All the right signals
Volume 11, No. 51, September 07, 2006
Maj Ian Toohill

Tip top training: Commander 2 Div Maj-Gen Ian Flawith congratulates Cpl Matthew Doyle, 142 Sig Sqn, on a job well done. Cpl Doyle instructed on the Satellite Terminal Assemblage. Photo by Maj Ian Toohill

THE spirit descended on Reserve signallers in Victoria – Balcombe Spirit that is, a two-week training exercise.

Balcombe Spirit offers centralised training for reservists from across Australia in three of the five Royal Australian Signals employment streams.

Conducted twice a year in January and July, standardised modules are taught in a compressed format for 15 days of continuous training.

The success of this unique training initiative is in no small measure due to the excellent support provided by the DFSS as a tri-service organisation; a good example of networking within the broader ADF.

A bonus for the DFSS is the utilisation of its facilities during the traditional stand down period in July which is viewed as a good business model by senior command.

While the exercise primarily trains reservists, specialist training is also provided for ARA members.

Twenty-seven participants then went on to undertake the field module of the Combat Signallers Course at Puckapunyal.