SOME
Airfield Defence Guards at RAAF Base Amberley have had their every
move watched as part of a study looking into how to reduce injuries.
Twenty-one ADGs from No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron and three
Reservists from No. 3 Airfield Defence Squadron undertook two-week
field testing under the gaze of four university researchers as
part of the Physical Employment Standards project.
The $2.5 million two-year study aims to reduce the risk of injuries
to ADGs and Army riflemen through the development of task-based
physical employment standards.
Pilot Officer Leith Roberts, of 2AFDS, said the ADGs carried
out a number of strenuous tasks, including digging shell scrapes
and weapon pits, contact and vehicle dismount drills, assaults
and defensive wiring.
As well they conducted patrols, a 13km pack march with battle
order of almost 40kg and a rapid advance in body armour and patrol
order with weapons. All ADGs wore a heart rate monitor during
the tasks, which provided measures of physiological effort.
“This will allow the Squadron and the Air Force to institute effective
and safer training and develop fitter ADGs in the future,” PLTOFF
Robert said.
“The best aspect of the training was the enthusiasm of the airmen
to achieve the goals and challenges the project team set them.”
Corporal Ben Grehan topped the basic fitness levels with 23 heaves,
ahead of Leading Aircraftman Kyle Quinlan with 19.
“The most physically demanding task required was a 2.4km advance
to a rendezvous point where they then proceeded to move tactically
at speed to assist a friendly patrol that was in contact with
the enemy,” PLTOFF Roberts said.
“The tactical movement was about 600 to 800 metres and the group
was carrying about 30kg per person.”
The Squadron will undergo further field testing with the Physical
Employment Standards project team, which includes researchers
from the University of Ballarat and other universities.
