Astute engineers make progress
Volume 11, No. 50, August 24, 2006

Top work: 3CER sappers Blake Pascoe and Kyle Bate repair the roof of a building at Camp Phoenix, Dili. Photo by Cpl Bernard Pearson.

THE diversity of tasks conducted by engineers on Op Astute has reinforced the importance of maintaining basic soldiering skills, according to 3CER Capt Barry Mulligan.

“The deployment has highlighted the importance of maintaining a culture of high readiness, demanding training in both engineer and soldier skills, and the capability to deploy force elements structured for maximum flexibility,” he said.

Capt Mulligan said that during the deployment the sappers, including tradesmen, had patrolled by day and night, disarmed locals, dispersed groups and responded to threats to security forces within their AO.

He said the engineers had completed more than 250 tasks which included explosive ordnance disposal, route clearance, high-risk engineer searches, and construction and trade support.
“The base training of combat engineers has again been proven to be necessary and a valuable force multiplier,” he said.

“The works done by the engineers early in the operation ensured a good basic level of sanitation to the force which prevented illness and enabled the force to live, move and fight.”

Search tasks have included vehicles and buildings and have led to the discovery of contraband including weapons and ammunition. Explosive ordnance disposal in support of police and military operations has led to the destruction of more than 50 ordnance types including grenades, mortars, riot control dispensers and civilian explosives.

3CER engineers also established the JTF HQ at the Dili Port Facility, developed FOB throughout Dili and established a bore-fed JTF water-point, which has provided more than 7.5 million litres of water.

The engineer trade element had been involved in enhancement and construction tasks, including hardstands for the JTF logistic support area and permanent shower and kitchen facilities.

Re-occupying the former Portuguese battalion HQ used during Interfet, 3CER engineers have also helped plan JTF operations and provided technical engineer advice to local government.