Military skills on show in close competition

6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) won a brigade military skills competition and, as a result, claimed this year’s Commander’s Trophy.

CAPTION: Australian Army troopers from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) help a mate over a 10-foot wall, during the 7th Brigade Military Skills Competition at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane. Story by Captain Cody Tsaousis. Photos by Corporal Nicole Dorrett.

Members of 7th Brigade took part in the competition, as part of the Commander’s Trophy, at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane in November.

Participants completed a number of activities over 36 hours, testing their physical and mental endurance, as well as their cognitive abilities.

6RAR performed best in the bayonet assault course and combat shooting, narrowly defeating 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment (2CER), who were crowned champions of the obstacle course.

Corporal Steven Lotz, who led the winning 6RAR section, said it was an incredible feeling to take the trophy back to the unit.

CAPTION: An Australian Army sapper from the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment leaps into the bear pit a part of an obstacle course, during the 7th Brigade Military Skills Competition at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane.

“We all felt incredibly proud. This was something we were determined to accomplish when we came together,” he said.

“We started training for the competition three weeks ago and we had some great leadership, which put us in great stead for all stands in the competition.

“The competition is difficult because it tests your limits, but my advice would be to give it a go, because it’s really rewarding and the feeling of finishing is always nice.”

6RAR just edged out 2CER for the Commander’s Trophy, which comprises Run Army, King of the Hill and a tug-of-war competition.

Commander 7th Brigade, Brigadier Michael Say, said he was pleased with the enthusiasm and skill levels on display at this year’s tournament.

“Well done to all the teams that participated. It was fantastic to go around and watch everyone undertake a broad range of skills,” he said.

“Not just traditional military skills, but some of the thinking skills, because it’s important to put mental agility and quick thinking to the test, as well as pushing your physical abilities.”

CAPTION: An Australian Army rifleman from the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment crawls under a wire obstacle during the 7th Brigade Military Skills Competition at Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane.

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