Ringmaster cracks whip

Scuffles: Noisy protesters, played by reservists, complicated RRF’s task of searching for and disposing of explosives during Exercise Ringmaster. Photos by Bill Cunneen

On alert: Pte Jane Tussup keeps a weather eye out.

Searching: Led by Sgt Scott Habgood and Sgt Stephen Windsor a team searches the dam complex.

Wall of defence: LCpl Matthew Livermore and Pte Craig Eyles guard the dam wall.

By Pte Andrew Hetherington

SOLDIERS from 5 Bde’s Reserve Response Force (RRF) have foiled attempts by modern-day dam busters to infiltrate and plant explosives at the Woronora dam complex in Sydney.

The RRF searched high and low for intruders and explosives belonging to a radical special interest group during the weekend training exercise held in late May.

Apart from 150 RRF soldiers, Exercise Ringmaster also included soldiers from JOSS, 142 Sig Sqn, the Incident Response Regiment, Defence public relations and NSW Police.

BM 5 Bde Maj Michael Billingham said the purpose of the annual exercise was to validate the readiness requirements for the unit.

“We also exercised the unit’s key RRF skills, and evaluated the recently developed limited high-risk search capability,” he said.

Maj Billingham said Woronora dam was used as the location for the exercise because it was a realistic training venue, and it also allowed interaction of the force with the public.

Maj Theo Kolyvas, of HQ 5 Bde, said the scenario of the exercise involved a simulated call-out of the RRF by the government during a threat by persons belonging to a radical special interest group, with possible targets including key infrastructure facilities.

Members of the RRF were required to quickly move from locations as far away as Dubbo and to deploy promptly to the exercise AO with little or no sleep, about 0030hr on the Saturday.

“This was achieved largely as a result of thorough planning,” Maj Kolyvas said.

“It also required the dedication and enthusiasm of members of the brigade.”

Maj Billingham said the RRF Coy Gp was made up of reserve members of 5 Bde units and came together several times a year for training. If needed, it can be called out by the government, primarily to protect government and civilian assets.

“Members of 5 Bde who volunteer to be members of the RRF have to complete an operator course, which involves learning defensive tactics, search skills, and working in VCPs,” he said.

“The training also includes a lot of legal briefing, rules of engagement training, as the unit will be deployed within Australia and will be working with the public.”

Maj Billingham said 5 Bde RRF would now focus on continuing its training for Op Acolyte, the ADF’s support to the Commonwealth Games next year.

“Members of the RRF will be participating in lead-up training at Holsworthy in December and next February prior to the games,” he said.