Page 111 - RSDG Year of 2023

QUEEN ALEXANDRA’S MOUNTED RIFLES 2023
LT Matthew Thompson, 4 Troop Leader, Wellington East Coast Squadron
2023 has been a busy but welcome year for QAMR. With the end of COVID-19 Managed Isolation Facility (MIF) duties, the Regiment has been able to get back to focusing on its light-armoured output. Based at Linton Military Camp, Palmerston North - QAMR consists of two NZLAV squadrons, (New Zealand Scottish and Wellington East Coast Squadrons), a Support Squadron, and the newly- minted Bushmaster Squadron.
The year began with a suspiciously smooth period of compliance and refresher training, before Cyclone Gabrielle struck the north-east coast of the North Island in February. QAMR despatched an NZLAV troop and headquarters element to conduct reconnaissance, deliver relief and evacuate civilians in areas that had road links destroyed, farms flooded, and communities cut-off from help. Although not part of our conventional warfighting remit, the task was well-received by the soldiers who were keen to help and make a real difference to these communities.
The centrepiece of 2023 however, was EX TALISMAN SABRE 23, a conventional combined-arms exercise based in Queensland, Australia. The New Zealand commitment to this was based around the WEC Squadron combat team, including enablers from all corps, and infantry platoons graciously lent from our friends at 1st and 2/1st Battalions of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. It was a quick turnaround to have the combat team ready to go for July, including build-up training, integration, and preparation for biosecurity inspectors, before
Two troopers contemplate life at the conclusion of EX TALISMAN SABRE 23
NZLAV fords a river next to a bridge destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle in the Hawke’s Bay
EAGLE AND CARBINE 109
The finale of the inter-squadron volleyball tournament at Linton Camp gymnasium