A 3RAR soldier gives fire support during a section attack on Ex Arnhem at Singleton on May 25-28. Photo by AC Allan Cooper, RAAF Richmond

Bridge of capability

By Pte John Wellfare
Paratroopers leapt into action to attain the Parachute Company Group role in a recent live-fire exercise held at Singleton.

Ex Arnhem saw soldiers from B Coy, 3RAR, team up with other crucial elements of the Army and RAAF to test all aspects involved in deploying paratroopers at short notice.

OC B Coy Maj John Eiby said the exercise was not just about the 36 hours spent on the ground but covered every facet of planning and preparation in a realistic timeframe.

“For B Coy [preparation included] parachute ground training, grouping and zeroing by day and night, making sure we conduct rules of engagement briefs, administration, country briefs, intelligence briefs and making sure we conduct full battle procedure, which includes passing out orders and any rehearsals we may need to do,” he said.

“We did rally rehearsals, section and platoon attack rehearsals and ‘all arms call for fire’ practice as well.”

Maj Eiby said the intensity of preparation continued through to the time soldiers boarded aircraft for the flight to Singleton.

“Basically the guys went out to Richmond and prepared for their parachute parade, which includes issuing parachutes, drawing ammunition, fitting HESPR and preparing equipment for a parachute insertion.

“Final battle procedure was also conducted at Richmond – final orders group with the CO, latest intelligence updates, information on meteorology and weather for the DZ and threat was also discussed – what OPFOR threat was potentially on the DZ and any other pertinent changes that occurred.”

Just hours before the planned parachute insertion, strong winds in Singleton forced the drop to be delayed 24 hours and those involved in the airborne force took the opportunity for extra rest.

The plan’s flexibility was tested further on the second attempt when an engine failure forced one of the three Hercules to abort, minutes before it’s cargo of paratroopers were set to jump.

The other two aircraft did accomplish their objective and the majority of the force hit DZ Hinge on Singleton range at the dawn of a long day for the B Coy paratroopers and attachments.

“After securing the point of entry, being the DZ, we then had a series of jobs and tasks that we had to complete. We had to clear and destroy certain small OPFOR groups in order to secure the southern flanks and dominate our area of responsibility.

“After the insertion we destroyed a number of enemy positions, held ground, cleared ground and then withdrew by Caribou, 32 hours later, back to the Luscombe Airstrip at Holsworthy.

“It was part of a larger notional exercise by 3Bde where [B Coy] 3RAR were the first in and conducted a parachute assault. It all revolved around war-fighting.”

For 3RAR, Ex Arnhem indicates a significant step towards honing the skills of the ADF’s airborne capability, with future exercises planned to further test and confirm the unit’s ability to carry out short-notice parachute operations.

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