Adjudant 1RAR, Capt Malcolm Wells, straps in for a second dunking in the Careflight Safety Services Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) module at Lavarack Barracks Pool. Photo by Cpl Belinda Mepham, Army newspaper

A water escape

HUET Video
(MPEG video 3.31 MB)


By Cpl Belinda Mepham
AS PART of hectic preparation and training as the pending online Ready Battalion Group (RBG), 1RAR has been conducting Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET).

CO 1RAR Lt-Col Chris Field said HUET was vital to the RBG capability.

"This training familiarises us with day or night water escape techniques from Chinook, Black Hawk and Iroquois aircraft," he said.

"It will take us a couple of months to get the whole battalion through this training, but the competency lasts for two years."

HUET training must be completed by members of aviation units, AME teams or any units and groups who are a part of the amphibious battalion group, including units such as 3CSSB and the RBG.

1RAR are on a tight schedule of readiness preparation to be completed before coming online on April 28.

"The four rifle companies will go through Combined Arms Battle Wing and Jungle Training Wing in Tully as well as the Battalion exercise, Ex Coral.

"Individual specialist training and readiness is at full tempo with the Soldier Competition coming up."

1RAR is temporarily occupying the old 2RAR Samchion lines while the new Coral lines are under construction.

The battalion will celebrate the opening of their new lines in October.

.