OC A Sqn 3rd/9th Light Horse (SAMR)
SEC: UNCLASSIFIED
| OC A Sqn 3rd/9th Light Horse (SAMR) |
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Since my last report we have had our members return from OP ANODE and another deploy on OP RESOLUTE (TSE54). Both members from the deployment received glowing report from operations, further helping our quest to get more RAAC personnel on reserve manned Ops.
This year the SQN is focusing on individual competencies for both Rank/Trade and RFSU skills gaps. This has become a most urgent exercise with the cessation of the RAAC M113 trade ECN's this year. This means that personnel need to have LT CAV ECN qualifications or they risk pay/rank reductions. Some unit members have chosen to take up the offer of working a year with the SQN. That is they attend as many course as possible through the year and work at the SQN on ARTS between courses, then commit to one major deployment during that period on CFTS. Currently we have a SGT, a CPL and two Tprs utilising this to get themselves fully qualified.
The SSM and I also attended the annual RAAC CORPS conference in March; much is going on in the CORPS ranging from future platforms and allocations, to future unit structures. The CORPS is well placed to provide ongoing support to the ADF in current and future OPs . There is still much discussion regarding the reserve and platforms we will operate in, both short and long term. A major change in focus in the RAAC is the unilateral agreement that all RAAC personnel are cavalry soldiers first, and then train to their specific platform skills for unit postings.
The Bde CATA was conducted during the month of May and the SQN was the mounting HQ for the BDE RRF (Combat Team Shrike). During this period training was conducted on individual weapons as well as a number of courses. One of which was the RRF course, with a number of SQN members attending, we now have a fully trained, contracted TP for the RRF. During the CATA we also conducted EX DESERT FOX, a LT CAV RFSU training patrol, conducted in the flinders ranges. The purpose of the patrol was to familiarise the members with RFSU SOP's and learn to plan and work autonomously (no resupply system) command and control by initial orders and scheduled SITREPS via SAT phone. At the end of the concentration OP OVERLAP was conducted utilising the Combat Team to secure the Torrens island power stations (there was some local media coverage of the event).
The SQN is continuing to grow, with a number of new recruits and some transfers from other units within SA and interstate. We now have at least 75% of the SQN trained in the new LT CAV ECNs, with the majority that are not qualified are the new march ins. Over half the SQN are now prepared for working with the RFSU in the future, with the final parts of the Gap training to be finished shortly. Activities coming up in the next few months include, Junior leadership training in the Tasmanian high country at the end of Aug. The 2IC will take some of the SQN members foot patrolling through the Cradle mountain area for a week. The remaining SQN members will be conducting some urban Ops training with 10/27 RSAR, in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. The Sqn has also been requested to participate in the Cambrian patrol (dismount skill at arms comp conducted in the UK). The Australian phase, to selected the winning team for the competition in Wales, UK will be conducted at Pucka range during Sep.
On the social front the Sqn had a members only dining in night at a local winery in Jun, which was well supported and a terrific night. We are now in preparation for the annual Beersheba Dinner at the end of Oct, to be held at the Next Generation Gymnasium (adjacent to Adelaide Oval) Fri 30 Oct 09, so hope to see you all there.
Regards,
Major
Hamish McKendrick
Officer Commanding
A SQN 3/9 LH (SAMR)
SEC: UNCLASSIFIED
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