Assault pioneer capability restored

Soldiers from 1RAR have reintroduced the ‘assault pioneer’ capability with a course to restore breaching and mobility skills within the battalion.

Assault pioneers trace their origins to World War I, with the capability later reduced and eventually removed from infantry units in the early 2010s.

A renewed focus on mobility and survivability has driven efforts to restore the capability.

For Sgt Rowan Osland, the course provided an opportunity to build new skills and operate in a role outside his previous experience as a combat radio operator.

“We’ve completed our culminating activity, conducting section battle drills, breaching and clearing multiple buildings,” Sgt Osland said.

“The training qualifies us not just to conduct breaches, but to manage safety and fulfil all required safety appointments.”

The training has equipped soldiers with the skills to conduct explosive breaching, enabling infantry to maintain momentum during urban operations and reduce delays at obstacles.

1RAR platoon commander Lt Eric Du Preez said the reintroduction of assault pioneer capability reduced reliance on external specialist support and increased operational flexibility.

“Engineer assets will always be in high demand in any operational context,” Lt Du Preez said.

“Assault pioneers give infantry the ability to support their own operations across a broad range of tasks and work more closely alongside engineers.

“Assault pioneers have a long history within the Australian Army, and as the focus shifts back to the near region, the importance of the capability is re-emerging.

“Following this, we’ll move into demolitions, watermanship and field engineering to cover a broader range of engineer tasks, before taking part in North Queensland Warfighter as the platoon’s first major exercise supporting battle group operations.”