On the lookout

LBdr Ross McIntosh, 131 STA Bty, prepares surveillance equipment for Exercise Swift Eagle. Photo by Pte Shannon Joyce, Army newspaper

By Pte Shannon Joyce

BATTLEFIELD surveillance troops from 131 Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) Bty perfected their tactical skills at Gallipoli Barracks this month, in preparation for Exercise Swift Eagle.

TSM Surveillance Troop WO2 Joe Fabri said the skills training involved a variety of tactically focused activities, from small team patrolling to tactical application of area and focal point surveillance drills.

“The role of a surveillance troop was to provide 24 hour battlespace surveillance to relay timely information back to a formation commander,” he said.

“The Surveillance Troop is used to detect, identify and locate enemy movement within their given area of interest, achieved through the use of Ground Surveillance Radar, Thermal Imagery and digital cameras.

“This training package is delivered to improve tactical proficiency, to ensure soldiers react appropriately to tactical contingencies.”

OPSO 131 STA Bty Capt Robert Tierney said although the tasks these troops undertake are governed by the phases of war, types of operations and command priorities, the need for tactical insertion and extraction methods remain constant.

“This package was designed to enhance tactical operations and the survivability of a surveillance detachment as opposed to focusing on technical operation of surveillance equipment,” he said.

131 STA Bty has developed this training package from lessons learnt and experiences gained from the four Surveillance Section rotations in East Timor between 1999 and 2002.

Capt Tierney said that the deployments overseas have helped to shape the current SOPs.

“Other interesting activities where the Surveillance Troop has been employed include the visit to Australia by [foreign diplomats] for the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.”

Surveillance Troop, 131 STA Bty has reserve positions, and is interested in hearing from members interested in trade or corps transferring.

For more information go to the unit website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/armyweb/Sites/131STA.