Tradition of service
BROTHERS Charlie and Norman Baird served in World War I, two of around 300 indigenous soldiers who fought for Australia.
A century later their descendants, Private Neil Sykes and Private Clayton Baird, continue the legacy of service to their country.
This month, the Wujal- Wujal Communitybased Diggers joined fellow soldiers from 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment ( 51 FNQR) at Townsville Field Training Area.
The focus for the exercise, designated Tsimba Ridge, was on enhancement of foundation war fighting and specialist skills. As well as the traditional proficiencies in weapon- handling, communications, navigation, patrolling and concealment, the instruction included image gathering techniques and counter- surveillance required by a unit with a challenging job.
51 FNQR serves as a Regional Force Surveillance Unit ( RFSU), carrying out reconnaissance and surveillance tasks as its primary role.
The unit also places emphasis on the importance of fundamental soldiering skills.
Officer Commanding Alpha Company Major Josh Mickle said that while current operational tasks honed skills, wider training was needed to ensure total proficiency.
“For example, our current operations are not in an opposed environment, but we need our forces competent in that respect,” said Major Mickle.
“For this training, therefore, our patrols will be operating in the field with an opposing force.”
That “opposing” force is being conducted by reservists of the 31st/ 42nd Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment ( 31/ 42 RQR), which is headquartered in Townsville with strong local knowledge when it comes to the region’s training areas.
Approximately 30 per cent of 51 FNQR personnel are indigenous Torres Strait Islanders and mainland Aboriginal peoples who, with the Australians of other origins throughout the unit, form the team that is 51 FNQR.
It is this diverse make- up of personnel and their cultures that give the 51 FNQR its unique character, one that appeals to young people of the North including Privates Baird and Sykes.
While inspired by his forebear’s service in the war, Private Baird also likes the teamwork aspect – and he will encourage others to share.
“If I can do it so can others,” said Private Baird, “not just from my community, but communities across the north.”
The indigenous recruitment figures for the unit are impressive compared to 13 per cent of army recruitment.