Mobility support suite of courses proves amphibious training success

1RAR soldiers are taking their field skills to the next level with a new range of courses boosting self-sufficiency in the field that have become the talk of the town this week. See the photos here.

Australian Army soldiers from 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment conduct Method of Entry training at Mount Stuart Training Area, Queensland. Photo: CPL Jack Pearce

As the 3rd Brigade continues its shift to amphibious operations, a new selection of courses has been put on offer, giving soldiers the chance to handle shotguns and chainsaws and hit the water in small boats with the aim of boosting independence in rifle companies.

The mobility support suite of courses is focused on improving the 1st Battalions ability to respond effectively to a range of situations during warfighting and humanitarian operations whether that be accessing favourable beaches, removing obstructions on the ground or breaching buildings.

Captain Luke Brymora is overseeing the course and said it is important soldiers develop these skills to minimise the need for other corps when conducting operations.

Australian Army officer Captain Luke Brymora and other 3rd Brigade soldiers prepare to deploy from Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, on Operation Flood Assist 2022. *** Local Caption Photo: SGT Andrew Sleeman

“With all the changes that are occurring in defence, 1RAR has gone from being just one of three motorised battalions to an amphibious capable and mobile battalion,” he said.

“By doing the suite of courses it just means that our ability to respond and be the force of choice to anything going on in the region is just significantly enhanced.”

Australian Army soldiers from 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment conduct Method of Entry training at Mount Stuart Training Area, Queensland. Photo: CPL Jack Pearce

This week the group of 20 to 30 soldiers focused on shotgun breaches in urban environments.

“It’s getting a lot of the new soldiers qualified on the 12 gauge and then it’s doing that door analysis, learning about different types of doors, learning how the shotgun round actually affects a door and the locking mechanisms,” Captain Brymora said.

“It’s also about applying basic tactics to moving in an urban environment, moving up to the door, conducting a quick door analysis and deciding what kind of breaching technique they’re going to do on it.”

Captain Brymora said that the 1st Battalion is hoping to continue to run the course consistently with this year’s participants providing plenty of positive feedback about their experiences.

“It’s something new and exciting for a whole lot of soldiers,” he said.

Originally published as Mobility support suite of courses proves amphibious training success