Tpr Mat Wise prepares a bush breakfast while supporting RMC Cadets on Ex Beersheba. Photos provided by Maj Eric Stevenson, 1/15 RNSWL

RMC Cadets prepare for a night patrol.

A tank crew conducts minor repairs on a short halt, while providing support to an RMC training exercise – Ex Beersheba. Photo provided by Maj Eric Stevenson, 1/15 RNSWL

Supporting Beersheeba

Reserve personnel provide support for ex

WITH the ADF’s increased operational tempo during recent times, reserve units are being called upon to provide additional support to ARA training activities.

Reserve personnel from 12/16 LHR, 4/19 PWLH and 1/15 RNSWL, and full-time personnel from C Sqn, 1 Armd Regt, concentrated in Puckapunyal recently to provide support for RMC cadets on Ex Beersheba.

The bi-annual Exercise centres on familiarising and training cadets in infantry-heavy combat team operations.

Capt James MacGregor, APC Troop Leader, said using reserve members to provide support had a number of advantages.

“Apart from reducing the training commitment on ARA units, reserve personnel bring a range and depth of experience,” he said.

Working together to provide support from units as widely dispersed as Muswellbrook, Sydney, Goulburn, Darwin and Melbourne, did not present a problem.

Maj Eric Stevenson, OC B Sqn 1/15 RNSWL, said the vehicles and procedures were basically the same in each unit.

“It suits us to participate in the activity, as we get our drivers and crew commanders to complete some of their core training competencies,” he said.

Tpr Mat Wise said he enjoyed being part of the exercise.

“It’s exciting to be able to train as realistically as possible with tanks, artillery, infantry and aircraft,” he said.

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