Troops all fired up for training
SOLDIERS preparing for upcoming exercises have dropped more than 300 bombs down range in one day as part of an explosive artillery exercise.
Exercise Chau Pha, conducted at the Townsville Field Training Area in June, was held to prove 4th Regiment’s credentials in providing fire support.
Lieutenant Genevieve Butler of the 106th Battery described the experience as high-pressure and highreward.
“When you’ve got live ammunition and people relying on you to know the information is accurate, it is really daunting,” Lieutenant Butler said. “But we’ve also got the staff around us for safety and the gunners know what they’re doing, it’s a seamless exercise.” Completing her first live-fire plan as a command post officer during the exercise was a daunting task for Lieutenant Butler, who was tasked with co-ordinating and directing calls for fire to the gunline.
“It’s pretty cool to be commanding the battery, as my first live-fire activity as well,” Lieutenant Butler said.
“Having the ability to facilitate all of those rounds being sent down range and working with the gun line, it’s a pretty rewarding experience.
“Hearing [the rounds landing on target] play out in real life is a really good feeling.”
Bombardier Patrick Bartlett said his unit had undergone training and preparation to ensure the physical and mental demands of the task were met. “Shooting bombs is one of those uniquely addictive experiences you get to experience in Defence,” Bombardier Bartlett said.
“There’s really nothing that compares to finishing a fire mission with large fire rates; it’s an absolute dream.
“Physically, artillery is one of the most explosive and high-intensity jobs. The gun preparation is pretty taxing; the guys are lifting 45 kilo bombs at a minimum, barrelramming and getting repelling charges ready. It can be exhausting.
“We can’t move the gun without a team effort and that’s why we train our lads really hard, so they can integrate with anyone in our battery and do their drills accordingly.”
During the upcoming Brolga series of exercises, the regiment will be integrated as 3rd Combat B rigade’s organic fire support detachment.