Seppie proves a real hot shot
Rachel Riley
m) drops, but Brolga first time I’d dropped raining DZ at n New South Wales),” as said. d to drop somewhere else. he exercises that we need airdrop, but we’re ore opportunities to do his.” ply requires expert ensure loads safely exit d land on the ground in d responsibility for this army’s 176AD SQN. Harrison- Wyatt, Officer 9FSB, said the payloads for airdrop Townsville, and Cormorant Drop Zone on N provided aerial rt to 3 CSSB for Exercise 7 during the period of h also included a Liaison dquarters 3 CSSB,” Lt Col tt said.
“This allowed timely advice to be provided to CO 3 CSSB regarding, capability effects and, more importantly, the safety considerations to aerial delivery.”
The airdrop allowed 176AD SQN to conduct observer training and evaluation for 3 CSSB, allowing that organisation to manage drop zones during forthcoming exercises.
“Ex Brolga Strike was a good opportunity for the members at 3 CSSB and 3 BDE to see what a small detachment from 176 AD SQN can accomplish in a short amount of time through aerial resupply,” 176 AD SQN Crew Commander Cpl Nicholas Bradshaw said.
“Overall it was a successful and beneficial mission, with combat units and brigades now more aware of the aerial delivery capability and key planning considerations,” Lt Col Harrison- Wyatt said.
“This will be important as we build towards conducting Exercise Talisman Sabre 17 in July.” HE’S known as one of the most temperamental and stubborn members of the Australian Army but giving him an apple and some Weet- Bix might just do the trick.
Lance Corporal Septimus “Seppie” Quintus, the official and fifth in line mascot of the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, has recently ventured from the gates of his stable at Lavarack Barracks to undergo some intensive battle horse training.
Seppie and his handler Private Tyler Hine have been working together for about a month and recently under the guidance of Greg Cook Horsemanship.
“Our bond is getting better, ( Seppie) tolerates me,” Pte Hine said.
“He’s not really the loving type and I’m not sure you can win him over so we try and be stern with him.
“The horse trainer had heaps of experience and I haven’t trained with horses a lot so it was good to see how to get horses tame.”
Commanding Officer 1RAR Lieutenant Colonel Ben McLennan said the shetland pony mascot tradition started in 1951 when the then CO purchased the original Septimus to raise “esprit- de- corps” of the men.
Lt Col McLennan admitted during his previous time with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment he saw Seppie, who is about seven years old, as being bit of a novelty.
But now as CO of 1RAR he has discovered a new appreciation for the quirky pony and his important role with 3rd Brigade as soldiers prepare to officially go online on July 1.
“Because we’re almost the Ready Battle Group we thought about what could we do with the mascot to prepare and make him more ready too,” Lt Col McLennan said.
“We looked backed into war horse drill used in battle and have now taught him a key drill move where he can trample, bite and act as an additional weapon in battle.”
Yesterday Seppie performed his new trick in front of more than 600 people and earned himself a Cross Rifles badge, an honour given to the best shooters in the Army.
“He has responded well to the training and I’m very pleased with what he’s achieved,” Lt Col McLennan said.
“I’m not sure the new honour will resonate with him but it certainly will with everyone else in the battalion and he well get a bonus apple and some Weet- Bix.”
Pte Hine said he was proud to see his four- legged comrade earn his new badge.
“I think it’s awesome gets the honour),” he said.
“Everyone loves him even though he’s not much of a lover, but I think that’s why everyone loves him, he’s a bit harsh and rough around the edges.” ( he