Keeping track of training
LACW Maree Barnes recalls the evolution of air defence training, from No. 1 Radio School in 1941 to today’s Surveillance and Control Training Unit.

AIRCDRE Graham Bentley receives an eyes right during the march off at the Surveillance and Control Training Unit’s fifth anniversary parade at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Photos by LAC Euan Grant

SGT Michael Powell

SGT Craig Power

FLTLT George Bonner

SURVEILLANCE and Control Training Unit (SACTU) marked its fifth anniversary in August with a unit parade and family open day.

Two SACTU members – Sergeant Craig Power and Flight Lieutenant George Bonner – were presented with their Defence Long Service Medals by the Reviewing Officer, Air Commodore Graham Bentley. Sergeant Michael Powell was also presented with his Active Service Medal for South East Asia, as well a Defence Long Service Medal.

Although SACTU is only five years old, air defence training can be traced back to No.1 Radio School, which was established in July 1941.

No.1 Radio School was formed with the aim of training air and ground radar operators as well as technicians during World War II.

With some advice and guidance from the RAF’s No. 1 Radio School, the training program expanded and excelled, with contemporary expert opinion considering it to be the best radar training in the world at that time.

After WWII, very little progress was made because of limits to equipment, personnel and financial support.

It wasn’t until 1955 when an American search radar, the AN/FPS-3, and an accompanying height finder, AN/FPS-6, were purchased, that air defence was able to continue to develop.

The new equipment was installed along with radar display, communications and ancillary equipment at Beacon Hill, Brookvale, NSW.

The site became operational on June 6, 1955, and was known as No. 1 Control and Reporting Unit. In 1964, No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit was established at Duckhole Hill, just outside RAAF Base Williamtown.

It assumed responsibility for air defence training from 1CRU. In 1994, 3CRU Training Flight was restructured and designated the ADF Air Defence System Training Centre (AADSTC).

Until the mid-1990s, all training was conducted on a time-share basis with the operational system.

AADSTC oversaw the installation and use of the first separate training system, an advance that greatly improved the training courses that were being provided.

Five years later, AADSTC evolved into SACTU, a separate unit dedicated to the training of the then Surveillance and Control Group.

The creation of a separate air defence training unit highlighted the importance of training and training development within the group and the growing significance of air defence in the defence of Australia.

In late 2000, SACTU relocated to the Eastern Regional Operations Centre at RAAF Base Williamtown and is now the centre of training for No. 41 Wing.

It is responsible for the development, conduct and review of new and postgraduate air surveillance operator and air defence officer training, as well as postgraduate technician courses for the Surveillance and Response Group.

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