From dawn to dusk for a digger DPR/TV/1017

Between reveille and lights out life for the average soldier could include a variety of tasks. But for troops of Charlie Company and the anti-tank platoon of the 8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, the former slogan "Go Action, Go Army" proved itself more fact than formality during a day of intensive training at their base at Terendak Garrison in Malaysia and the nearby Asahan field firing range. For members of the anti-tank platoon the day started with practice on the Carl Gustav. Using a ferret scout car as a target, the platoon alternated between firing and loading the 84 millimetre recoiless weapon which has a muzzle velocity of approximately 1000 feet per second and an effective range of between 450-550 metres. Weighing 32 lb the anti-tank gun can be carried by one man and fired from the shoulder. Although the Carl Gustav has had limited use in Vietnam, the Armalite rifle and jungle tactics have become an integral part of the Australian infantryman's life. As a result 8 RAR's training has stressed the necessity to react quickly and efficiently to the unexpected. To this end sneaker courses play a major part in the training programme. Similarly, in the holding of defensive positions training is directed towards anticipation, and familiarisation and accuracy with a variety of weapons. Sustained actions demand peak physical conditions and this is sought through physical training and assault courses. And then it's back to the weapons, in this case the 120 millimetre Wombat. Although the Wombat is not normally used by the Australian troops, 8 RAR have taken advantage of it being used by the British Army in Malaysia. Much heavier than the Carl Gustav, but with twice the range, the Wombat needs to be carried on a vehicle. A run through on the weapon for members of the anti-tank platoon and then it's back to base, and possibly a beer, to end an active infantryman's day. (Also identified: Private Peter Woods of Swan Hill, Vic; Pte Norm Smith of Strathmerton, Vic; Range Fire Control Officer, Sgt Bill Hoban of Salisbury, Qld; Pte Stephen Cockran of Cunning Vale, WA; Signaller, Cpl Warren Wilson of Liverpool, NSW; Sgt Arthur Mears of Fremantle, WA; Corporal Jim Monk of Wavell Heights, Qld; Lt Chris Sinclair of Maryborough, Qld; Corporal Tony Cohen of Brid Port, Tas; Pte Chris Pinder of West Ryde, NSW (at firing controls); Pte Barry Stokes of New Farm, Qld, loading projectile).