Coy Sig Pte Joe Torok and CSM WO2 John Hando after a Coy attack during Ex Rottweiler. Photo by Lt Luke Johnston, 25/49RQR.

Delta Dogs on jungle training

From Lt Luke Johnston in Malaysia
BETWEEN August and November 2003, D Coy, 25/49RQR deployed to Malaysia as Rifle Coy Butterworth (RCB) rotation 63.

In recent times, this deployment has been used by Army sub-units as chance to train in another country, and RCB 63, or the Delta Dogs as they are known colloquially, have made the most of this opportunity.

This company, which comprises both ARA and GRes members, has just completed a rigorous training regime that has been aimed at readying them for close-country, company level operations.

Apart from being an integrated company, RCB 63 is a very diverse sub-unit, with two infantry platoons (10 Pl and 11 Pl) and a platoon of engineers (12 Pl). It also contains a training support platoon - added to the company for the rotation. Their role was to provide instructional support to the company as well as transport, catering and technical support.

The overall scope of the training program in Malaysia was to develop RCB 63 as an effective fighting unit that could competently perform challenging platoon and company-level operations in close country.

This was achieved by developing the skill level of the individual soldiers and junior commanders during training exercises and through a logical progression of section and platoon based training activities.

OC RCB 63, Maj James Weaver said training outside Australia had a posititive effect on D Coy.

"It gave them a taste of what it is like to operate in terrain that demands a lot and I think they also gained more of an appreciation of how Australians have fought in jungle campaigns during previous wars," he said.

Aside from their military skills training, RCB 63 also undertook a military history education program, learning about Australia's involvement in Malaysia during WW2 and the Malayan Emergency.

The first two military training exercises conducted by RCB 63 were highly successful in building camaraderie between the recently formed company and training its personnel in lower-level IMTs and weapons skills.

RCB 63 members deployed to the Guran military area in northern Malaysia where the primary focus of the training was on the development of section level activities with patrolling and attacking techniques in close country.

RCB 63 then spent some time at the Pulada range complex in southern Malaysia, where they further built upon their military skills.

It was here that they were involved in a progressive live-fire training continuum, beginning with individual, pairs and section defence live-fire activities and progressing through to a live-fire platoon attack.

During October, RCB 63 conducted their final major exercise, Exercise Rottweiler - a gruelling 14-day steep, close country encounter. This exercise was the culmination of the company's training, with a company attack and cordon and search.

Pte Daniel Lang, 10 Pl, said the exercise was invaluable for its close-country patrol training.

"The last exercise not only taught me about how to patrol in close country, but how to remain focused when you're tired." he said.

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