Last week, we had the opportunity to visit Gallipoli Barracks at Enoggera – Headquarters of the 7th Brigade, Australian Army. Jan-Maree, Heather B, Lesley B, Cathy J, Colleen S, Sue-Ellen S and husbands were greeted by Major Tom who briefed us and led us on to our first stop.

Cpl R started the proceedings at the Explosives Detection Dog Section, part of 2 CER – Second Combat Engineers Regiment. He introduced us to ‘Magic’ a beautiful black labrador boy. Cpl R and Magic clearly have a strong bond as do all the handlers and their individual dogs – there being 10 in the unit.

We were told that the dogs are trained by positive input to detect odour and alert accordingly by a passive response rather than excitement or noise. Magic was put through his paces at the training point and reacted immediately at the point where the odour was detected. He lay quite still until his handler praised and rewarded him with his ball – clearly a favourite toy. When they are harnessed they know they are in work mode, but otherwise are up for pats and attention.

The Explosive Detection dogs mainly came from pounds and rehoming as well as former Border Force and gun barrel dogs. The dogs are inter-trained so they will react to other handlers’ commands if the occasion should arise. Cpl M and ‘Casper’ then showed us the same prowess at quickly detecting the explosive material by odour.

We met other dogs in the unit’s exercise yards including Morris, Poppy. Ellen, Stu, and Petra. Dogs are transported in crash-proof crates and upon arrival back from an overseas tour, they go into two weeks quarantine where their handlers, appropriately suited up, look after them.Cpl R then demonstrated Magic’s ability in the agility yard. Dogs are trained to climb and jump objects of different heights, steepness and angles etc, to jump through simulated windows and traverse various difficult terrain. This training is supported by play and treats to make it all an enjoyable experience. A long table was set up with various surface and Magic was encouraged to ‘sit’ on different uneasy surfaces.

The handlers and their dogs are clearly very attached – one describing his job as ‘the best in the world’. It was difficult to drag Cathie J on to the next visit and we checked out her car to make sure there wasn’t a dog in there that hadn’t started the day with us. The next stop was to the 8th/9th Battalion where we were delighted that some of the boys had brought their AHQ quilts to display; great opportunity for photos and to meet recipients.

Members of this Battalion have recently deployed to the Solomon Islands.Also on display was various weaponry and an HF radio and satellite with a range of between Brisbane and Townsville! The troops were happy and enthusiastic to answer our questions, and we were encouraged to engage and ‘play’. It seems a Janome is not the only machine Heather B is adept at using as photographic evidence of her wielding a Karl Gustav 84mm recoilless rifle proves – even uploaded to the 7th Battalion Facebook Page!

We also got to inspect a Bushmaster

and hear about the Zodiac watercraft capabilities which can transport 8 – 10 fully kitted up personnel with full battle dress. Men are required to have good swimming capabilities should the craft receive fire, first ditching heavy gear. The 40 HP engine really gives this craft some grunt! Cpl S agreed with my suggestion that water skiing might be a possible extracurricular activity in spare time. Cathy and Heather had a lovely chat to one of the Signalmen, who kindly modelled his “field Camo” gear that he had made himself.

As a Signal man his job was “up front” checking out the enemy and relaying information back to his Commander.We couldn’t leave without paying a visit to the 8/9’s Mascot, Stan the Ram. His wife Lizzie was a little shy to make an appearance.

Onward to the next stop – the 2nd/14th Light Horse where we were given the low-down on the new Boxer CRV (Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle). This vehicle has taken the place of the ASLAV and is of German design but will be manufactured right here in Redbank, Queensland, we were interested to learn.

This Boxer (named “Absolutely)” has a 30mm automatic cannon (and a light machine gun in the turret), complete armour plating, cameras located strategically to allow for 360-degree situational awareness and laser detectors. Though it cannot go in water like the LAVs, it can traverse any terrain, with 8 x 8 drive and can reach a speed of a little over 100 klms an hour with a range of over 1000 klms.We had the opportunity to climb on the turret

as well as go inside the Boxer which also contains radio systems and weapon storage and hatches to the turret – quite an amazing experience to see the supporting technology. Trooper S who showed us inside the troop compartment was another soldier who insisted his was the ‘best job in the world’. The Boxer has an operating team of 6 – 4 inside the cabin plus a driver and commander. This would be very cozy, especially in full kit and body armour. On exercise or should they deploy to a war zone, they basically live in this vehicle. Once outside, Cpl B started her up so we could hear how amazingly quiet this Boxer is for its size and demonstrated the 360 degree movement of the turret and when the cannon was pointed our way, we all waved. Trooper B moved the gun up and down to wave back at us…..so cool!To conclude, Major T hosted us at the Officers’ Mess for lunch and we reflected on what a very special visit we had been lucky enough to enjoy.

Thank you to Jan-Maree and Major Tom for organising this visit. Also to 2 CER, 8th/9th Battalion, 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment personnel who were so engaging and proud to show us their equipment and skills.