MOD 3
28 Jun to 4 Jul 11
SOA
RAA ROBC MOD 3
SUR
208952 Mortar Operator Cse
10 to 18 Oct 10
May 11 (TBC)
07 to 15 May 11
04 to 12 Jun 11
4 BDE
9 BDE
4 BDE
13 BDE
208963 Arty LT CP Cse
06 to 21 Nov 10
29 May to 12 Jun 11
4 BDE
13 BDE
208960 Arty LT Sect Comd Cse
10 to 18 Oct 10
4 BDE
May 11 (TBC)
9 BDE
07 to 15 May 11
4 BDE
208972 REGT Offr GNRY Off SPT MOD 5
13 to 18 Oct 10
4 BDE
All Corps Courses
200278 - C2 / MR2 Cse
04 to 25 Sep 10
23 Oct to 14 Nov 10
19 Feb to 12 Mar 11
14 May to 05 Jun 11
UNSWR
AUR
UNSWR
AUR
201024 - DG/Fd Tac Ops Phase
17 to 25 July 10
14 to 23 Aug 10
04 to 12 Sep 10
26 Sep to 03 Oct 10
22 to 30 Jan 11
9 Apr to 19 Apr 11
13 to 20 Mar 11
21 to 29 May 11
MonUR
WAUR
11 CSSB
UNSWR
MonUR
WAUR
UNSWR
11 CSSB
ARES GSO FAC
206324 - TRG BLK 2 ARES GSO FAC
25 Sep to 10 Oct 10
AUR
27 Nov to 12 Dec 10
AUR
02 to 18 Apr 11
AUR
206325 - TRG BLK 3 ARES GSO FAC
11 Sep to 26 Sep 10
UNSWR
29 Jan to 13 Feb 11
UNSWR
19 Mar to 03 Apr 11
UNSWR
206326 - TRG BLK 4 ARES GSO FAC
17 July to 01 Aug 10
MUR
29 Jan to 13 Feb 11
MUR
206327 - TRG BLK 5 ARES GSO FAC
24 July to 22 Aug 10
RMC
24 Jan to 21 Feb 11
RMC
GSO Non-Continuos 09
1 activity per month
1 activity per month
1 activity per month
1 activity per month
1 activity per month
1 activity per month
4 Bde
5 Bde
8 Bde
9 Bde
11 Bde
13 Bde
200713 - Conduct RRF
03 to 11 Jul 10
03 to 11 Jul 10
17 to 23 Jul 10
30 Jul to 06 Aug 10
14 to 22 Aug 10
14 to 22 Aug 10
16 to 24 Oct 10
16 to 24 Oct 10
24 to 29 Oct 10
13 to 21 Nov 10
15 to 23 Jan 11
15 to 23 Jan 11
5 to 27 Mar 11 N/C
12 to 20 Mar 11
09 to 17 Apr 11
09 to 17 Apr 11
13 to 20 May 11
MUR
SUR
QUR (SQ)
AUR
WAUR
UNSWR
QUR (NQ)
SUR
AUR
WAUR
5 BDE
MUR
AUR
WAUR
UNSWR
QUR (SQ)
AUR
200714 - COMD RRF OPS
09 to 11 Jul 10
07 to 08 Aug 10
20 to 22 Aug 10
30 to 31 Oct 10
21 to 23 Jan 11
15 to 17 Apr 11
21 to 22 May 11
MUR
AUR
UNSWR
HQ 5 Bde
MUR
UNSWR
AUR
120166 - BASIC COMBAT COMMS
10 to 15 Sep 10
141 Sig Sqn
07 to 20 Mar 11 N/C
109 Sig Sqn
15 to 22 May 11
AUR
10 to 15 Sep 11
141 Sig Sqn
113917 - ADV COMBAT COMMS
16 Sep to 06 Oct 10
141 Sig Sqn
TIER 1 ALL CORPS
203187 - JLC RES MOD 1
10 to 25 Jul 10
11 to 26 Sep 10
06 to 21 Nov 10
12 to 27 Feb 11
14 - 29 May 11
SUR
SUR
SUR
SUR
SUR
206898 - JLC RES MOD 2
24 Jul to 08 Aug 10
25 Sep - 10 Oct 10
26 Feb to 13 Mar 11
29 May to 12 Jun 11
SUR
SUR
SUR
SUR
120027 - S1SA RES MOD 1
31 Jul to 15 Aug 10
27 Nov to 12 Dec 10
26 Mar to 10 Apr 11
30 Apr to 15 May 11
MUR
MUR
MUR
MUR
207610 - S1SA RES MOD 2
02 to 17 Oct 10
04 to 19 Jun 11
MUR
MUR
207708 - OFFR GRD 2 MOD 1 CLMT
04 to 08 Sep 10
QUR
27 Nov to 01 Dec 10
QUR
16 to 20 Apr 11
QUR
207709 - OFFR GRD 2 MOD 2 INTR OPS
09 to 19 Sep 10
QUR
02 to 12 Dec 10
QUR
21 Apr to 01 May 11
QUR
207711 - OFFR GRD 2 MOD 3 ADV OPS
04 to 19 Sep 10(Cancelled)
QUR
27 Nov to 12 Dec 10
QUR
16 Apr to 01 May 11
QUR
203189 - OFFICER GRADE 3 RES MOD 1
13 to 28 Nov 10
QUR
22 Jan to 06 Feb 11
QUR
25 Jun-10 Jul 11
QUR
207662 - OFFICER GRADE 3 RES MOD 2
13 to 28 Nov 10
QUR
22 Jan to 06 Feb 11
QUR
18 Jun to 03 Jul 11
QUR
18 The Bayonet
The 2 DIV National Training Schedule is correct at time of publication, however, details may be subject to amendment.
Please check with your unit training staff for confirmation of details.
The Bayonet 19
Your tour
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