BOARD OF INQUIRY INTO PTE JAKE KOVCO’S DEATH – Pistol Qualification

Members of the Board of Inquiry into the death of Private Kovco participated in training, weapon handling and qualification on the Browning 9mm self loading pistol today at Victoria Barracks.

Under supervision from training and safety experts, members of the Board participated in a number of lessons in order to familiarise themselves with the functions of the 9mm pistol.

These lessons included safety procedures for the 9mm pistol, degrees of weapon readiness and firing positions.

As part of the investigation into the facts surrounding the death of Private Kovco, the Board took lessons from experts on the 9mm pistol to expose them to current weapon handling procedures, assisting Board members to make an informed decision about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Following the completion of their training and qualification, members of the Board will conduct a Range Shoot at Holsworthy Range tomorrow.

While at Holsworthy Range, members of the Board will be tested on the 9mm pistol before participating in a Range Shoot.  This includes the Test of Elementary Training which all Australian Defence Force members are required to pass before a live shoot.

The members of the Board will be firing, under supervision, at still targets in varying firing positions.

The Board is headed by Group Captain Warren Cook, a RAAF Specialist Reservist, who is also a retired Magistrate and former Coroner. He is supported by a civilian member, Mr Jim O’Sullivan, a former Queensland Commissioner for Police, and Colonel Michael Charles, a reservist with an extensive military background. 

Vision has been forwarded to networks at Parliament House. Still images will be made available shortly on the Defence website at www.defence.gov.au/media/download/

Media contact:

Defence Media Liaison           (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

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