Lancers ready to respond

Soldiers from the 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers (1/15RNSWL) were put to the test in Bathurst last month on Exercise Menin Vigil.

CO 1/15RNSWL Lt-Col Greg Barter said they conducted patrols, reconnaissance and asset protection tasks in demanding scenarios.

The soldiers also ran protest and mass casualty simulations, integrating with members of the NSW Police Force, NSW Ambulance Service and student paramedics from Charles Sturt University.

“Working alongside our integrated state partners is always a good hit-out for us. It improves our understanding of how they operate in certain scenarios and also what support they need from us,” Lt-Col Barter said.

Part of 5 Bde's broader readiness program, the exercise ensures Army Reserve units are prepared to support inter-agency partners.

Cmdr 5 Bde Brig Jodie Lording said the activity was critical to maintaining a capable and scalable force.

“Readiness doesn’t happen by chance. It is built through realistic training that challenges our people, tests our systems and strengthens our ability to respond when called upon,” Brig Lording said.

“Activities like this test our people, validate our procedures, ensure we remain ready to support operations, and to work closely with other government agencies and organisations.”