Defence Business: Army Reserve to get Bushmasters | ADM Dec 2011 / Jan 2012

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, and Commander 2nd Division, Major General Craig Williams AM, have announced major reforms for Army Reserve under Plan Beersheba at Simpson Barracks in Watsonia, Melbourne.

Senator Feeney said that Plan Beersheba, a restructure of the Australian Army, will achieve a greater integration of full and part time forces and strengthen the operational capability of our part time forces.

“In an increasingly complex strategic environment, we must make sure our forces are positioned for the full range of possible contingencies.

“Plan Beersheba positions Army to deliver capability in an effective, timely and affordable way to meet these contingencies,” Senator Feeney said. “This Government will ensure that all Reserve Armoured Corps will receive Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles to provide protected transport for our troops.

“This will be the first time in more than five years that all Army Reserve Armoured units will have armoured vehicles.

“In addition, under Beersheba we intend to create a new armoured squadron with protected vehicles in Queensland. In Melbourne, the armoured unit of 4th Brigade – 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse who famously fought at Beersheba – will get Bushmasters,” said Senator Feeney.