2010 Paulatim Magazine - RAAMC Association

Hiccups and set backs along the way included team training
nonchalance and a courier company mix up resulting in MAJ Gannon
driving 100km less than 24hr prior to the event to pick up the team
uniforms herself. In the end however, the entire team made it to the
start line appropriately attired and carbo-loaded from a Hog’s Breath
meal the night before. The set backs certainly didn’t end at the start
line however; just three hours into the event the team captain suffered
leg cramps. Despite being initially dejected about slowing the team
down, CAPT Briffa’s spirits markedly improved after a leg rub from
MAJ Bullock and by getting into MAJ Anita Gannon’s pants. Looking
decidedly debonair in his newly acquired purple skins, CAPT Briffa was
able to continue on, albeit at a reduced pace. The successful result of all
team members crossing the line together in 25hrs was testament to the
team and crew’s mateship and tenacity.
Kokoda challenge finish.
In addition to all the other activities mentioned, the health branch also
managed to participate actively in many aspects of force preparation
such as the CBC training conducted at 39 PSB, and the Ex Primary
Survey series. In order to achieve this, the health branch relied heavily
on two of its reservists, MAJ Dan Belanszky and WO2 Nina Valencia.
Thanks largely to their efforts HQ 1 Div was not only able to maintain
a presence at all of these activities from a certification standpoint, but
Health branch rock.
also in many instances provided an Observer Trainer in the form of
WO2 Nina Valencia. Despite the busy schedule and large amounts of
time spent away, the force preparation team also found the time to run
an Army First Aid Refresher course, (now a pre-requisite for CBC, CFA
and other related courses) re-certifying over 60 of the Headquarters
staff.
Despite HQ 1 Div having changed role to that of Force Preparation,
mounting and demounting, the ability of the HQ to deploy a penny
packeted, effects orientated JTFHQ remains at the forefront of the
1 Div mission and one of the many challenges this year has been
getting the message out about the new, dual roles of the Div. Needless
to say the Health Branch has been kept busy this year with three full
time and four part time staff managing to support four Pozieres CPX
activities, three Primary Survey Exercises, numerous CBC courses,
run several AFA Refresher courses and still allow time for staff to
attend career development courses such as Grade 2, Grade 3 and Joint
Health Planning Course.
By: Capt Briffa RAAMC
PAULATIM
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