Reservists develop force prep capability
Volume 11, No. 50, August 24, 2006
By Michael Brooke

Top job: Sgt Simon Statton, 142 Sig Sqn, briefs Commander 5 Bde Brig Craig Williams. Photo by Michael Brooke

EXERCISE Diamond Force has marked a vital step toward the raising and development of the High Readiness Reserve Force Protection Company Group (FPCG) capability required by the Hardened and Networked Army initiative.

More than 100 officers and senior NCOs from 5 Bde and 8 Bde participated in the Tactical Exercise Without Troops (TEWT) on August 5-6 at Orange aerodrome.

The exercise challenged the reservists to exercise their knowledge of Force Protection Conops and provide protection for a civilian airfield, refugees, and aviation assets against a lightly armed conventional force.

After conducting a mission analysis and examining enemy strengths and weaknesses, the nine syndicates conducted a reconnaissance of the aerodrome before planning how to defeat likely threats.

Maj Steve Brumby, BM 5 Bde, said Ex Diamond Force heightened awareness of the capabilities and limitations of the proposed FPCG structure across the brigade.

“The exercise participants applied the IMAP and staff MAP to deliver workable Oplans while the strengths and weaknesses in the FPCG Orbat were identified and valuable lessons learnt,” he said.

“The outcome in terms of capability development was that 5 and 8 Bde officers, WOs and senior NCOs demonstrated a sound understanding of force protection ops and FPCG capabilities. It is vital to spread the understanding of FPCG at all levels across the brigade in these early stages so that all members of the brigade can become aware of how vital this capability will be in the future.”

The success of Ex Diamond Force stemmed from the participants’ eagerness to learn about Force Protection Conops from Battlespace Operating System (BOS) subject matter experts who provided problem-specific input on the employment of their systems.

Lt Alex Richards, 1/15 RNSW Lancers, said the TEWT was both challenging and rewarding.

“It allowed many of us to enhance our understanding of the employment of an FPCG as a combined arms group to provide the combat power to conduct aggressive rear-area security operations, while maintaining a quick reaction force held in reserve,” he said.