Here comes the cavalry!

As 7RAR, the Porky 7's that I for one have developed quite a soft spot for, head for home at the end of their Operation Slipper deployment they are being replaced but 2 CAV REGT.....

So, who or what is 2 CAV REGT?

I thought it was time to do my best to introduce you to them - not that I claim to be an expert but here is what I have found out.   As I am no expert in this area I have sourced information from what I believe to be reputable sources but have also listed the sources if you wish to do your own research.  This will at least give you an overview of who our newest recipients are likely to be.

From the Army website I learned the following

 The 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2 Cav Regt) is a cavalry regiment of the Australian Army and serves in an armoured reconnaissance role.

2nd Cavalry Regiment is the second most senior regiment in the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, and is attached to the 1st Brigade, based in Darwin, Northern Territory. 

Currently the regiment is made up of: 

• Regimental Headquarters 

• Three Sabre Squadrons (A, B, and C Squadrons) 

• Support Squadron

The Regiment operates some of the most capable and technologically advanced equipment within the Australian Army. The Regiment has the ability to self deploy anywhere on the Australian mainland and the deployability and portability to move to any location in the region requiring our presence and then conduct a multitude of operations, from peace keeping and low level operations through to mid intensity conflict.

Each of the Sabre Squadrons is equipped with the ASLAV family of light armoured vehicles, whilst the Support Squadron provides the combat service support to the Regiment.

Since being equipped with the ASLAV, 2 Cav Regt has played a key role in Australian military operations. In 1999, ‘C’ Squadron deployed to east Timor as part of the initial Australian contribution to INTERFET(see note 1)  with the Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) providing the Australian force with the majority of its mobility and armoured support during the early days of the intervention. Detachments from the regiment supported all subsequent Australian troop deployments to East Timor.

More recently, 2 Cav Regt has deployed its ASLAVs to Iraq in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion. The regiment’s initial role was to provide armoured transport for Australian diplomats and military personnel based in Baghdad and northern Iraq. The regiment has also formed a key element of the Al Muthanna Task Group (see note 2), with the Regimental Headquarters commanding the initial rotation and a squadron from the regiment forming part of the first two rotations of the Task Group elements.

A little about ASLAVs

The Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV) is a wheeled, eight wheel drive (8x8), amphibious vehicle that has been modified to deal with Australia's harsh conditions. Modifications include the addition of air conditioning and the widest wheels and tyres available. The ASLAV is an attractive capability due to its reliability, low maintenance costs and ability to travel quickly over long distances.

The ASLAVs are fitted with an electric turret, enhanced drive train, improved thermal optics, and integrated laser range finder. Selected deployed vehicles are also fitted with Remote Weapon Stations. These enhancements, together with run flat tyres, small arms resistant armour, internal spall protection, a counter Improvised Explosive Device suite and a fire suppression system, provide a battle-ready platform which optimises crew and passenger survivability. 

The versatility of the ASLAV has been further increased by the use of non-permanent Mission Role Installation Kits. The kits allow the generation of several variants from a single ASLAV hull design. This is a unique Australian Defence Force (ADF) capability, with much of the design and development work undertaken in Australia. 

The current variants of the ASLAV include the Reconnaissance, Personnel Carrier, Command, Surveillance, Ambulance, Fitter and Recovery vehicles. 

(Source)

Back to 2CAV

Regimental Badge 

The regiment's badge is an Australian Wedge-tailed Eagle swooping, with a lance and a banner bearing the word "courage" in its talons. This came about soon after the regiment's formation, when a competition was held to design an appropriate badge. A bird-of-prey was decided upon due to the regiment's reconnaissance role. The Wedge Tailed Eagle was chosen due to its "keenness of sight and ability to roam over large distances". The badge was awarded in 1967. Within the regiment the badge is known as "the chook on a stick".

Mascot

The regiment's mascot is a Wedge-tailed Eagle named "Courage". Since its formation, there have been two.  The first known as Trooper Courage was presented to the regiment as a six week old eaglet in 1967 and participated in virtually every regimental ceremony from 1969 onwards.  Trooper Courage even took part part in the House Guard for HM The Queen in 1974. Courage rose to the rank of Sergeant before she died in 1987.

Courage II was presented to the regiment regiment in 1987. His first major ceremonial occasion was as part of the guard for HRH The Prince of Wales during his visit to Australia in 1988 for the bicentennial celebrations. In 1997, while on flight training with his handlers, Corporal Courage refused to cooperate and flew away.  He was not found for two days following an extensive search. He was charged with being AWOL (Absent Without Leave) and reduced to the rank of Trooper. He was promoted back to Corporal in 1998.

If you want to see Courage "in action" check this out.  You might enjoy looking at some of the other videos posted there too. 

NOTES

1.  The International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) was a multinational peacekeeping taskforce, mandated by the United Nations to address the humanitarian and security crisis which took place in East Timor from 1999–2000 until the arrival of United Nations peacekeepers. INTERFET was commanded by an Australian, Major General Peter Cosgrove. (Source)

2. The Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG) was a battlegroup that formed Australia's main ground force contribution to the Multinational force in Iraq. The AMTG was established in April 2005 and ceased to exist in July 2006 when the Australian force was relocated to Dhi Qar Governorate as Overwatch Battle Group (West). (Source) 

And just to finish, as always (if I remember on a Thursday night) here is the list of those who have sent something off this week that I know of as of 730am this morning.  If you think you should be on this list please let me know.

Amy
Angela
Bev
Carol DS
Carol
Debbie
Di P
Jacqui
Jan
Chelle
Jenny B
Joan
Judith
Judy D
Liz J
Lynn
Margaret R
Michele
Millie
Pauline
Sarah L
Sarah and family
Su
Sue N
Jill M and Liz B
Stephanie D

AND now I am off to sew!!!

Till next time.........keep spreading the word and happy stitching!
JMxx