SOLDIERS from the Parachute Battalion Group took to High Range Training Area recently for an exercise in synchronization and coordination with its parent-brigade.

3RAR spent almost a month training with other units and headquarters elements of 3 Bde during the Combined Arms Training Activity.

Exercise Kapyong Riser provided an opportunity for a lot of grass-roots training with the battalion spending time rehearsing conventional operations in the scrub as well as its urban-fighting skills at the MOUT facility.

Rifle companies practiced company and platoon attacks, ambushes and patrolling in both conventional and MOUT scenarios while headquarter elements practiced their coordination with higher commanders.

Support company specialists built bridges and rehearsed the provision of indirect fire-support in the form of mortar and machine-gun fire, while reconnaissance soldiers and snipers provided commanders with eyes and ears over the battlefield.

Meanwhile the battalion's signalers helped coordinate activities while employing the new Battlefield Command Control System.

Air assets in the form of Blackhawks, Chinooks and Caribou aircraft were put to wide use during the activity.

CPL Alistair Scott, Bravo company, believes benefits of the MOUT training phase are clear.

"In a high-intensity environment, where every window, doorway and alleyway is a fire-lane, soldiers' senses are sharpened. It takes their soldiering skills to a new level," he said.

"After clearing our fair share of buildings in Dili, we now approach MOUT with a renewed appreciation of the dangers involved and this helps to maintain an operational-focus.

"My soldiers were noticeably more alert and focused once we returned to the scrub after our MOUT phase," he said.

CPL Scott appreciated getting his section working with armoured vehicles again, having not used them since their Interfet involvement.

"Even though in 3RAR we arrive by parachute, we still must maintain the same competencies as any other battalion once on the ground.

"Inf-armour work is certainly a vital part of our training," he said.

By PTE Wade Laube