Singapore tests IRR

An IRR decontamination operator explains the layout and procedures of an IRR decon tent to observers on Exercise Black Orchid in Singapore. Photo provided by Capt Gabrielle Turnbull

By Capt Gabreille Turnbull

SOLDIERS from the Incident Response Regiment (IRR) recently participated in Chemical-Biological-Radiological (CBR) response training in Singapore as part of Exercise Black Orchid 2004.

The exercise, conducted from November 11-21, involved the use of protective equipment in responding to a simulated contaminated environment.

The IRR exercised with units from the Singaporean Armed Forces to develop interoperability and enhance both nations response procedures to CBR threats.

CO IRR, Lt-Col Nick Rowntree said the exercise was an important part of the IRR’s training cycle and enabled them to maintain an effective force to respond domestically or internationally to CBR attacks against Australians if requested by relevant authorities.

“The Singapore Armed Forces have a well-established capability in this area, and training opportunities like Exercise Black Orchid are the result of Government initiatives for closer ADF ties with regional forces,” he said.

The exercise tested the IRR members in a variety of scenarios, based around simulated terrorist activity in the exercise area, and addressed many capabilities in the unit’s skill-sets including decontamination, CBR medicine, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, communications and High Risk Search.

“We also get an additional challenge by conducting this training in a tropical environment, which has its own unique demands on our soldiers,” he said.

Singaporean units also participated in similar training scenarios and worked directly with their Australian counterparts.

“This training was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our capability to our neighbours and to learn from how they operate in their own environment, and in return, we look forward to hosting the Singapore Armed Forces next year in Australia and showing them how we do business.”

Exercise Black Orchid was the first of what’s planned as an annual activity between Australia and Singapore, with each nation planning to host a deployment for the other in alternating years.