Page 112 - RSDG Year of 2023

110 EAGLE AND CARBINE
shipping the vehicles over and deploying into the field in Australia. However, this rapid period of build-up and deployment onto a Divisional-level exercise was a tonic for the ‘COVID hangover’ of the last three years. The key benefit of the exercise was the opportunity to integrate with an Australian Battlegroup and test our skills against a conventional opponent, with the threat of unmanned aerial systems becoming far more apparent and necessi- tating a rethink of our movement and mitigation against such a fast and difficult to detect threat.
The New Zealand Scottish Squadron completed a number of activities on the home front this year. As well as providing soldiers and NZLAV for EX TALISMAN SABRE, they undertook live firing in the Waiouru training area, and supported the 2/1st Battalion’s EX BLACK BAYONET readiness exercise in the South Island. Additionally, they provided armoured support to exercises TAKROUNA and SANTICI, conducted by the Officer Cadet School. Halfway through the year they travelled to the central North Island for some adventure training, completing an 85km mountain bike phase and a 42km pack march through the hills around Lake Taupo, for a very sweaty and well-deserved finish.
2023 also saw the roll out of the Bushmaster vehicles, with QAMR introducing the capability. Having QAMR take responsibility for the new capability allows us to figure out best practices for employment, training and maintenance, thereby learning lessons to be passed on to Army. The capability will central to the Chief of Army’s intent to stand up a motorised infantry battlegroup over the next few years.
All 43 Bushmasters were delivered in September. Eleven QAMR personnel who completed the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Train the Trainer’s course in September are set to conduct the first unit-led Bushmaster Operators Course in early 2024 for the vehicle’s transition into service.
The NZLAV lies in wait on a blocking task during EX TALISMAN SABRE 23
The first crop of Bushmaster operators and instructors
QAMR also had a sporting victory this year, winning the gruelling 1 NZ Brigade fitness competition. This all-day event involved an eight person section from each regiment conducting weightlifts, swims, weighted runs and carriage of the infamous 150kg sand-filled ‘worm.’ We also enjoyed some inter-squadron sports activities throughout the year, such as the hotly-contested volleyball tournament that left knees skinned and elbows bruised. At the time of writing, we look forward to commemorating Cambrai Day, shared with the British Royal Tank Regiment, along with the unit Christmas function and family day on December 7th (where we will enjoy the warm sun and blue skies of an Antipodean Christmas) before the holiday closedown. In 2024 we will seek to build on the training and lessons learned from EX TALISMAN SABRE, and also look forward to laying up the Wellinton East Coast Squadron Guidon in the District of Hastings.
So a whirlwind year, with diverse challenges for the unit, but nothing that couldn’t be achieved. We at QAMR would like to close by wishing the Scots Dragoons a very Happy Christmas and the best of luck in 2024.
Ake Ake Kia Kaha – (Forever and Ever be Strong)
Knee-deep in the volcanic sand of Waiouru during recovery training with the Bushmasters