A soldier takes up a fire position in a newly-constructed weapon pit on Exercise Hamel 2002. Soldiers from various units of Victorian-based 4 Bde participated in the Exercise, which saw soldiers spread across Victoria and Tasmania on a number of training activities.

A soldier sets up a field RAP on Exercise Hamel 2002

Stealth, alertness and aggression – a soldier displays the attributes needed for an effective patrol Photos by Capt Ian Toohill

Hamel – off with a bang

By Capt Ian Toohill
LAST year’s final exercise for Victorian-based 4 Bde, Exercise Hamel 2002, saw soldiers involved in training that stretched across Victoria and Tasmania.

8/7RVR concentrated at Puckapunyal, 5/7RVR began at the Puckapunyal Range and ended at the Otway Ranges, while 4/19 PWLH remained on the Puckapunyal Range with 2/10 Fd Regt.

108 Sig Sqn conducted team building treks on the Alpine Track and in the Cradle Mountain area of Tasmania. 4CER supported units with equipment and instructors while 4CSSB conducted a range of specialist trade courses at Broadmeadows and driver training around Victoria.

For 8/7RVR the exercise incorporated three distinct components. Trained soldiers from A Coy participated in lead-up training on the proposed brigade METL for the Force Protection Coy Group. This was followed by a short exercise supported by a realistic scenario to practice the skills.

The second component was for B Coy to complete the field component of the Rifleman Infantry Operations-Platoon course for the partly trained soldiers to allow them to advance into A Coy.

Finally, the Battalion Champion Section competition was run to provide the opportunity to build on section teamwork established during the exercise and to assess the improvement of basic soldier skills.

A Coy 8/7RVR also practiced offensive and defensive operations, patrolling and ambushing with 4/19PWLH, while B Coy dug weapon pits to stage three and from their company position conducted defensive and offensive operations at section and platoon level.

5/6RVR also concentrated on individual and collective training. Soldiers spent the first five days on the firing ranges at Puckapunyal, which involved qualifying unit members in all competencies required for ECN 343-1 (Infantry Rifleman).

Apart from firing all unit small arms by day and night, soldiers threw grenades and fired claymore mines. This phase was followed by a move to the Otway Ranges where the unit enjoyed a change in scenery.

4/19 PWLH capped off its exercise with a number of live fire simulated battle runs at troop level, which apart from giving APC crews valuable experience, also served to complete the qualification for newly appointed corps officer on the ROBC.

Participating units benefited significantly from the exercise – experience and individual qualification have enhanced basic soldier skills across the Brigade and all units are now looking forward to a major exercise late this year.

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