POST EXERCISE REPORT - ROYAL NAVY & ROYAL MARINES COMBAT SHOOTING TEAM PARTICIPATION IN EXERCISE WALTZING MATILDA
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ROYAL NAVY & ROYAL MARINES COMBAT
SHOOTING TEAM
PARTICIPATION IN EXERCISE WALTZING
MATILDA
POST EXERCISE REPORT
AUSTRALIAN ARMY SKILL AT ARMS MEETING 2005 (EX WALTZING MATILDA) ROYAL NAVY AND ROYAL MARINES PARTICIPATION POST EXERCISE REPORT 16 DEC 05 Introduction 1. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Rifle Association (RNRMRA) received an invitation from the Head of the Australian Army, Lt Gen Leahey, to send a combat shooting team to compete in the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (Exercise Waltzing Matilda) during the period 8th – 27th November 05. After securing sufficient funding and arranging to share logistics with the British Army, who were also attending, the invitation was accepted and subsequently a 12 man Royal Navy and Royal Marines Combat Shooting Team (RNRMCST) deployed to take part in the event. Funding 2. The Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting is an International Competitive Combat Shooting event and is therefore a Service Individual Weapon Training activity. The British Army Team is fully funded for this event (which has a UK designator of Exercise Waltzing Matilda) by HQ Land from the military exercise budget. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines have an international reputation for professional skill and are invited regularly to compete in overseas events. In order to ease logistics considerations, most notably transportation of ammunition, the RNRMCST look to deploy with the British Army team, on even years to the USA for the Armed Forces Skill at Arms Meeting at Little Rock, Arkansas and on odd years to the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting. 3. Funding for competitive combat shooting has always been somewhat contentious and has traditionally been difficult to secure. In the past such events have often been wrongly categorised within the RN/RM as sport as opposed to military training exercises. In recent years, however, the status of the activity has been more properly understood and in 2003 the Royal Navy successfully deployed a Combat Shooting Team to Australia to compete in AASAM funded by FLEET from the RM exercise budget. Despite this progress, the financial situation in FLEET made it impossible to properly support a deployment to AFSAM in the USA in 2004. Subsequently the Chairman of the RNRMRA was also informed that the lack of ability to fund such exercises would extend into the foreseeable future including Ex Waltzing Matilda in 2005. 4. In order for the RNRM team to deploy alternative funding mechanisms were explored. Notwithstanding that Competitive Combat Shooting is a Military Training Exercise and not a recognised sport, DNPTS agreed exceptionally to consider a bid to the Sports Control Board for Lottery and Sailors Fund grant money for the RNRM team to partake in Waltzing Matilda 05. This bid was successful and sufficient funding was secured to allow the team to deploy albeit with each individual selected to represent the RN contributing £300 as a personal contribution in accordance with the rules for “Sports” tours. Of the 150 international personnel taking part in AASAM the RNRM team were unique in having to partly fund their own participation in a military exercise. 5. The team also gratefully acknowledge the help received from Heckler & Koch (UK) in the form of a further £1000 of sponsorship money used to pay for appropriate RNRMCST logo clothing for travelling / off duty time and to purchase a number of plaques and presentation items for exchanging with the Australian Army and the other international teams at the various presentations. 6. A full breakdown of the Exercise Waltzing Matilda budget and expenditure appears at Annex A.
Team Selection
7. The selection of the RNRM Combat Shooting Team for this exercise was overseen by the
Chairman RNRMRA and the Royal Navy Master Coach, WO2 O’Connor from the RM
Marksmanship Training Team.
8. An initial trawl signal sent at the end of August contained a wish list of 20 of the top marksmen
within the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, largely drawing upon the top 20 marksmen who took part
in the Central Skill at Arms Meeting in June / July. Responses to this signal narrowed the selection
down to 13 individuals from which 10 were eventually selected during the course of a 3 day selection
training period held at Pirbright / Bisley at the end of September.
9. CTCRM agreed to provide the admin staff and two officers from the Specialist Training Wing
were made available to act as the Non-Shooting Team Captain and Team Adjutant.
10. The Team selected to represent the RN at AASAM was as follows :
Major Neil Willson RM (OC IS Coy CTC RM) Team Captain
Capt Rob Montagu -Williams 1RGR (OC PW Troop CTC RM) Team Adjutant
Cdr Ian Danbury RN (XO RNAS Culdrose) Rifle & Pistol Team
WO2 Dave O’Connor RM (Marksmanship Training Team CTCRM) Rifle & Pistol Team
Gy Sgt Eric Elizondo USMC (Marksmanship Training Team CTCRM) Rifle & Pistol Team
Sgt Mick Cole (Cdo Logs Regt) Rifle & Pistol Team
Sgt Mac McKiernan (RMR Tyne) Rifle & LSW Team
LCpl James Bloom (42 Cdo RM) Rifle & LSW Team
Mne Dixy Dixon (UKLF CSG) Rifle & LSW Team
AEM Jim Stead (849 Naval Air Squadron) Rifle & LSW Team
Lt Cdr Neil Benstead RN (MoD Abbey Wood) Rifle Only
CPO Gary Spink (DLO Devonport) Rifle Only
Members of the team in training at Bisley
Weapons
11. Weapons packages for the Exercise were provided by the Marksmanship Training Team (MTT)
at CTC which included Rifles & SUSATs from the MTT own stock, LSWs & SUSATs provided by
CTCRM and Pistols from both MTT holdings and from PASARA holdings temporarily transferred to
CTC from HMS Raleigh. The team are grateful to the staff of the NMT school HMS Raleigh for their
assistance with the Pistols for AASAM.
12. All Magazines were provided from MTT holdings and spares packages were made up with the
help of the armoury staff at CTC.
13. Weapon reliability - Only one CTC pistol malfunctioned during AASAM (Weak Spring). All
the remaining weapons remained serviceable and proved totally reliable in competition, once again
underlining the success of the H&K A2 conversion. A number of SUSAT sights failed during the UK
Training phase but none failed during the course of AASAM itself.
14. Import Licences - Early liaison with the Small Arms Wing of the Australian Army School of
Infantry was established and a full inventory of weapons and serial numbers passed. All import
licence documentation was processed by the Australian Army Team on our behalf and there were no
problems encountered with Australian Customs either on arrival or departure.
LCpl Bloom prepares his LSW for firing
Ammunition
15. Ammunition for the UK Training phase was provided by the RNRMRA from the “Portsmouth”
stack in the ATR Pirbright ammunition compound.
16. UK Ammunition for the British Army and the RNRM teams was provided by the Army Rifle
Association (ARA) and shipped out in advance. There were no ammunition issues during training or
during AASAM. The RNRMCST is grateful to the ARA and to the British Army Combat Shooting
Team for their assistance in allowing the RN to “Piggy Back” upon the ammunition logistics.
UK Training Phase
17. The team formed up at Bisley Camp on the 30th October 05 for a concentrated period of training
prior to departure for AASAM. During this period the team were accommodated in the RM Camp
Bisley in the “Bloomers” building. Messing was provided by the Brunswick Camp All Ranks Mess
facility within ATR Pirbright. Range bookings were made by the MTT with Landmarc at ATR
Pirbright. There were some minor difficulties which arose over the type of ranges available, however,
the Landmarc team proved flexible and the team was able get suitable ranges throughout the period.
18. During this phase the team concentrated on obtaining a strong Zero with the Rifle and the LSW
and working back from 100m to determine points of aim from all ranges in all the positions. A Pistol
shoot was also successfully achieved. At the end of the UK phase the team were confident that their
weapons had a strong zero and had good recorded points of aim for all ranges.
19. The team were allowed a short period of stand down on 4th / 5th November to conduct final
Admin before forming up again on the evening of the 5th of November prior to departure for Australia
from Heathrow the following morning.
20. During the course of the UK training phase the team were very grateful to be visited by the Vice
President of the RNRMRA, Mr David Gosling for an afternoon on the ranges and also by the
President of the RNRMRA Rear Admiral Philip Wilcocks DSC, on the evening prior to departing.
Mr David Gosling chats informally to members of the team during pre-deployment training
Transport / Travel
21. Transport requirements within the UK prior to departure and on subsequent arrival back in the
UK post exercise, were provided by CTC RM. 2 x hired minibuses were used for the move from CTC
overnight 5th November and onward to Heathrow on the 5th. Hire of 2 minibus vehicles were again
utilised for the recovery with a 1 way hire from Heathrow to CTCRM on 28th November 05.
22. A number of personnel chose to utilise private vehicles to travel to Pirbright / Bisley. Secure
parking within ATR Pirbright was arranged for the period.
23. Air travel to Australia was sourced through Rendevous Travel who have handled both the
RNRMCST and the BACST international deployments now for a number of years and are familiar
with all the requirements associated with transit of weapons as hold luggage.
24. Return travel in Economy Class was booked through Malaysian Airlines. A slightly revised
weight allowance to allow for the weapons and military equipment was negotiated with the Airline
and in the event this proved adequate, but only just. Individuals were severely restricted in the amount
of personal gear which they could take and this did present some difficulties. The BACST, for whom
this was a fully funded exercise, were booked on the same flights but flew Club Class. This allowed
them a much greater weight allowance and so they did not suffer the same difficulties as the RNRM
team over the restrictions on personal gear.
25. Embassy Liaison - Full details of the team and the flights (in accordance with the appropriate
DIN) were passed to the British Embassy Defence Team in advance.
26. The team arrived in Sydney pm 7th November and were met on arrival by WO Charles King
from the AASAM admin team. He had already checked through all the paperwork with Australian
immigration and customs and no problems were encountered entering the country. Transport to the
Singleton Military Area was provided by the Australian Army Admin Team running AASAM.
(Transport was also provided at the end of the exercise to connect with the departure flight on 27th
November)
27. The Singleton Military Area lies about 100km west of Newcastle, New South Wales, in the
upper Hunter Valley. The journey from Sydney took 3 ½ hours.
AASAM Administration
28. Accommodation - All AASAM teams were accommodated in E F & G block of the Lone Pine
Barracks complex within the Singleton Military Area. These blocks had formerly been used to house
Kosovan refugees and the extensive barbed wire was still in place giving the area a distinct “Prison
Camp” feel. The teams were housed in huts split into smaller rooms typically sleeping 4 to a room.
All bedding was provided. The accommodation was pretty much open to the elements and became
very warm. The team had to invest in a number of fans and suitable devices for killing and keeping
insects at bay since they became a significant problem, especially at night. Toilet and shower blocks
were provided as were washing machines and tumble dryers. The facilities were however very limited
and one set was allocated to be shared between all 150 of the international contingent which was not
without its frustrations at times.
AASAM Accommodation
29. Messing - An all ranks cookhouse and messing facility had been established and although the
conditions were very basic the Australian Army team did very well in providing excellent food
throughout and plenty of it with a wide variety on the menu from traditional hot choices to fresh salad
and fruit.
30. Armoury - A secure armoury facility had been set up for the secure storage of weapons which
was spacious and well manned. This facility served all the teams exceptionally well. The armoury
staff also provided a mobile armoury support vehicle and staff to attend the ranges each day. Due to
the reliability of our weapon systems, maintenance support from the armourer was only needed on one
occasion to deal with a defect on 1 x 9mm Browning pistol.
31. Transport - The Australian Army provided all
teams, free of charge, with 2 x Hire vehicles (Toyota
Tarrago Minivans) and an agency card for fuel. The
team hire vehicles were used for the daily transit of
personnel and weapons to and from the ranges.
Unlimited use of these vehicles for R&R in the local
area was also authorised. Towards the end of the
competition one vehicle suffered a blow out, was
involved in an accident and was written off.
Thankfully no-one was hurt in the crash, the vehicle
was fully covered by the rental insurance and a
replacement vehicle was provided for the remaining A Lucky Escape
period of the exercise.
32. Facilities - Central Administration Office, Stats Office and Transport Office were set up at the
centre of the AASAM area, serving both the Australian Brigade teams and the international
contingent. There was also a small self help bar which opened in the evenings for the teams to be able
to socialise.
The Range Complex
33. The AASAM range complex was located about 2 miles from the entrance to the barracks and
consisted of a number of discrete ranges, set in a large area of military land, controlled from a central
Range Control Building. The ranges used for AASAM were as follows :
A 24 lane Classification Range - this range was a conventional gallery range with firing
points from 100m to 500m. Target mechanisms were old and did not perform well with a
number being out of action during the competition.
The Classification Range
Firing Point 14A - this was a 100m only open range firing point with 10 lanes built over
sloping and uneven ground. This range was used for the CQB, pistol and obstacle course
competitions. The range had turning targets but the mechanism was not robust and had to be
abandoned early in the competition.
A 10 lane Marksmanship Training Range (MTR) - This was an ETR range with good quality
target system presenting a range of targets to 400m including moving targets at 100 and 200m.
Scoring was by an AMS type system with individual consoles displaying fall of shot. Fire
trenches were also integrated into the firing point. This range performed well although there
were a number of target malfunctions throughout the competition.
There was also a 10 lane Static Marksmanship ETR Range (SMR) which was due to have been
used during AASAM, this range however became defective on first use and it was abandoned
for the remainder of the competition and all matches due to be shot over it were cancelled.
34. The range complex was not ideal for a competition the size of AASAM and the administration
teams struggled with so few firing points to get all the matches shot in the allocated time frame.
Similarly there was a good deal of inactive time whilst waiting in turn to shoot particular matches
when other concurrent range activity was not available due to the paucity of ranges and firing points.
The AASAM team were well aware of the limitations imposed by the Singleton Range Complex and it
is understood that the Small Arms Wing are considering moving the competition next year to a larger
range complex in Victoria which would be better suited to a large scale competition of this nature.
35. The range teams generally performed well with safety procedures to the fore and well executed.
Range safety procedures within the Australian Army are based upon British practice and were very
familiar. The running of the competition matches on the ranges was mixed with some range teams not
thoroughly understanding the practices or the competition rules. It was clear that many of the more
complex matches had not been rehearsed by the range teams in advance as would have been done in
the UK. Nonetheless these difficulties were overcome and all the matches (except those due to be
shot on the SMR) were achieved in a safe manner.
AASAM Competition
36. There were 13 International teams competing from 11 countries making a total of 130 firers.
The Australian Army Competition ran in parallel to the international competition with the Australian
Army Brigade teams, including teams from the RAN and RAAF, shooting the same matches but at
different times to the International Contingent. The Australian Army Combat shooting Team shot
alongside the international contingent in the final International Match and Falling Plates competition
over the final 2 days.
37. The International Teams taking part were :
The Australian Army Combat Shooting Team
The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Combat Shooting Team
The British Army Combat Shooting Team
The New Zealand Armed Forces Combat Shooting Team
The United States Army Combat Shooting Team
The United States Marine Corps Combat Shooting Team
The French Army (FAFNCT)
The Malaysian Army Shooting Team (MAST)
The Philippines Army (PA)
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)
The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI)
The Armed Forces of East Timor (FFDTL)
The Republic of Fiji Military Force (RFMF)
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF)
A member of the US Army Team
38. The competition was split into a number of phases which were preceded by an incoming
reception for all teams hosted by the Australian Army School of infantry at the Singleton Returneing
Servicemens League Club.
39. Phase 1 - This phase consisted of 2 Individual Rifle matches, shot alongside the Australian
Army. The “Powderhorn” and the “Rothmans”. These matches were shot on the MTR range and
determined the finalists who would compete for the Australian Army and International Individual
Champion Shot. The final match, known as the “Weatherby” consisted of the top 20 shots from the
previous matches. The following RN\RM competitors made the final :
Sgt Cole
LCpl Bloom
Gy Sgt Elizondo
Sgt Cole received a medal for placing 3rd in the “Powderhorn” competition.
40. The Champion shot of all the international teams was LCpl Jim Slater from the British Army
Combat Shooting Team.
LCpl Jim Slater of the BACST is chaired to the prizegiving as the International Individual Champion
41. Phase 2 - This phase consisted of the Individual Events and team aggregate competition with
the Service Rifle, Service Pistol and Machine Gun. The matches shot in this phase are among the
most challenging in individual competition with the courses of fire matched to challenging combat
scenarios. Marksmanship from the full range of distance is tested as was rapid, snap and fire with
movement from all the recognised firing positions. Webbing was weighted to a minimum of 7.5 Kilos
(before ammunition was added) and checked prior to each competitor moving to the firing point. The
following matches were shot on various of the ranges:
The Enhanced Optic Sight Match Service Rifle
Applied Marksman Practice Service Rifle
Infantry Rifleman Practice Service Rifle
Patrol Engagement Service Rifle
MOUT / Close Quarter Battle Service Rifle
Advanced Application of Fire Light Support Weapon
Assault Practice Light Support Weapon
Patrol Engagement Light Support Weapon
Close Quarter Battle Service Pistol
Advanced Application of Fire Service Pistol
Snap Practice with an LSW
During this phase the RN/RM Team achieved :
3rd place overall in the Rifle Aggregates
3rd Place overall in the Pistol Matches
4th place overall in the machine Gun matches
Gy Sgt Elizondo received a medal for placing 3rd in the Application of Fire match with Service
Pistol.
The RNRMCST was placed 3rd Overall in the All Weapons Championship behind the
British Army in 1st and the Malaysian Army in second.
.
LCpl Bloom executes a quick Mag Change during the LSW Assault Match
42. Phase 3 - This part of the competition consisted of the “section” team events which consisted of
6 Riflemen and 2 Machine Gunners. The matches were shot as a Section and consisted of either an
assault course to negotiate before engaging the targets in a limited time or a 1 km run in to the first
firing point to be completed in 6 ½ minutes. The matches themselves then consisted of fire and
movement down the firing point to simulate a combat scenario. In the Attack and Defence matchespenalties were imposed for failure to provide covering fire for the movement of fire teams. The
RNRMCST achieved the following results :
Obstacle Course 6th Place
Section Attack 6th Place
Section Defence 1st Place
The RNRMCST was placed 3rd overall in the team weapon aggregate
The RNRMCST at the end of the Run In for the Section Defence Match
43. The final elements of the Competition consisted of the head to head International match in which
the RNRM placed 8th. This was not a good day for the team who did not shoot at their best on the day
for inexplicable reasons. The final days competition consisted of Falling Plate matches for all
Weapon Systems. Although the team put up a spirited performance none of the RNRMCST teams
made the final stages of the falling plates competition.
44. Prizes were presented by Lt Gen Peter Leahey, the Chief of the Australian Army who also
hosted the outgoing reception.
The RNRMCST receive 1st place medals for the Section Defence Match from General Leahey
45. A Full set of results for the exercise is held by Chairman RNRMRA and is attached.Recreation
46. There were only 2 days allocated as non-shooting days during the period and one of these had a
prizegiving in the evening. The team did however manage to find time for a day surfing on the beach
at Newcastle and a day trip to Sydney which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The RNRMCST fly the White Ensign on the steps of the Sydney Opera House
Conclusions
47. Notwithstanding the slight handicap that the size
of the range complex presented, AASAM remains a
well run and extremely challenging military exercise
which is supported by the Australian Army at the very
highest level. The level of marksmanship is extremely
high and there is attendance from a large number of
other nations Armed Forces. The matches are well
designed and the emphasis is on creating true combat
based scenarios. The match conditions are tough with
weighted webbing and an emphasis on physical fitness;
fire with movement and forced marches playing a
significant part in many of the scenarios.
48. The RNRM gain a huge amount by being present in such competition and displaying a very high
standard of professionalism whilst achieving notable success. To be placed so highly in such a strong
field, many of which are professional teams who are permanently formed marksmanship cadres, was a
significant achievement which deserves due recognition. The reputation and respect gained from
such a wide variety of military organisations when set against the very small cost of deploying the
team make it a very worthwhile and cost effective exercise. (The team deployed to AASAM for less
than a total cost of £14K) Members of the team were able to hone the skills which will enable them to
become better Rifle, Pistol and LSW coaches. The team will form top of the marksmanship pyramid
which sets the standards for RNRM marksmanship skill for the following year and will act to pull
standards up across the board.
49. Some very strong links were forged with the USMC Marksmanship Training Unit which
administered the USMC team at AASAM. It is hoped that this can be further exploited by CTC RM
and the RM Marksmanship Training Team. (The RN does not yet have such a team).
50. The Royal Navy maintained its reputation abroad as one of the main players in the field of
marksmanship with military small arms.Recommendations
51. The RNRM continue to deploy a Combat Shooting Team abroad annually, in odd years to
participate in AASAM and in even years to participate in the Armed Forces Skill at Arms (AFSAM)
in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. (Exercise Uncle Sam) This dovetails with the BACST deployment
pattern and will enable continued sharing of logistics.
52. That the RNRMCST should be fully funded for its annual participation in competitive combat
shooting exercises abroad as part of the overall RNRM marksmanship strategy and in order to
maintain and enhance the Royal Navy’s reputation in the eyes of the Armed Forces of Allied nations.
The participation of the RNRMCST in overseas Skill at Arms Meetings should be formally recognised
as a military training activity and personnel should not be expected to pay large personal contributions
to represent the RNRM in uniform firing Service Weapons. Such funding should be found from
within annual exercise budgets.
The Royal Navy & Royal Marine Combat Shooting Team 2005
I G Danbury
Commander Royal Navy
Chairman Royal Navy and Royal Marines Rifle Association
OIC Royal Navy and Royal Marines Combat Shooting TeamANNEX A TO
EX WM PXR
DATED 16 DEC 05
ACCOUNTS FOR EX WALTZING MATILDA 2005
GENERAL
1. Funding for Ex WALTZING MATILDA came from four sources. Charitable funding
amounted to £13820 while personnel contributions came to £3600 (£300 per man).
2. Accounts were managed by Capt Rob Montagu-Williams in his capacity as Team Adjutant.
3. Much of the costs incurred for the trip were paid prior to departure with only a relatively small
sum being taken in the form of travellers’ cheques and cash. The Team Adjutant also held reserves in
the form of a credit card debited with money from the WALTZING MATILDA fund.
ACCOUNTS
4. The following tables give a breakdown of the income and expenditure for the exercise (the
Team Adjutant holds all receipts);
INCOME EXPENDITURE
AMOUNT AMOUNT
REASON (£) REASON (£)
(a) (b) (a) (b)
Fleet Amenities 1504.00 Flight Deposit 1200.00
Sailors Fund 6016.00 Payment on balance 9696.00
RNRM Sports
Lottery 6300.00 Blazers & RN Badges 942.60
Personal
Contributions 3600.00 Plaques 310.80
Presentations/T-Shirts 567.80
AASAM Entry Fee 288.89
Insurance 247.81
Rail Tickets 181.34
Miscellaneous 239.36
Food (Missed Meals) 727.81
Exchange rate loss 38.98
TC Commission* 34.18
Visa 20.00
Total 17420.00 Total 14495.57
Remaining Balance 2924.43
* Commission paid on travellers’ cheques in UK and Australia.
5. As can be seen from the accounts the overall expenditure was less than the income by
£2924.43.6. The money not spent will be redistributed to the charitable organisations by the Chairman of
the RNRMCST on consultation with the RNRMRA treasurer.
Lessons Learned
6. The following recommendations have been made for any future RNRMCST visits to the
AASAM.
a. If the competition is held in Singleton, or a similarly provincial town, only cash (Aus $)
should be taken. Travellers’ cheques were not accepted by even some of the larger
establishments. Consequently an amount of money was lost in travellers’ cheques/cash
exchanges.
b. An ‘Exercise bank account’ is opened which includes either a debit or credit card. This
would enable a more simple method of accounting and should minimise the money lost
in exchanging currency.You can also read
