RAA Liaison Letter 2024 - 2025 Edition

RAA Liaison Letter – 2024 / 2025 Edition 66 9th Regiment RAA Lieutenant Colonel Philip Wong Commanding Officer Introduction 2024 has seen both cultural and capability changes occur within the 9th Regiment. The 9th Regiment completed its transition away from being the Divisional 81mm mortar capability to its role in Surveillance and Target Acquisition with Strike Augmentation, equipped with Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (SUAS) and the AN/TPQ-49 Lightweight Multimode Radar (LMMR) amongst its Joint Fires and Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Teams. All M252A1 81mm Mortar equipment previously operated by the Regiment has now been transferred to infantry battalions within the 2nd Australian Division (2 (AS) DIV). As part of the transition process the RAA has finalised the new trade model for Reserve Gunners, coming into effect on the 5th of December 2024. This year, three new UAS platforms - the RQ-20 Puma AE, the SkyLark I- LEX and the Edge-130B – began their introduction into service or use within 9 Regiment. 2/10 Battery members in the Command Post in the field. The Regiment was also at the forefront of work to develop a “fight tonight” counter-SUAS capability within the 2nd Australian Division (2 (AS) DIV), culminating in a series of trials conducted at RAAF Base Curtin in July. Force Generation: Courses As part of the capability transition for 9 Regiment and the SERCAT 5 RAA workforce, the Regiment has sustained its efforts to qualify and train members to a high level of proficiency on the LMMR and multiple UAS platforms including the PD100 Black Hornet, RQ-12A Wasp AE, RQ-20A Puma AE and SkyLark I- LEX SUAS. Members assembling the SkyLark I-LEX on course at Puckapunyal Range In parallel, trainee throughput was also maintained in Artillery Observer courses, along with the commencement of Gap Training to transfer this workforce to the ECNs under the new trade model. The unit has maintained its rate of effort in the conduct of courses to support its capability transition and preparation of personnel to contribute to operations and exercises, conducting 145 courses with over 1360 qualifications being issued. Establishing the Ground Control Station tracking antenna of the SkyLark I-LEX.