Trade Troop
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| A typical AACAP construction site. |
General
The 8th Construction Troop (8 Tp) contains the main trade capability for the Squadron. 8 Tp comprises of 3 trade sections which are made up of Army tradesmen; including plumbers, carpenters and electricians.
These tradesmen are fully qualified in their individual trades and must also maintain their soldierly skills such as combat engineering skills and infantry skills.
8 Tp demonstrates the ability of Sappers to adapt to and maintain a wide variety of skills.
Role
The role of 8 Tp is to plan, manage and execute vertical construction tasks.
Tasks
8 Tp engages in numerous tasks relating to trade and construction. The key tasks include:
Production of project plans,
Vertical construction tasks,
Essential engineering services (i.e. plumbing and electricity), and
Production of concrete in the field.
8 Troop's primary role is vertical construction, with connection to or installation of services such as water, sewage and electricity. This also includes the refurbishment, upgrade or maintenance of existing facilities.
Recent Tasks
With the recent busy tempo through out the Corps of Royal Australian Engineers (RAE), and the increased requirement of Army tradesmen, members of 8 Tp have been extremely busy and widespread in 06/07. From exercises to overseas operations to AACAP projects, the tradies are seen everywhere.
Some Recent Tasks Include:
- AACAP 2007 - Constructing houses (including electrical, water and sewage reticulation) and a public ablutions block in Doomadgee, FNQLD.
- EX PUK PUK 06 - refurbishing an Army camp in Kiunga, Papua New Guinea.
- All major overseas operations (including East Timor, Afghanistan and Iraq), as trade detachments for maintenance tasks.
Command
8 Troop is commanded by LT Rachel Brennan. The Troop Sergeant is CPL Kelvin Baulch and the Construction Supervisor is SGT Brendan Scully.