Skills sharing
Volume 11, No. 47, July 13, 2006

Ready, set: From left, Sgt Kevin Davis, Capt Meaghan Barry, Sgt Andrew Picker and Sgt Nestor Casas take on the obstacle course in the MFO force skills competition.

AUSTRALIAN soldiers on Operation Mazurka have performed impressively in the biennial force skills competition held by the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Sinai.

The force skills competition was divided in two, with the major battalions competing for the overall award and Australia, Italy, Hungary, New Zealand and Uruguay contesting the minor unit prize.

Selected from a contingent of 25 personnel, the Australian team was the only team to have female participants and shift workers. It finished second in the minor unit category and fourth overall.

Team captain Sgt Andrew Picker led his team of Capt Meaghan Barry, Capt Anna Russell, Sgt Nestor Casas and Sgt Kevin Davis through the two-day competition.

Capt Barry said the MFO “places much emphasis on this competition with major units training full time for up to three months”.

She said the competition included seven different stands, five of which were physically challenging with minimal rest between each.

“The Australian team performed to an exceptional standard in the range shoot, placing first overall,” Capt Barry said.

“They continued to perform well completing the water obstacle, crossing in the third fastest time with no penalties.”

She said the Australian team displayed excellent teamwork throughout the competition as fellow Aussies showed their support from the side lines.