B Sqn ready for next level
Volume 11, No. 47, July 13, 2006

Clean fun: Tpr Daniel Bayley, 2 Cav Regt, during Exercise Behemoth at Townsville. Photo by AC Aaron Curran.

2 CAV Regt’s B Sqn has been put through its paces in the month-long Exercise Behemoth at High Range Training Area in Townsville.

The squadron’s 110 personnel were supported by 2 Cav Regt’s Spt Sqn, as well as 5/7RAR, 1CSR and 1CSSB, which provided RAEME, signals, catering, and an Opposing Force during the exercise conducted from May 28 to June 22.

Acting B Sqn SSM Sgt Nathan Royall said the aim of the exercise was to train the squadron from the basic level up to squadron-level battlefield manoeuvre.

“The first eight days were left for troop leaders to train their troops in basic cavalry operations including troop-on-troop dry training,” he said.

The next stage was coached and assessed stage four (individual vehicles shooting both static and moving), which incorporated Direct Fire Support Weapon shoots and instinctive shooting from the ASLAV turret using 25mm, Mag 58 and pistol.

Sgt Royall said the last few days involved patrol and troop level stage five shoots extending over a 24-hour period, which ended with squadron stage six manoeuvres.
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He said this was achieved through prudent planning and a compilation of manoeuvre boxes extending over about 23km of very rough terrain.

“The training value was excellent as it brought the soldiers back to basic cavalry operations, but it also tested them in advanced battlefield replenishments and clearances.”