Cpl Gavin Crook, SME, Sgt Stephen Sewell, 1CSSB, and Sgt Stuart Simpson, 4CER, do some serious research into the British Isles before departing on Ex Long Look 2003. 110 ADF personnel are deploying on exchange postings with the UK armed forces. Photo by Cpl Sean Burton, Army newspaper

A long look at the UK

By Cpl Sean Burton
Land Command Reporter
TEN ADF personnel, predominately Army, will deploy straight away on operations when they arrive at their host British Army unit as part of Exercise Long Look 2003.

The annual four-month exercise will see them exchange places with their opposite British number who, in turn, will fill their posts in Australia.

110 ADF personnel are deploying but the Army makes up the largest component of the contingent, with 78 soldiers of all ranks and trades. The RAAF is exchanging 19 and the Navy 13.

Contingent Commander Maj Gregory Walker said Exercise Long Look’s objectives were to develop rapport between the two nations and to expose personnel to the equipment and expertise of their host nation.

“We hope they can bring back fresh ideas from their experiences, which will be of great benefit to their units,” he said.

One of the 78 soldiers, Sgt Stephen Sewell, 1CSSB, said it was going to be a good experience.

“We’ll learn a lot in the way they do business compared to the way we do business here in Australia,” he said.

“I’ve already spoken to my host unit and a lot of stuff has already been organised for me to do.

“A personal highlight will be to visit the Edinborough Military Tattoo and the battlefields of Europe.”

Sgt Sewell said he is looking forward to playing Rugby Union with his host unit and Polo Cross with a London-based civilian club.

“We’ve had some of their members come across to the Northern Territory, where we hosted them, so I’ve got a visit to the London Polo Cross Club organised, and I’m sure we will have lots to talk about in the bar after the game.”

Maj Walker said a personal highlight of the trip would be to visit his ancestral home in Whitby, Yorkshire, where his direct ancestors taught young men how to sail.

“The Walkers of Whitby taught a young man called James Cook how to sail and the rest, as they say, is history.”

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