For many years saluting was performed with the hand farthest from the officer saluted. This involved saluting with the left hand when passing an officer on the right hand side. To certain sections of Indian troops, however, saluting with the left hand was an insult and this method was abolished in 1918.

QAMR Territorial Force Integration trialled

By Major Sholto Stephens, Officer Commanding, QAMR.

Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles (QAMR) is conducting a pilot integration of Reserve personnel into the unit. 

The pilot, instigated by the Deputy Chief of Army Brigadier Tim Keating, will help to prove the benefits of a closer alignment between Regular Force (TF) and Reserve personnel.  Territorial or Reserves integration into Regular Force units is nothing new and has proved successful in the past.  The advantages to a unit such as QAMR are numerous; however, there are also considerable benefits for Reserve personnel.  These individuals will be able to either remain in the ‘medium reconnaissance’ role with QAMR or return to their Infantry unit with additional combat-related skills. This situation can only help to benefit all concerned.

The pilot in perspective

By Second Lieutenant BJ Cottam

On 29 January, 17 Territorial Force(TF) soldiers from Canterbury and South Canterbury began their nine day induction training with QAMR. These were some of the 24 soldiers and officers who have been with QAMR from 2 Cant NMWC for the TF integration pilot. These soldiers provide a wide variety of experience and skill within the troop — some of the experienced soldiers already have two or three operational deployments under their belts, and some soldiers have just finished their basic training.

Army, 2010, QAMR (WN-09-0001-023).

The pilot induction training saw these soldiers training in both a dismounted and mounted capability, with the focus being on fitness, weapon-handling, field craft, communications, first aid and vehicle-craft. The induction training reflected this, with a combination of dismounted reconnaissance and surveillance training mixed with Light Operational Vehicle (LOV) training. Introduction and familiarisation training with specialist equipment such as TMCS (Army radios)), Night Vision Equipment (NVE), Thermal Imaging (TI), Remote Ground Sensors (RGS) was undertaken. Once these competencies were achieved, the training then focussed on four-man patrols, refining the skills and developing the tactical appreciation needed to work in small teams, and conducting tasks such as OP’s. The troop also trained in the armoured LOV both on the ground and in the Burnham simulation centre. In conjunction with this, time was spent on the West Melton Rifle Range (WMRR) in preparation for the live firing exercise at the training conclusion.

The training concluded with a short exercise in Tekapo to consolidate and refine the skills learned during the previous six days. Observation posts (Ops) were deployed on the Friday night prior to a live firing scenario on the Saturday, using armoured LOV to infiltrate the ‘enemy’ fire support location before engaging targets with the MAG58. There was a small break to conduct battle-preparation prior to conducting another OP task.  During this task, the patrols received indirect fire and went through the RV procedure in real time, with the hike across the training area proving to be a good way to end that phase of the training.

For the soldiers it was an enjoyable experience, and everybody integrated well into the QAMR environment. It was a good chance for the soldiers to expand their knowledge base and be introduced to new equipment and doctrine. The nine day period was good for developing the esprit de corps within the troop, and allowed them to form good relationships. It also allowed the commanders at all levels to operate with a structured chain of command; an opportunity that happens rarely within the TF. Another positive factor was exposure to a range of equipment that is not normally available to the TF such as NVE, TMCS, TI, RGS and armoured vehicles. That, mixed with the scope to do some realistic training, has resulted in a great experience for all involved.

Army, March 2010 QAMR (WN-09-0001-024).

Now that the induction training is over, the troop is looking forward to developing the core skills that were covered, with regular night parades, training weekends, plus a second induction training to capture those that couldn’t attend the first one.

Members of the new 1 Reserve Troop, Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles would like to extend our thanks to all of those from QAMR and 2 Cant NMWC that have put in some long hours and hard work to make this happen so quickly and to such a high standard.

This page was last reviewed on 17 August 2010, and is current.