MAJ (AAC) CONAN BLAND
officer commanding 172 tss acu director of cadets
T
he Southport School Army Cadet Unit has a posted strength of 332. Alpha Company is made up primarily of new recruits, supported by experienced NCOs capable of delivering a recruit induction package. Bravo Company consists of second year cadets, supported by NCOs capable of delivering a more advanced, creative training program with a military theme. This year, once again, the unit showed a strong commitment to supporting the local community through attending a large number of commemoration services. Anzac Day saw 450 Army, Navy and Air-Force Cadets attend the Southport Street March. This is a special event, supported by up to 20,000 community members who line the streets and the grass verges of the cenotaphs.
The Brisbane March is supported by TSS Cadets due to our custodianship responsibilities whilst holding the 39th Battalion Banner. Although there were very few veterans marching behind the famous militia battalion banner this year, our boys will continue to honour the memory of the Kokoda veterans through participation in this march. Rather than send cadets in the traditional uniform, we sent members of the historical guard party dressed as Light Horseman from The Great War. This pays homage to the Old Boys that died in World War One, particularly in the 100th year since Armistice. Other commemoration services supported by both the cadets and the cadet band include the Korean Veterans Service 234
SOUTHPORTONIAN
and the Kokoda Service at Cascade Gardens. This year, in addition to the Historical Guard and Flag party, the service was attended by 25 PNG students as part of our boarding community who celebrated the laying of pavers to recognise the Pacific Island Battalion and Pacific Island Regiment members who made the ultimate sacrifice during The Second World War. Alpha Company complete a recruit training package delivered primarily from junior NCOs. The common military lessons include basic and advanced drill, field craft, navigation, movement between terrain, survival skills and structure and rank in the AAC. These lessons are mixed in historical presentations of the School and unit as a way for the boys to appreciate, and importantly respect the 110 year history of cadets at this school. Bravo Company completed an alternate training program which maintains recruit skills while building their skills and knowledge throughout the year. Bravo Company also has a greater emphasis on team building activities that provide opportunities for all members regardless of rank to show the qualities of leadership we hope to bestow upon the boys.
This year, the Annual Camp was held at Greenbank Training Area. The camp was supported by 25/49 RQR and nine RQR soldiers providing instructional support, in addition to bringing military weapons and equipment for the boys to use.
All cadets rotated through activities at Greenbank and Enoggera Military bases. The boys got “hands on” experience with the latest EF 88 Austeyer Rifle. They participated in basic weapon handling before heading to the Weapons Training Simulation Range (WTTS) where they fired on a simulated range to test their marksmanship principles. This was an amazing opportunity for the boys to use a facility that is crucial to the development of our ADF. They also got to see other infantry weapons, including M18 A2 Claymore, M72 A6 Short Range Anti-Armour Weapon, MAG 58 General Purpose Machine Gun, and Carl Gustav 84mm Rocket Launcher and F89 Light Support Weapon. With names like these, it’s no wonder that boys thoroughly enjoyed the lessons.
