'Tankies' get about on foot

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 407, 8 October 1991, Page 3

'Tankies' get about on foot

BY

JO

HOWIE

Armoured Group really took to the hills on foot on an Exercise called Iblowout. The exercise was designed to test the unit's physical endurance over a protracted period, while travelling 35 km on foot. Another aim was to develop teamwork within the group. During the course of the exercise each team had to complete a num-

ber of activities along the way, push an eight ton tank 500 metres, navigate to a series of checkpoints in the Karioi forest, paddle a Lancer inflatable boat four kilometres across Lake Moawhango, carry a telegraph pole five kilometres along a road, administer first aid to a simulated vehicle casualty, and complete an assault obstacle course. Each man was required to carry his rifle, web

equipment, and a pack weighing approximately 15 kilograms. The first teams headed out at 7 ara on Saturday 28 September and the other teams followed at hourly intervals. The fastest team completed everything in 14 hours and 52 minutes. Unfor-

timately snowfalls prevented some teams from completing all the activities. The results were: First, Quarter Master Troop team one; Second, Queen Alexandra Squadron Two troop; Third, Queen Alexandra Squadron Headquarters.

Participants generally found the exercise demanding but enjoyed the role change. "It extended us physically but offered a degree of satisfaction when we had finished," said a unit officer. Major Connel, acting Commanding Officer of

1 Armoured Group said the exercise was a success and will be conducted on an annual basis. "Exercise Blowout showed the participants that they must be prepared and capable of moving as infantry if necessary."