BY JESS ROUSE
The Bien Hoa Platoon graduated from the School of Infantry at Singleton on September 27 after completing their initial employment training.
Forty-seven men and women graduated with their family and loved ones attending the Singleton Army Barracks for their March Out Parade.
The Bien Hoa Platoon takes its name from the Vietnam War and Operation Coburg. Operation Coburg was fought in early 1968 when the Viet Cong mounted an offensive throughout South Vietnam during the traditional Tet festivities.
Commandant of Land Combat College, Brigadier Jason Groat was in attendance for the March Out.
“For the past 16 weeks you have been acquiring the skills, knowledge and attributes to be an infantry soldier in this regiment. It has been a long, hard road for you all and your instructors have challenged you every step of the way to meet the standards to be an Australian Military Soldier and you have succeeded.
“You have shown the resilience, grit, teamwork and determination required to join the ranks of the Royal Australian Regiment and by your actions you will write the next chapter of our history.
“You have made a commitment to a life and career that is personified by service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence.
“You must be physically and mentally ready at all times to deploy and fulfill the role that you have been trained for, to seek out the enemy, to kill or capture them, and repel attack of day or night regardless of season, weather or terrain,” Brigadier Groat said.
Three of the graduates received awards for their work during training. The Most Outstanding Soldier was PTE M.J Dalton, Skill at Arms went to PTE L.J.B Miranda and Best at Physical Training was PTE T.W Van Schouwen.
“As infantry soldiers be stoic, be strong, be true to yourselves, advance towards diversity not away from it. Your government demands that of you and your citizens deserve no less,” concluded Brigadier Groat.
The Singleton Army Barracks will be holding their first Open Day for several years on Saturday November 9. It is free to attend but you must register, details at the School of Infantry Facebook page.
