BATTALION GETS BOOST
TOWNSVILLE’S infantry soldiers are now better equipped to tackle anything confronting them.
The 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, took control of 40 protected mobility vehicles at an official ceremony at Lavarack Barracks yesterday.
The vehicles came from the 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion.
Commanding officer of the 1st Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Ben McLennan said inte- grating the medium and light protected mobility vehicles into the unit was a major enhancement to capability.
“The integration of protected mobility will significantly enhance our ability to expertly perform our enduring infantry role as part of a broader combined arms team,” Lt- Col McLennan said.
Increasing the battalion’s mobility to help outperform the enemy is another important reason for taking on the Bushmaster and Hawkei vehicles. Soldier protection, situational awareness and sustainability were other key advantages to receiving the vehicles.
Lt- Col McLennan said the Bushmaster was a combatproven vehicle.
“It will enable up to 10 infantry soldiers and teams to close with the enemy in a highthreat environment,” he said.
“The Bushmaster’s protection is optimised against improvised explosive devices, mines and ambushes.”
It is expected the battalion will employ several different types of Bushmasters in training and on operations.