Mil skills tested on operations
Volume 11, No. 51, September 07, 2006
By Maj James Baker

AUSTRALIAN troops on Operation Astute have kept their skills sharp in a military skills competition, although the Kiwis edged them out for the top honours.

Australian, Malaysian and New Zealand teams involved in the joint task force took part in the mini military skills challenge over two days.

The competition consisted of an 850m run in full combat armour, patrol order and weapons, followed by a magazine-loading activity on the mound, before a timed 30-second shoot at different types of targets at a range of 100m.

The three types of improvised targets – paper plates, bottles and black painted hexamine tablets – were each worth different points.

While the Australian section managed the run in almost record time, the New Zealanders took the trophy when they won the shooting section, where the real points were to be made.

The team made up of unit COs was the high-scorer on the rifle range in a tight contest. The team of unit RSMs and senior soldiers briefly enjoyed the taste of victory until a recount showed the COs actually finished in front.

JTF 631 RSM WO1 Dave Ashley stridently denied the 5.56mm pen ever made an appearance, as integrity was on the line.

Competition judges said the teams that did best were those that trained and where the junior leaders did an appreciation, made a plan, gave orders and then supervised the soldiers.

Section Commander for the 3CSR team LCpl Jason Cipollino said that even though the competition was short, it was still tough.

“Especially for non-infantry people, running around in webbing and body armour and stuff takes it out of you,” he said.