Lt Gen Burr impressed by 3 BDE soldiers agility during COVID-19
Townsville’s troops are stepping up to the mark, adapting fast to changing enemies, and aiding in the fight against COVID-19.
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Townsville’s troops are stepping up to the mark, adapting fast to changing enemies, and aiding in the fight against COVID-19.
Australia’s Chief of Army made a morale boosting visit to Townsville last week, giving insight into how defence is adapting during an era of violent natural disasters and COVID-19.
For the first time since the pandemic took hold, Lieutenant General Rick Burr was able to tour Queensland’s army bases, including the 4000 strong 3rd Brigade, based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville.
While in North Queensland, Lt Gen Burr reflected on the high operational tempo for personnel deployed on Operation COVID-19 Assist in the past few months and the toll it had taken on families.
“This has been a challenging year for everyone, everywhere. I am really proud of the way our Army has responded to these national crises and been able to support others in a time of need,” he told the Townsville Bulletin.
“This year has been an example of where we have had less time for preparation, and more tasks and less certainty.
“I know that families and the community play a huge role in helping us to serve and the strength of that bond is really apparent in Townsville.”
Lt Gen Burr said during his visit he witnessed a vast range of specialist roles and modern warfighting equipment using cutting edge technology.
He said these included helicopters, amphibious vehicles, armoured vehicles, drones, and the new 8x8 Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle.
“Over the next decade most of the equipment we use is being replaced and upgraded,” Lt Gen Burr said.
“The same is true for our training, and as part of my visit I have seen virtual reality and advanced simulation systems we are trialling to make our training more effective and realistic.
“It is really exciting to see our soldiers embracing these new ideas and new opportunities.”
The visit comes as the Defence COVID-19 Task Force, headed up by Lieutenant General John Frewen begins shifting his focus to the high-risk weather season ahead.
About 100 personnel from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, and 3rd Combat Signal Regiment (part of Army’s 3rd Brigade) are deployed to Western Australia to support hotel quarantine compliance tasks.
A spokesman for the Department of Defence said the soldiers were expected to return home on December 31.
Lt Gen Burr said the army would be prepared to respond as they did during the 2019 flood event and across parts of the country ravaged by bushfire during Australia’s “Black Summer”.
“We know that we will have more work to do,” Lt Gen Burr said.
“The environment is changing and extreme weather events and natural disasters are more likely to affect Australian communities.
“Fundamental to our Army is protecting Australians, overseas and at home, it’s what we do.”
Originally published as Lt Gen Burr impressed by 3 BDE soldiers agility during COVID-19