Combat Team Brolga crew commanders Sgt Tom McIntyre, Tpr Ben Grumley, LCpl Justin Ashwell, Cpl Darren Wasley, Cpl Brett Postlewaite and Tpr Michael Dixon, plot unit positions during a brief orders group in the field. Photo by Pte John Wellfare, Army newspaper

Fighting Brolgas secure foothold

By Pte John Wellfare
THREE Bde soldiers from 3RAR and 3CER recently worked to secure a foothold on Legais during Ex Croc 03.

With the ever-present threat of a highly mechanised enemy force, Combat Team Brolga was established to provide a mobile, armoured capability in support of point-of-entry operations.

Troop Leader 3 Trp, B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt Lt Leon McIvor, said Combat Team Brolga was largely based around B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt, but also incorporated elements of 1 Armd Regt, 2 Cav Regt and 1RAR, deployed to Legais on the same day paratroopers descended onto Kapyong DZ and engineers and commandos secured Sabina Point.

"Initially we provided convoy escort tasks for rear-echelon units and we provided route-clearance tasks with tank elements," he said.

"Before the advance on Williamson Airfield we moved in with parts of SHQ, B Sqn, to provide combat team reserve.

"As the push on Williamson took place, 3 Trp, as the combat team reserve, provided flank and rear security in the initial phase and then provided security for the Sqn HQ through the end."

After the capture of Williamson Airfield, Combat Team Brolga provided support for 1 Bde's advance to enemy positions to the south and later participated in the predominantly 3 Bde live-fire exercise.

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