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Sigs make
most of first major exercise
BY LT Peter Martinelli
Edition 1171, July 26, 2007 |
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RIGHT SIGNALS: Sig Matthew Sheather, SSgt Javoris Turner and Sig Joshua Armstrong bring their collective radio skills to bear in Rockhampton.
Photo: Cpl Chris Moore |
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LAYING cables, aligning satellite dishes and erecting antenna – a typical day for signallers during Talisman Saber.
More than 120 soldiers from the recently formed 17 Sig Regt descended on Rockhampton and Shoalwater Bay for the exercise.
It was the first major exercise for the unit, formed from 130 and 145 Sig Sqns at Holsworthy in August last year.
The integrated 130 Sig Sqn provided communications for 1HSB at Shoalwater Bay, while 145 Sig Sqn supported HQ Force Support Group in Rockhampton.
Soldiers new to the regiment had the rare opportunity to work with US counterparts as activities gained pace.
“It’s great to see the US equipment,” Sig Matthew Sheather said.
A four-man detachment from the airborne Joint Communications Support Element in Florida arrived in Rockhampton on June 1.
“This is my first time working with Australians,” SSgt Javoris Turner said.
“They are very efficient and knowledgeable with their equipment.”
SSgt Turner said he had used communications equipment similar to that in Australian service.
“It is not a totally alien thing to me,” he said.
The US signallers deployed a man-portable satellite communications suite called Swe-dish, for the exercise.
“We can pick up shop and set back up within minutes,” SSgt Turner said.
17 Sig Regt 2IC Maj Grant Beer said the regiment, including its tireless support squadron, had the opportunity to build on earlier training.
“These exercises are good because we have an extensive customer base to support with real communications and logistics requirements,” Maj Beer said. |
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