Sigs getting defensive
Volume 11, No. 55, November 02, 2006
By Lt Cameron Porter

Smack down: Sig Bradley Scorse initiates a leg-lift throw against Sig Bradley Smith. Photo by Cpl Renee Leighton

MILITARY self-defence continues to grow in Army, with 1CSR conducting its first MSD course in Darwin during October.

CO 1CSR Lt-Col Sheldon Kidd said the trainees were taught to control and capture an opponent using less-than-lethal techniques in accordance with the Use of Force Continuum.

“For the 1CSR soldiers that participated, it was an excellent opportunity to enhance self-confidence and equip them with skills for deployment on operations,” Lt-Col Kidd said.

Lt Craig Dempsey, 3CSR, Capt Gary Bailey, DFR-Perth, and the newly-raised Military Unarmed Combat Cell at ALTC Bandiana supported the course.

“It was a well organised and conducted course by highly motivated Junior Officer and SNCO instructors,” Lt-Col Kidd said.

“It demonstrated what can be done with scarce resources and focused effort.”

Signallers, MPs and PTIs were trained as MSD exponents during the course, which included a legal brief.

Police and Emergency Services provided guest instructor Sgt John Pini, who taught an edged-weapons awareness lesson.
Lt-Col Kidd said the participants responded well to the training.

“It was something out of the ordinary for 1CSR diggers and will probably be talked about for a long time to come."