LSF passes muster

An LSF Merlo off-pavement forklift unloads supplies during Exercise Predator’s Gallop in Queensland. Photo provided by HQ LSF

By Lt Gavin Rudrum
FOR the first time in history the Logistic Support Force (LSF) recently deployed to Queensland as a composite Force Support Battalion (FSB) in the field environment.

Exercise Predator’s Gallop 2002 saw more than 450 personnel from the LSF deployed to various parts of Queensland and the NT to provide combat service support to 1 Bde.

The composite FSB was largely based on 9FSB, supplemented by members of Townsville-based 10FSB and Hobart-based 2FSB.

Lt-Col Andy Condon, CO of the composite FSB, said the mobilisation of the composite FSB, consisting of four sub units from different units in four different states, with augmentation from a fifth unit in a fifth state, was executed effectively despite a range of significant challenges.

“26 Tpt Sqn used the driver-exchange method of line haul operation to move stores in support of the exercise,” he said.

“The line haul operation enabled loads to continually move while the drivers swapped at designated staging areas along the route.”

He said it took 36 hours for a vehicle to complete a trip from Darwin to Rockhampton.

“This line haul enabled 26 Tpt Sqn drivers to increase their hours on the new Mack Fleetliner and exposed most members of the unit to line haul operations.”

Medical support was provided to 1 Bde by 3HSB.

A Forward Surgical Team was deployed from Adelaide to provide medical support to the live firing activities of 8/12 Mdm Regt and 1 Armd Regt.

He said it had been the first time in eight years that 3HSB had deployed in support of a major exercise.

“It was an excellent opportunity for the part-time members of the unit to deploy to the field environment. This exposed them to both military and clinical training over the two-week period, as well as providing surgical support to units of 1 Bde.”

2 Force Sup Coy (2FSC), 10FSB, was detached and deployed under the command of 9FSB during the exercise.

“The main focus of 2FSC was to conduct an inscale program that enabled them to issue and receipt stock into the LSF2 SDSS Deployable District for further issue to 1CSSB in Darwin and the CSST, 2 Cav Regt,” he said.

“Exercising a deployable SDSS district is one of the main priorities of the FSG. 2FSC also deployed the Cargo Visibility System (CVS) into a field freight distribution centre.”

He said the use of CVS allowed the expedient transit of stores for the exercise.

“2 FSC Combat Supplies Pl provided fuel, water and rations in support of 1 Bde and FSG elements in both locations.”

Without communication support the FSG could not provide its role of force level logistics support required on a major exercises.

“During Predator’s Gallop, 145 Sig Sqn was able to successfully deploy both PMKeyS and ROMAN into the field, a first within the LSF and believed to be a first in the Army.

“145 Sig Sqn also stretched its assets beyond Rockhampton provide communications along the staging areas on line haul operations.

“This allowed the staging area commanders to have communication with their drivers and their higher headquarters.”

During the exercise, FSG staff evaluated the FSB composite model as well as a number of specific LSF capabilities, as a trial of the recently developed LSF Capability Evaluation System. All aspects of the FSB model were looked at throughout the duration of the exercise – from the structure, to command and control.

“It was a worthwhile activity as many lessons were identified throughout the exercise.”

Commander FSG Col Grant Dibden said effective, capable, customer-focused logistic support is essential for every combat force.

“The formation of a composite FSB and its recent deployment on Predator’s Gallop is a major step forward in preparing the FSG to be able to do this whenever and wherever we may be required to support a combat force,” he said.