Drivers adapt on the roads less travelled

From snow-covered mountain roads to rugged bush tracks, members of 8OSU’s 15SS tested their skills in challenging terrain during Exercise Arachnid Trek.

Conducted in the alpine highlands of Victoria, the annual activity challenged drivers to navigate narrow rural passes, dense bushland, muddy terrain and snow-covered roads while living and operating above the tree line in harsh alpine conditions.

OC 15SS Maj Geoffry Barbour said it was invaluable training that would be hard to replicate elsewhere.

“Arachnid Trek gives our drivers the opportunity to operate in terrain and conditions that challenge both their technical skills and their decision-making,” Maj Barbour said.

Deputy Commander 2 (AS) Div Brig Mark Armstrong said the training supported 8OSU’s role in preparing logistics forces for domestic operations.

“The mission of 8th Operational Support Unit is to prepare, command and control operational logistics forces for domestic operations in support of 2nd Division and Joint Task Force 629,” Brig Armstrong said.

“Exercises such as Arachnid Trek ensure our soldiers are ready to deliver force-level logistics capabilities, particularly transport and distribution effects, whenever and wherever they are required.”

Personnel operated a mix of Rheinmetall 40M heavy vehicles and Mercedes G-Wagons, providing experienced and newly qualified drivers with opportunities to build confidence and experience behind the wheel.

The varied routes required drivers to negotiate steep gradients, restricted tracks and changing surface conditions.

Maj Barbour said the exercise developed the capabilities required of Army road transport operators.

“Whether someone is newly qualified or has years of experience, the exercise provides driver training of a higher technicality, thereby strengthening their ability to operate effectively as part of a convoy and prepares them for the demands of future tasks,” he said.

Supported by 3HB, personnel developed interoperability and camaraderie as they lived and worked together down to just below sub-zero conditions.

Brig Armstrong said 8OSU’s capability was critical to supporting a range of Defence activities across Australia.

“Under Headquarters 2nd (Australian) Division, 8OSU generates scalable logistics effects that can support formations and units across the division, as well as other commands and services when national-level support is required,” Brig Armstrong said.

“Training activities like Arachnid Trek build the professional competence and resilience our people need to deliver that support in demanding environments.”