I recently attended the local Anzac Day parades at Tom Price in North Western Australia, both the Dawn Parade and the Civic service later in the day, after which I was invited along with my Daughter-in-law and others for drinks at the depot of a local military unit which forms part of the “Pilbara Regiment”.
Along with three other Regional Force Surveillance Units in remote areas of Northern Australia, this Regiment, along with its four other depots within the region is a Surveillance Unit operating from Port Hedland in the Nth. to Carnarvon in the Sth. along the Coast and inland to the Northern Territory Border covering approx 1.3 million sq. kms.
Along with three other Regional Force Surveillance Units in remote areas of Northern Australia, this Regiment, along with its four other depots within the region is a Surveillance Unit operating from Port Hedland in the Nth. to Carnarvon in the Sth. along the Coast and inland to the Northern Territory Border covering approx 1.3 million sq. kms.
Unique as it’s a Military Unit staffed by reservist’s personal acting as the “eyes and ears” for police, customs, local authorities, local landowners, attached to, but necessarily governed by the regular Australian Army on a day to day basis as such.
From 1985 when the regiment was formed they operated with modified Toyota Landcruiser vehicle’s for patrols, changing to the 110 Landrover in 1991. When they heard of my interest in Landrovers and also being a member of the National Army Museum Waiouru they arranged that I comeback in a few days and see their vehicles.
These vehicles are powered by the Isuzu 3.9 litre turbocharged diesel engine,(commenting that these gave excellent service), strengthened galvanized chassis’s, electrical modifications, unperforated steel split rims, cab’s are removed, fitted with roll cages, screens removed when off road, winches, upgraded steering and suspension, bash plates etc. storage boxes either side in the cargo bay for extra fuel and water, food and gear, every spare area of space in and under guards etc. is a lockable pocket for self recovery equipment and survival gear, full camouflage equipment is carried, specialized communication and GPS systems, a crew of three per vehicle ( fully camouflaged), a minimum of two vehicles per patrol. Their primary role is being an undetected surveillance force, not a combatant unit, live ammunition is available however if required when on patrols. They ably assisted by the local Aborigines and station owners in the gathering or following up of information. Depending on circumstances, patrols could be for extended periods making self-sufficiency essential.
Who are the “enemy” ?: illegal immigrants (by land sea and air), contraband, illegal exporting of wildlife, drug smuggling, gun running, unusual vehicle/aircraft movements (there are hundreds of airstrips in this expansive area), anything out of the ordinary including the suspicious movements of some “Grey Nomads” !!. “Be Always Alert”.
Mel.
