RAA Liaison Letter 2024 - 2025 Edition

RAA Liaison Letter – 2024 / 2025 Edition 67 SkyLark I-LEX crew under assessment on the SkyLark Operator Course at Puckapunyal Range Operational and Exercise Deployments The increase in trained workforce has also been matched by an increase in the demand for capability bricks and personnel from 9 Regiment to support collective training, international engagements and operations. Throughout 2024, multiple members from 9 Regiment supported large scale collective training exercises which spanned the entirety of Australia. Preparing stores under a multispectral camouflage net at RAAF Base Curtin during Exercise AUSTRAL SHIELD 24. These exercises include the Ex VITAL series, Ex ARRAS series, Ex AUSTRAL SHIELD and support to 4 Regiment with a Joint ISR Support Team (JIST) operating RQ-20 Puma to aid in observations of fires during Ex CHAU PHA. 9 Regiment also supported 13 BDE during their international engagement, Ex AUSTRAHIND in India. This support was based on a small element providing both ISR and SUAS planning support to the contingent. 9 Regiment has contributed to various domestic operations throughout 2024. These include; OP RESOLUTE Transit Security Element (TSE) rotations in support of Navy, OP RESOLUTE ROTOs in support of Regional Force Surveillance Group (RFSG) operations and C- SUAS deployments. 9 Regiment’s growing expertise in C-SUAS has seen soldiers deploy twice in response to UAS incursions around the country, as well as a deliberate deployment in support of the Australian Federal Police during OP REGAL for the visit of His Majesty, King Charles III. Ceremonial Duties Separate to activities arising from capability demands, the Regiment has also maintained its Ceremonial responsibilities in the conduct of Australia Day and King’s Birthday Gun Salutes in most capital cities where no resident ARA Gun Regiment is present or supporting the Australian Federation Guard. In addition, the Regiment supported multiple other separate Joint Operational Support Section (JOSS) tasks for catafalque parties or other ceremonial duties in support of public events of significance at the local or state level. These events have served as excellent opportunities for our Gunners to demonstrate their professionalism and talk to the public about life in uniform. Conclusion 2024 has been an exciting year for the ‘Part- Time Gunners’. The year has offered insight into short notice real time deployments, the introduction of new capability, support to operations, and large-scale exercises. The soldiers and officers of 9 Regiment have aggressively pursued opportunities for growth and development throughout 2024. Their continuous display of professionalism and dedication to service has contributed to the high demand for 9 Regiment support across 2 (AS) DIV and the wider Australian Defence Force (ADF).