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WO2
Murray Bobbin instructs US soldiers on how to erect a hutchie.
Photo provided by 31RQR.
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Californian
invasion
Queenslanders
play host to US National Guard
By
Maj Brejetta Acres
THE alliance between Australia and the Unites States was strengthened
recently when soldiers from 31RQR participated in Exercise Pacific
Reserve with the US National Guard.
The
aim of the exchange exercise was to develop the interoperability
between the Army Reserve and the US National Guard.
While
the Australian contingent was soaking up the sun in Hawaii, 31RQR
hosted the US unit – C Coy, 1-184 Infantry Californian Army
National Guard.
Members
of 31RQR instructed their US brothers in arms on the main Australian
weapons used by the infantry and on tactical procedures. Field
firing was conducted in Mount Stuart Training Area and High Range
for three days, followed by jungle training in the Bluewater area
for four days.
Training
included:
Capt
Chris Ellison, CO of the US contingent, said the training the
Americans were involved in was great.
“I
really like the camaraderie you guys have got going here,”
he said.
During
the jungle training the US soldiers were given the opportunity
to go on the sneaker range – a shoot they do not usually
get to do. Many found it a refreshing challenge to employ their
marksmanship skills in a different scenario.
Capt
Ellison commented on the high level of instruction his soldiers
received, saying he was pleased with the knowledge, enthusiasm
and experience displayed by the Australian instructors.
The
more experienced instructors – WO2 Rick Wells, WO2 Murray
Bobbin, WO2 Darren Carter, Sgt Paul Nunan, Cpl Anning and Cpl
Lewis – appreciated these comments. In return, they praised
the US soldiers on their high level of participation.
The
purpose of the exercise was to gather detailed information on
issues that effect interoperability between Australian and US
forces, and undertake familiarisation training in capabilities
and equipment.
Maj
Donald Quinn, Operations Officer, said the exercise was conducted
at a pace that allowed sufficient time for all personnel to conduct
appropriate battle preparation.
“The
standard attained was very good,” he said.
“It
would have been enhanced by more time in the field – if the
Americans’ visit had been longer this would have been possible.”
With
any cultural exchange program there is the challenge of understanding
and overcoming the cultural and language barriers.
‘Hua’
(pronounced ‘Hoo-ah’) is the word US soldiers use frequently
after a period of instruction – meaning hear, understand
and acknowledge.
31RQR
soldiers parade at various regional depots – Ingham, Charters
Towers, Bowen and Cairns.
The
HQ is located at Jezzine Barracks, Townsville.
If
you are interested in joining the Army Reserve and becoming a
member of 31RQR, contact WO2 Darren Carter on (07) 4771 1092 or
1800 555 601.
