6th Engineer Support Regiment (Australia)
6th Engineer Support Regiment | |
---|---|
Active | 2003–present |
Country | Australia |
Branch | Australian Army |
Role | Engineer support |
Size | ~ 600 personnel |
Part of | 6th Brigade |
Garrison/HQ | RAAF Amberley |
Motto(s) | With Strength and Precision |
Engagements | War in Afghanistan (2001–present) |
Commanders | |
Current commander | LTCOL Amanda Johnston |
Insignia | |
Unit Colour Patch |
The 6th Engineer Support Regiment (6 ESR) is specialised engineer regiment of the Australian Army. Established in early 2003, the regiment was formed by grouping several previously independent engineer squadrons – each providing different engineer support functions – together under a single headquarters. Headquartered at RAAF Amberley in Queensland, the regiment's sub-units are spread out across several locations including Enoggera, in Brisbane, and Holsworthy, in Sydney.
History
The regiment was formed on 13 January 2003, in order to serve as the administrative headquarters for a number of squadron-level subunits, which had previously been independent.[1]
Attached to the 6th Brigade, the regiment's subunits – the 17th and 21st Construction Squadrons, the 1st Topographical Survey Squadron and the 20th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron – are spread across three different locations: Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera; Zabul Lines, RAAF Base Amberley; and Holsworthy Barracks. These subunits are supported by a fifth subunit, the Operational Support Squadron.[2]
By virtue of the regiment's function, the majority of its 600 personnel are regular soldiers drawn from the Royal Australian Engineers,[1] although various other corps provide administration clerks, drivers, mechanics and quartermasters. Personnel from the regiment have undertaken numerous deployments since its establishment, and the regiment provided the headquarters element for Reconstruction Task Force 4, which deployed to Afghanistan in 2008 as part of Operation Slipper.[2]
Structure
As of July 2012, 6 ESR was structured as follows:[2]
- Amberley
- Regimental Headquarters
- 21st Construction Squadron
- Operational Support Squadron (headquarters/main element)
- Enoggera
- 1st Topographic Survey Squadron
- 20th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron
- Holsworthy
- 17th Construction Squadron
- Operational Support Squadron
References
Further reading
- Connery, David; Cran, David; Evered, David (2012). Conducting Counterinsurgency - Reconstruction Task Force 4 in Afghanistan. Newport, New South Wales: Big Sky Publishing. ISBN 9781921941771.