The 2nd Cavalry Regiment raises new tank squadron following arrival of M1A2 tanks

Troopers have finally rolled back through the gates at Lavarack Barracks after months of training on the new M1A2 tanks and raised their squadron flag for the first time.

Australian Army soldiers from 2nd Cavalry Regiment welcomed its second tank squadron at the T4 (D Squadron) Raising Ceremony at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, Queensland. PTE Jessica Gray

With the troopers rolling back through the gates at Lavarack Barracks after months of training on the new M1A2 tanks, the 2nd Cavalry regiment has officially raised the flag for their new squadron.

The 3rd Brigade has had a massive bump in capability with a total of 36 main battle tanks now calling Townsville home.

Commanding Officer of 2CAV, Lieutenant Colonel Josh Higgins used the analogy of their unit mascot, the wedge-tailed eagle, to describe the raising of their second tank squadron.

“The other squadrons in the unit represent the eyes and ears of the bird of prey, but now we finally have the talons that go with that,” he said.

Commanding Officers at 3rd Brigade at Lavarack Barracks. 2CAV CO LTCOL Joshua Higgins. Picture: Evan Morgan

The new officer commanding D squadron, Major Jodie McCart, said troopers from across the country had relocated to Townsville to crew the tanks.

“I’m incredibly privileged and honoured to have this responsibility to raise the squadron with these men and women behind me,” she said.

The tankies recently spent the last couple of months down in Puckapunyal training with the new equipment.

“It was a good moment in time for us to just be completely isolated down in Pucka and just focus on us building the cohesion and support networks that we need down there while we were trained on the new platform,” Major McCart said.

One of the troopers in the new squadron, Corporal Jordan Scheepers, said his favourite part of the gig was live firing the tanks.

“If you don’t like shooting, you’re in the wrong job,” he said.

Originally published as The 2nd Cavalry Regiment raises new tank squadron following arrival of M1A2 tanks