APCs from 1/15RNSWL drive through Lake Liddell as part of the unit’s amphibious refresher training. Photo by Bill Cunneen

Lancers in the swim

By Sgt Wayne McMillan
SOLDIERS from 1/15 RNSWL have tested their unit’s operational capability during Exercise Western Warrior.

1/15RNSWL conducted its annual field training exercise in the Singleton and Barrington Tops area, deploying 15 APCs and 65 soldiers along the M3 Freeway to conduct a four-phase operation.

This included vehicle refresher training with members of 4/3RNSWR, amphibious operations, cross-country troop operations and a withdrawal-in-exercise back to the unit location using the Wiseman Ferry route.

1/15RNSWL 2IC Maj Mark Gibson said the first phase of the mounted vehicle training was an excellent training tool for members of both units.

The training consisted of vehicle mounting, dismounting drills, with other combined training that included harbour drills, mounted patrolling and quick attacks using radio communications.

The next phase was to re-deploy all vehicles by road to the Lake Liddell area to conduct amphibious operations.

Each vehicle was prepared before their swim test. The crews were then tasked with carrying out tests that included navigating their vehicles through a series of marker buoys.

Training WO WO2 Alby Chirichilli said the unit had travelled to Lake Liddell as part of the amphibious training requirements to maintain current unit competencies.

“Each vehicle entered the lake to conduct a test with the use of 40 sandbags to simulate mounted infantry troops,” he said.

“Once the vehicle had passed the trim, seal and balance test, the crew commander then completed the navigational tasks through the floating buoys.”

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