Deploying for the kids
Volume 11, No. 55, November 02, 2006
By Cpl Mike McSweeney
and WO2 Eric Bateman

Set up: Sig Kim Tyler works on 109 Sig Sqn’s field LAN during Ex Fledgling Hawk in support of Army cadets. Photo by WO2 Eric Bateman.

COMMUNICATIONS specialists took advantage of an unusual opportunity to test their skills as a deployed squadron in Western Australia recently.

The opportunity came when almost 1000 army cadets, who were celebrating 100 years of AAC, converged on Bindoon Army Camp for a two-week exercise from September 30 to October 15.

OC 109 Sig Sqn Maj Ian McDonagh said as the deployment was brigade-sized it provided an excellent opportunity for the communicators to deploy as a squadron.

“It is the first time in its entirety we’ve had the ability to test all technical aspects of the squadron and how they interconnect,” Maj McDonagh said.

Although 109 Sig Sqn’s primary role was to provide communication and general support to the cadets, they also tested their Radio, Bearer, IS, CSS and Headquarters elements during an extended period while remaining completely self sufficient.

Maj McDonagh said Radio Troop deployed up to six detachments, including CRATT & CNRI dets using HF, VHF and DMCN.

“Bearer Troop deployed our whole Parakeet suite, including RRA, CSA and SASF and we also had the 2 Div Satellite Terminal Assemblage on loan to us,” he said.

Maintaining encrypted communications, the squadron practised step-up techniques and deployed a field LAN, BTN, Q-store, RAP and transport and catering support.

“It was designed to test the various elements of the squadron because the trick to all of this is working together as a team,” Maj McDonagh said.

“What we did was no different really to what would happen [on an overseas deployment].”

Maintaining the squadron’s capabilities is a credit to both the unit’s ARA staff, some of whom have more than one role in the squadron, and Reservists who work far more days than the minimum requirement while juggling civilian work and study commitments.

CO WA AAC Bde Lt-Col Stephen MacCarthy said in addition to communications tasks during the exercise, 109 Sig Sqn mentored potential future recruits by providing soldiers as range safety officers, range coaches and provided training to cadets.

“The support from 109 Sig Sqn has lifted the AFX to a new level, with seamless integration of command and control and the confidence of multi-layered continuous communications support,” Lt-Col MacCarthy said.