Adventure training at 6RAR tests teamwork

Members of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, completed several adventure training activities this month to enhance their mental and physical toughness.

CAPTION: Soldiers from the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, conduct sea kayaking from Maroochy River to Mudjimba Beach as part of an adventure training exercise. Story by Captain Cody Tsaousis. Photo by Corporal Nicole Dorrett.

From rock climbing and abseiling to sea kayaking, soldiers were pushed to their limits and had to rely on teamwork to get out of difficult situations.

Organised and operated by Army personnel, members were encouraged to overcome their fears while enhancing their trust in their teammates during arduous activities on the Sunshine Coast.

Despite his uncertainty with open-ocean sea kayaking, Private Ryeece Rixon said completing the task was an incredible feeling.

“I didn’t think I could do it at the start of the day, but I knew I was in safe hands with the instructors and my teammates so I took on the challenge,” Private Rixon said.

“Once I was out there I really enjoyed it, and we all had the mentality of just getting it done and helping each other out, so I wasn’t even thinking about the water or how deep it was.”

CAPTION: Soldiers from 6RAR recover kayaks at Mudjimba Beach. Photo by Corporal Nicole Dorrett.

The team took off from Maroochy River at Twin Waters, before paddling out to a near island. They caught the surf into Mudjimba Beach and were debriefed.

Officer in Command Sergeant Christopher Lunt said he was pleased with the soldiers’ efforts.

“Adventure training is an incredible capability and an efficient way to teach people about leadership, working together and pushing personal boundaries,” Sergeant Lunt said.

“I think it’s one of the best things you can do in the Army, there’s just nothing else like it.

“It enhances members’ abilities as soldiers, and it also builds their team spirit.

“These soldiers went back to their battalion having done activities they wouldn’t have dreamt they were capable of before this training.”

CAPTION: Soldiers practice how to recover a member from a capsized kayak. Photo by Corporal Nicole Dorrett.

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