By Pte John Wellfare
CAVALRY units push their vehicles hard when deployed and need mechanical support on constant standby to ensure they can stay in the fight.

B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt, brought a large mechanical repair contingent with it to Ex Croc 03, keeping the APCs running for long periods of combat operations.

Cfn Dean Cartwright, a mechanic with B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt, said the repair capability was divided into mechanics who accompanied the armoured vehicles in the field, and those who remained in admin and support areas.

"There's a mobile repair capability out in the field with the squadron and then if something's going to take a long time, it goes back to the rear," he said.

"We spent 12 hours changing an engine over [in an M113] and doing a radiator as well, we're pretty much equipped for anything with A-Vehicles.

"We've got a welder and fitter/armourer here, the welder does repairs if there's any cracks in the vehicle."

Cfn Cartwright said B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt's armoured vehicles required regular maintenance due to the stress of the unit's role.

"Most of our repairs are just general wear and tear, when the guys come out here in the bush they do drive hard, it's their job, things break.

"We've had a couple of good jobs to do on this exercise, where we've had the time to do it - we haven't been stretched to the limits, which is good."

B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt supported 3 Bde operations throughout Croc 03 as one of the first units into the area.

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