Above Head Land Systems, Major General Blain and Managing Director Rheinmetall Defence Australia, Nathan Poyner, signed the Production Contract for the Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier Vehicle Export, observed by German Ambassador to Australia, Beate Grzeski, in Brisbane on 10 April 2024
Head Land Systems, Major General Blain and Managing Director Rheinmetall Defence Australia, Nathan Poyner, signed the Production Contract for the Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier Vehicle Export. The event was observed by the German Ambassador to Australia, Beate Grzeski, and occurred at the Rheinmetall Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland on 10 April 2024.
The signing the production contract fulfils the intent of the bilateral agreement signed by the Australian and German Governments in March, to export more than 100 Australian-made Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles to Germany.
Image courtesy of Defence
Achieving Excellence in Field Maintenance Operations - Exercise Kapyong Warrior 24 - Townsville Field Training Area
Our first story is from the TST COMD, Lt Zacharin, 3 RAR. Field maintenance operations are critical for ensuring the operational readiness and effectiveness of military vehicles during training exercises and deployments. Exercise KAPYONG WARRIOR 24 provided a unique opportunity for the vehicle mechanics of Technical Support Platoon, 3 RAR to demonstrate our technical and tactical proficiency through the completion of a M113AS4 Pack pull in response to an alternator issue.
Exercise KAPYONG WARRIOR 24 was a battalion field-training exercise conducted at Townsville Field Training Area (TFTA) OTP 04 – 26 Mar 24. For Admin Company, 3 RAR, the exercise provided the opportunity to develop our Standard Operating Procedures in the provision of integral Combat Service Support within an armoured infantry battalion.
As the battalion strives to build a mechanised culture, our skilled maintenance personnel have lead the way. The decision to undertake a pack pull in the field was not taken lightly. CPL Kukas; keen to exploit the opportunity, highlighted that the ability to test our maintenance procedures was pivotal in our ability to develop our junior technicians.
CFN Mosher, as the Forward Repair Team (FRT) Commander took charge of the task. Despite meticulous planning and execution, the task highlighted that in a contested environment, unforeseen technical issues, an extended supply chain or adverse weather conditions can impact the ability to get back into the fight.
Despite these challenges, the team, including attached ASEME OJTs, remained resilient and resourceful gaining valuable experience in field maintenance operations.
The successful completion of an M113AS4 Pack pull during Exercise KAPYONG WARRIOR 24 exemplifies the dedication, professionalism, and adaptability of our 3 RAR maintenance personnel. With a mission focussed mindset, the team demonstrated its ability to meet the demands of the increasingly dynamic operational environment.
ARTE ET MARTE
