Army cadet achievement: MHS wins the RSM-A national drill competition.
In a crowded Term 1 training program, the unit successfully completed recruit induction, a depot training weekend, a unit field training weekend, ceremonial preparation for ANAZC Day, Legacy and Wattle Park activities as well as preparing a team of 8 cadets to compete in the RSM-A national drill competition.
There were many volunteers and after drill assessment try outs the team of CUO Daksha Kundra, Sgt Ethan Liang, Cpl Harjas Grewal, Cpl Binul Wickramaratne, Cdt Dragon Fan, Cpl Dasun Mudiyanselage Wijesundara, Cpl Rohan Krishnan and Cpl Lasith Dissanayake Mudiyanselage. were selected. Numerous lunchtime practice sessions followed leading up to the Victorian Brigade selection weekend at Simpson Barracks, Watsonia over the weekend 24-26 March.
The drill competition consisted of an ANAZC catafalque service, a parade ground serial as well as a dress inspection. Competing against representative teams from the other cadet Battalions the MHS team won the Victorian Brigade selection and preparations were then made with the issue of new uniforms for the trip to Canberra.
The drill team rehearsed at school in the last week of term and during the holidays under the guidance of MHSACU RSM WO1 Liu, Battalion RSM WO1 Kang and Brigade RSM WO1 Wien.
In Canberra, the competition was held on the historical parade ground at the Royal Military College -Duntroon against teams from WA, SA, NT, TAS, Nth QLD, STH QLD, NSW 2nd Bde and NSW 1st Bde. Following a rehearsal day, the competition was held on a bright sunny day with a rotation to ADFA and the Australian War Memorial between assessment serials. At the end of the day all the staff and cadets attended the solemn twilight Last Post service at the AWM before returning to barracks for the announcement of results.
It was a great night for the Victorian team winning both awards: the Victorian Brigade RSM CDTWO1 Wien winning the RSM pace stick marching competition and the MHS team winning the RSM-A national drill competition.
Congratulations to the drill team on their success, they can wear their gold commendation badge with pride. Thank you also to the former and current unit Officers, Warrant Officers and NCOs who maintained a high standard of drill and bearing through the COVID years up to the present.
Stephen Huysing
MHSACU
Commanding Officer
