Night firing: An ASLAV from 2/14 LHR (QMI) fires its 25mm cannon at targets during RTF 3’s live-fire at Townsville’s High Range Training Area. Photo by Cpl Andrew Hetherington
SOLDIERS and equipment from the soon-to-deploy Reconstruction Task Force 3 put on an awesome display of combat muscle power at a day and night live-firing exercise that pummelled targets on the hills of Townsville’s High Range Training Area on August 1.
The event incorporated the main elements of RTF 3’s Security Task Group (STG); ASLAVs from 2/14 LHR (QMI); Bushmasters manned by soldiers from B Sqn, 3/4 Cav Regt, and 6RAR; and soldiers from C Coy, 2RAR.
RTF 3 consists of three subunits – the STG, an Engineer Task Group (ETG) and Operation Support Squadron (OSS). They will continue the invaluable reconstruction work of their predecessors in Afghanistan.
Maj Michael Bassingthwaighte, OC STG, said the unit training had progressed smoothly in the lead up to the live-fire.
“We already had a good basis of training by the time we had concentrated as a force.
The dismounted infantry went through Tully, 3 Bde’s Combined Arms Training Activity and a CTC-run war-fighter exercise before concentration for pre-deployment training,” he said. “And the 6RAR guys had been working closely with the cav guys in Brisbane.”
The exercise cycle includes four collective training exercises and culminates in a mission rehearsal exercise this month.
“The live-fire component was a week-long part of exercise number three. Once that was completed we rolled into a field training and command post exercise,” Maj Bassingthwaighte said. “We have been through the crawl and walk phase and are well into the job. The run and sprint will occur over the next couple of exercises.”
He said the STG and ETG had combined well, which augured well for a successful mission.
“The engineers are working closely with the infantry and cav. The RTF is shaping up very nicely, everyone is focused and it is a good unit to be a part of,” he said.
Maj John Daunt, OC ETG, said the soldiers of the group would perform a wide variety of engineering and construction tasks in Afghanistan.
“Tasks will range from minor construction, as we have a number of tradesmen and plant operators in the group, to project management work for larger scale projects utilising civilian contractors,” he said.
“We also will be running the trade training school, established by RTF 1. We will continue to provide basic carpentry and plumbing training to local men to allow them to develop their skills and to find employment in their local area.”
The ETG has a wide spectrum of engineer capabilities ranging from combat engineers, tradesmen, plant operators, dog handlers, EOD technicians and project managers.
“There is significant work to be done over there and we have a great team from a number of units and a number of specialities,” Maj Daunt said.
He said it was a fantastic responsibility to be able to work to improve the quality of life for the people of Afghanistan.
Maj Bassingthwaighte said the force was aware of the threat posed by the Taliban.
“They are quite skilled at what they do and they are a threat to be taken seriously, that’s why the STG element is very robust in the way it can apply its firepower if it has to,” he said. “But of course it is mainly the skills of the soldiers that provides our defence against the multiple threats in Afghanistan.”
