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Face-to-face training has recommenced at Gallipoli Barracks near Brisbane, with members of the 1st Regiment RAR gaining essential qualifications for manoeuvring weaponry through the battlefield.
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After a hiatus on in-person training around the nation, 1 Regiment has resumed the Gun Tow Drivers Course – to ensure there are plenty of drivers available with experience moving a very different type of wheeled attachment.
According to Defence, 1 Regiment soldiers were keen to resume training, and with the three-day course complete the unit now has a number of qualified members.
Corporal Luke McKinnon, the course’s lead instructor, said that he was impressed by how keen the members were to get back into training now that the pandemic restrictions are relaxing.
“Everyone has been given the opportunity to reset properly and we’re driving into training in a positive direction,” said CPL McKinnon.
“The attitude of everyone so far has been really positive; they want to train, and they want to move.”
CPL McKinnon outlined the course's requirements, explaining that it was much more than "just towing a big gun".
“They essentially begin in the Safe Driving Area, complete the cross-country phase and then undertake a public thoroughfare phase,” he said.
“They learn basic gun componentry, how to elevate the gun, how to connect it safely, set it up with road lighting as a trailer and then safely tow it through a public environment.
“The main challenge on this course is paying attention to the trailer while knowing where the truck is. It’s a very large truck and when driving through narrow sections the gun will swing out the wrong way, so you need to know where everything is.”
CPL McKinnon said he was more than happy with the course’s results, which has ensured a fresh supply of qualified soldiers capable of moving the guns in support of 7th Combat Brigade.
