Infantry and engineers learn from each other

Soldiers of the 9th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment (9RQR), and the 6th Engineer Support Regiment (6ESR) conducted a joint unit training activity last month.

CAPTION: Australian Army soldiers Lance Corporal Timothy Maloney and Private Liam McIvor, from the 9th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment, prepare to enter a building during joint training activities at Gallipoli Barracks, Queensland. Story and photo by Private Connor Morrison.

Held at Urban Operations Training Facility at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane, members of 6ESR, supported by instructional staff from 9RQR, conducted a number of  urban operations.

Members of 9RQR also received instruction and training on explosive hazard reduction from the subject matter experts at the 20th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron (20 EOD SQN), a sub-unit within 6ESR.

Corporal Darcy Clark, who liaised with 9RQR for the training activity, said he was excited to see his sappers exposed to the infantry perspective of urban operations.

“Having the opportunity to train alongside 9RQR has enhanced 20 EOD SQN’s explosive hazard reduction capability,” Corporal Clark said.

“The training provided members of 20 EOD SQN exposure to up-to-date infantry tactics and procedures within the urban environment and an appreciation of the 360-degree battlespace.

“Equally, 20 EOD SQN provided 9RQR members an introduction to the explosive hazards that may pertain to current and future conflicts. Continuing to build interoperability is important to ensure success in a complex environment.”

The joint training activity culminated with a series of dry run-throughs where teams of rifleman and combat engineers cleared low and high threat objectives.

Lance Corporal Andrew Scott-Mackenzie said the opportunity to train and integrate with members of 20 EOD was beneficial for all personnel.

“Through the package progression, trainers were able to see a marked difference in the combat behaviours, drills and tactical considerations of the 20 EOD members,” Lance Corporal Scott-Mackenzie said.

“Simultaneously, 9RQR trainers received valuable exposure to integrating with engineers in the urban environment in the presence of explosive hazards. The opportunity for each unit to lend an alternative perspective to tactical appreciation and SOPs, was a major take-away for our members.

“Overall, 9RQR appreciated the opportunity to both train and operate in a complex, combined-arms, urban environment. Trainers who received this exposure alongside 20 EOD are enthusiastic to continue fostering our relationship in the future,” he said.

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