Gates opened at Army base

MORE than 500 people took advantage of the Puckapunyal Community Open Day last Saturday to find out more about the Australian Army.

Visitors were able to browse stalls and displays featuring all aspects of the Combined Arms Training Centre, talk with personnel and see explosives detection dogs in action.

“It is a great opportunity for us to be able to show appreciation for support given to us by local communities,” said Warrant Officer Class 2 Maurice Broughton.

“We had a number of open days in the past but, of course, COVID halted those activities. The response to today’s event is terrific.

“Army personnel enjoy these days as much as the visitors.”

Attendees took part in rides around the base in Bushmaster armoured vehicles.

Designed, made and widely used in Australia and overseas the vehicles feature a V-shaped hull, and provide a high degree of protection against land mines.

“To date, we haven’t lost an Australian soldier even when the vehicles were badly damaged,” said Warrant Officer Broughton.

For many visitors, the open day was an eye-opener.

“Most people hear the bomb blasts in training and see vehicles in the community while on driving courses but it’s hard to explain even to family exactly what we do here,” said an Army spokesperson.

“Events like today give us the chance to show them and the general public a little of what we do.”

Navi Kaur, defence work experience manager for Victoria, said the event was also a valuable opportunity for young people and their families to see the opportunities available in the Defence Force.

“Careers in the Army are not limited to what people think of as traditional roles,” she said. “We need everything from logistics and engineering to administration and hospitality.”

It is hoped that more open days will take place at the Combined Arms Training Centre in the future.