8 Bde tests rear security role
Volume 11, No. 39, March 23, 2006
By Capt Adrian Dolahenty

On a mission: Brig Iain Spence, with 6 Fd Sqn troop commander Lt David Leishman.

AT THE rear with the gear will take on a whole new meaning for 8 Bde as its officers tested the new Force Protection Company Group (FPCG) format during a weekend of training in south-west Sydney in May.

Made up of armour, infantry, artillery, combat support and signals, each brigade will have to raise train and sustain an FPCG by 2008.

In NSW, 8 Bde and 5 Bde will combine to raise the first FPCG, all part of the Hardened and Networked Army.

The 8 Bde tactical exercise without troops (TEWT) weekend in May was designed by the Warfare Training Centre, and provided an opportunity to discuss and test how best to use elements of an FPCG in various rear area security roles.

After conducting a mission analysis and examining enemy strengths and weaknesses, the syndicates descended on Camden Airport where they conducted a reconnaissance and planned how to best meet likely threats.

The aim was to defend a Combat Services Support Team and keep the airport running.

The groups discussed possible scenarios and situations that the FPCG would have to respond to as well as canvassing possible legal and public affairs concerns.

Brig Iain Spence said the FPCG format was new and he wanted to know what it can do.

“I’m now confident that what has come out of this exercise will be valuable,” he said.