44 MP Pl - Oakey

By Sgt Stephen Bowes

Once again we have achieved a great deal in the past twelve months. In early June, four MWD/MPD teams were involved in PPC training in conjunction with the SPBC and ROBC. This collective training saw the MWD/MPDs involved in all areas of PPC. This opportunity allowed the MWD/MPD teams realistic training and the opportunity to learn some invaluable lessons. The PPC students also learnt some very important lessons, such as ‘Don't get too close to the dogs'. Last count was 1 x Officer (LT Respondek), 1 x SPR (Steel Barrack) 1 x set of PPC gloves and 1 x Military Working Dog. The platoon looks forward to testing these lessons on Broadsword.

In mid June we once again placed our paws on the ground in Timor Leste, deploying a Fly Away Team (SGT Pearson, and CPLs Wood, Burke, Hillard and Hedberg) to the strife torn area. By all reports the teams are having a great time and are utilised by both Military and Federal Police (AFP) in an attempt to restore law and order in Timor Leste. In addition, the platoon has deployed two members in support of general duty rolls, CPL Dawson in Timor Leste and CPL Murray with SECDET IX.

Due to reduced manning and operational tempo, the platoon was unable to conduct security patrols in support of the Army Aviation Centre for a three month period. This enabled platoon members who were not on deployment to focus on developing their allocated MWD/MPD to a higher operational standard. This in turn increased the Battalion's MWD/MPD operation capability.

In August the platoon organised a Family Day BBQ, an event which was attended by almost all deployed member families. Two special mentions have to be made for their efforts with the Family Day BBQ, CPL Wapp for a well planned and executed day, and Platoon SM, WO2 Freeman, who organised the children's games and keep the kids busy while their parents mingled.

In late August LCPL Connolly was promoted to full Corporal. He and LCPL Gibb attended TinCanBay for MRE training with 6 RAR and Australian Federal Police. This enabled 6 RAR and AFP to develop MWD/MPD SOPs for execution of Search Warrants, Crowd Control and Building Searches at section level. Once again the boys gave the local population something to talk about; you never know where a MWD/MPD team will pop up next! These efforts will ensure a smooth and effective MWD/MPD capability brick upon deployment.

Mid September will see three new MPD handlers march off their Military Police Dog Basic Course. We welcome CPL Polita and MPD Demi, CPL Serafin and MPD Rex, and CPL Browne and MPD Shadow to the MWD/MPD fold. They have undergone their three month course, under the watchful eye of SGT Barnett and CPL Nelson. God help us, more BARNETT trained Doggies! January 2007 will see the MPD Course move to DPTC, which signals a bright future for the MWD/MPD trade.

In late August LCPL Connolly was promoted to full Corporal. He and LCPL Gibb attended TinCanBay for MRE training with 6 RAR and Australian Federal Police. This enabled 6 RAR and AFP to develop MWD/MPD SOPs for execution of Search Warrants, Crowd Control and Building Searches at section level. Once again the boys gave the local population something to talk about; you never know where a MWD/MPD team will pop up next! These efforts will ensure a smooth and effective MWD/MPD capability brick upon deployment.

Mid September will see three new MPD handlers march off their Military Police Dog Basic Course. We welcome CPL Polita and MPD Demi, CPL Serafin and MPD Rex, and CPL Browne and MPD Shadow to the MWD/MPD fold. They have undergone their three month course, under the watchful eye of SGT Barnett and CPL Nelson. God help us, more BARNETT trained Doggies! January 2007 will see the MPD Course move to DPTC, which signals a bright future for the MWD/MPD trade.

Sadly, with the end of the year drawing near, we have to say farewell to some members of the platoon. LT Nisbet is off to 1RTB, SGT Pearson is posted on promotion to DPTC, SGT Barnett is off to DPTC with the MPD Course, CPL Hillard is posted to 41 MP Pl, CPL Laing is Service transferring to the RAAF, and CPL Briant is discharging. We wish all of you the best with your futures. Remember, once a doggy, always a doggy!

Once again we have achieved a great deal in the past twelve months. In early June, four MWD/MPD teams were involved in PPC training in conjunction with the SPBC and ROBC. This collective training saw the MWD/MPDs involved in all areas of PPC. This opportunity allowed the MWD/MPD teams realistic training and the opportunity to learn some invaluable lessons. The PPC students also learnt some very important lessons, such as ‘Don't get too close to the dogs'. Last count was 1 x Officer, 1 x SPR (Steel Barracks) 1 x set of PPC gloves and 1 x Military Working Dog. The platoon looks forward to testing these lessons on Broadsword.

In mid June we once again placed our paws on the ground in Timor Leste, deploying a Fly Away Team to the strife torn area. By all reports the teams are having a great time and are utilised by both Military and Federal Police (AFP) in an attempt to restore law and order in Timor Leste. In addition, the platoon has deployed two members in support of general duty rolls in Timor Leste and SECDET IX.

Due to reduced manning and operational tempo, the platoon was unable to conduct security patrols in support of the Army Aviation Centre for a three month period. This enabled platoon members who were not on deployment to focus on developing their allocated MWD/MPD to a higher operational standard. This in turn increased the Battalion's MWD/MPD operation capability.

In August the platoon organised a Family Day BBQ, an event which was attended by almost all deployed member families.

In late August 2 members attended Tin Can Bay for MRE training with 6 RAR and Australian Federal Police. This enabled 6 RAR and AFP to develop MWD/MPD SOPs for execution of Search Warrants, Crowd Control and Building Searches at section level. Once again the boys gave the local population something to talk about; you never know where a MWD/MPD team will pop up next! These efforts will ensure a smooth and effective MWD/MPD capability brick upon deployment.

Mid September will see three new MPD handlers march off their Military Police Dog Basic Course. They have undergone their three month course, under the watchful eye of the staff. God help us, more BARNETT trained Doggies! January 2007 will see the MPD Course move to DPTC, which signals a bright future for the MWD/MPD trade.

Sadly, with the end of the year drawing near, we have to say farewell to some members of the platoon. Our LT is off to 1RTB, one Pl SGT is posted on promotion to DPTC and another is off to DPTC with the MPD Course. We wish all of you the best with your futures. Remember, once a doggy, always a doggy!

Photo Gallery

HELO Training on the MWDH Cse

HELO Training on the MWDH Cse

Members of the platoon conducting MWD training

Members of the platoon conducting MWD training

Members of the platoon conducting MWD training

Members of the platoon conducting MWD training