Exercises to help hone skills for soldiers

By Bronwyn Wheatcroft
Updated March 6 2015 - 11:00am, first published 10:59am
SOLDIERS from Mount Isa Delta Company of the 51st Battalion North West Queensland - commonly known as the Gulf Company – have recently completed four days of training to prepare them for a number of different situations. The troops started the four days with introductory briefs on Friday, followed by rifle training and ending the four days at Lake Moondarra learning marine navigation, formations, hand signals and towing drills among others on the lake. Thirty soldiers participated in this weekend’s training, traveling as far as the Sunshine Coast and Longreach to be a part of the 51st Battalion. Officer Commanding David Hopgood said the weekend was a training success. “This is a requirement to keep going throughout the year, the next training day is Anzac Day where we will go out on patrol to maintain their training for future operations,” he said. “Training started Friday night with rifle training at Rifle Range on Saturday. “Sunday they did their basic fitness followed by briefs and then we celebrated the 99th birthday for the 51st Battalion, ending with boat training out at Lake Moondarra.” Officer Commanding Hopgood wants more females to join Delta Company. “We have one female here in Delta Company but it would be good to see more that are interested in joining,” he said. “There is logistics, patrol and a lot of other jobs for them.” Delta Company Private Aidan Hobbs said he joined the reserves when he was in University and found the weekend beneficial to brush up on his skills. “It’s been about 12 months since I was in the boats, so it’s good to practice drills,” he said. “We went out and had a range shoot that was pretty good because every 12 months we have to pass a range shot.” Delta Company Private Michele White said she joined to help further her skills and prepare her for any workplace. “I first joined as another form of employment in University and I also hoped it would be my extra skills could transfer into the work force,” she said. “I gather information and turn it into intelligence which can be used by the Officer in Command to make well informed decisions.” If you are interested in joining or would like more information about Delta Company call (07) 47401200 or (07) 47401201.

SOLDIERS from Mount Isa Delta Company of the 51st Battalion North West Queensland - commonly known as the Gulf Company – have recently completed four days of training to prepare them for a number of different situations.

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