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7RAR the first step
Edition 1171, July 26, 2007 |
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Dedicated: 7RAR’s colours are rededicated to the unit at Robertson Barracks.
Photo by LCpl Griggs |
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One foot on the ground: Australians on patrol in Tarin Kowt in Afghanistan.
Photo by Cpl Ricky Fuller |
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THE growth of re-raised 7RAR, the first phase in the Enhanced Land Force initiative, is occurring at a cracking pace.
“Since January, we’ve been raising A Coy and our objective is to have two fully-manned mechanised companies by our battalion birthday on September 1 this year,” CO 7RAR Lt-Col Shane Gabriel said.
With only the nucleus of a battalion headquarters, 7RAR was allocated B Coy following the split with 5RAR in December last year.
“We’re actually very fortunate that B Coy was allocated to us, because this provides us with acceleration to unit growth,” Lt-Col Gabriel said.
The CO said B Coy would also provide most of the junior leadership for both companies.
“We have a large number of rifleman reinforcements that have already joined the battalion and continue to join the battalion from Singleton,” he said.
“With those sorts of numbers, plus B Coy, we’re well advanced in raising our two-company objective by September.”
As new soldiers are arriving, so too is new equipment. And by November this year, both 5RAR and 7RAR should start to receive their carriers.
“As with 5RAR, we’re looking forward to the imminent delivery of the upgraded M-113s,” Lt-Col Gabriel said
At the battalion headquarters, the battalion is being designed against the laid down structure designated by Army HQ, with SOPs, TTPs and standing orders being written.
It is not the first time 7RAR has been raised, as the unit saw service in Vietnam.
Lt-Col Gabriel said 5/7RAR had been committed to maintaining the traditions of both battalions and with the help of the 7RAR Association, 7RAR would not lose its customs.
“All ranks are very keen to make sure we maintain the traditions and heritage and reputation of the original 7RAR.”
Lt-Col Gabriel said the two battalions were sharing Bin Ba lines in Darwin until his unit moved to South Australia.
“The battalion is very much looking forward to the move to Adelaide. We’ve already been involved in some of the design issues for the new lines.”
He said when the unit moved to Adelaide, it would be in new facilities close to Cultana Training Area and would provide soldiers with another posting option. |
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