Matapan tests NEOC’s mettle

We head this way, two of the exercise participants in the field. Photo by LEUT Tom Lewis

By LEUT Tom Lewis
An observer might well sympathise with the 95 New Entry Officer Course (NEOC) trainees at HMAS Creswell (CAPT Andrew Cawley) during Exercise Matapan, unless they are on the staff of the RAN College.

The exercise, which was held at the end of May, is designed to test, stress and call upon the hidden reserves of the trainees over five days - and the staff of the college ensure the trainees are indeed stressed and tested.

The first phase of Matapan saw the NEOCs ‘embark’ in two ships making a fast transit to the fictional land of Kamaria, where the political situation had boiled over into conflict.

The phase commenced at 1600 and continued until early the next morning The ships are buildings at Creswell, fitted out with PA systems, etc. Once inside, the trainees were subjected to a range of emergencies they could expect at sea, as well as visits by the media and various VIPs. Those off duty endeavoured to rest - if they could.
Early next morning the ‘ships’ came under attack. The NEOCs were transported to the School of Ship Survivability and Safety to save them.

Here they struggled into breathing sets and Fearnought suits to battle shipboard fires and floods.

The second phase of Matapan saw the NEOCs make their way to the hills behind Nowra, where for the final days of the exercise they rescued “downed airmen”, set up first aid tents, made emergency marches, survived terrorist attacks - and anything else the Directing Staff could devise to test their endurance, initiative and leadership skills.

Now, with the exercise completed the NEOCs have only a short time remaining to prepare for their passing out parade in mid-June before taking their places in the Fleet.

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