Reserve soldiers from the 5th Brigade's 5th and 8th Combat Service Support Battalions (5CSSB and 8CSSB) successfully completed demanding, yet critical road convoy and logistics support training on the NSW South Coast last month.
Officer in charge of Exercise Gigas Roam, Major Nik Beattie, said the exercise was vital to enhance the soldiers' ability to conduct long-range logistic support operations across complex urban and rural environments, and in all weather conditions.
"We deployed about 70 troops on the exercise, following a route through Sydney down to Batemans Bay, then to Bega and returning via Cooma and Canberra - about 1000 kilometres," Major Beattie said.
A series of storms and wild weather, particularly when crossing the Brown Mountain range between Bega and Cooma, added further complexity and challenges.
"The route was chosen not only because of the variety of terrain and driving environments it provided, but also due to the units' close association with local communities in the region established during our deployments in these areas during the 2019-2020 bushfires," he said.
"It was great to combine our training objectives of convoy planning, the conduct of multi-day road transport operations, specialist driver training, leadership and resilience training with community liaison and engagement."
Private Emily D'Arcy, of 16 Transport Squadron (8CSSB), said Exercise Gigas Roam proved to be one of the most challenging, yet enjoyable in her service.
"It was a fantastic weekend, great to get out in the vehicles and integrate as one big collective," she said.
"It was great to practise our convoys . . . especially visiting areas we were all a part of during bushfires. One of the best weekends I've experienced in the Army."
One of the key stops on the exercise was the Mogo Zoo, south of Batemans Bay, where many of the soldiers, like Corporal Kristie Connell, of the 2nd Health Battalion, had worked during the 2019-2000 bushfires.
"I was privileged enough to work as an army medic in multiple South Coast communities during Operation Bushfire Assist," she said.
"Ex Gigas Roam gave many participants of Operation Bushfire Assist the opportunity to visit and see how communities were rebuilding and thriving.
"The Mogo Zoo was definitely a highlight of the trip and the appreciation of staff and owners for restoration efforts during Operation Bushfire Assist was very heart felt."
For Signaller Aimy Van der Drift, of 142 Signals Squadron, putting newly acquired G-Wagon driving skills to the test was the highlight.
"As a sig fresh off the G-Wagon course, this exercise was the perfect opportunity to hone the skills I had just acquired," she said.
"I was able to gain experience on a larger scale and practise the skills and the little hiccups that come with big moves."
