10th Light Horse and 3rd/9rd Light Horse

[slick_mick]

Looks like some more changes in the Australian Army as part of Plan Beersheba.

Looks like the 10th Light Horse and 3rd/9rd Light Horse (SAMR) may lose their regimental badges and also their identity as RAAC regiments.

From the latest NSW Lancers Despatch...

"In accordance with Plan BEERSHEBA 3/9 SAMR and 10 LH are to come under the command of infantry battalions in each State.

This arrangement has identified two issues of concern. OC 10 LH has been advised that once the transfer is complete unit members will be required to wear generic RAAC badges instead of unit badges and as they will be a sub unit within an infantry bn they will no longer be able to parade their Guidons. The first issue arose from an email from RSM Ceremonial WO1 David Lehr, the second was an interpretation from a comment in the same email referring to the 3/4 Cav Guidon [B Sqn 3/4 Cav is to be a reserve unit in Queensland under command an infantry battalion]. … Somehow I doubt that the authors of the Ceremonial manual ever anticipated that a sub unit of a unit would ever be of a different Corps to the parent unit on a permanent basis."

The real concern is of-course that when incorporated into an infantry battalion, the squadrons will not be given the opportunity to train effectively. The battalion commander with a pedestrian focus is less than likely to allocate valuable training time to the development and maintenance of the husbandry and tactical skills essential for effective mobile operations than an independent squadron commander. Your editor now aging and in retirement has seen many inquiries like that which produced plan Beersheba; they all produced "the answers". I would contend the Beersheba plan has as many flaws as the others; when a plan has flaws that place heritage and effective training for war in jeopardy, it is necessary to raise them. "

Mick

[johnG]

Thanks for the info Mick, but needless to say I find the contents most distressing. I can hardly believe it is happening.
Best wishes,

John

[slick_mick]

Hi John,

Your not the only one - I think its quite disgraceful. There is action being taken to pursue over avenues I believe. The RAAC Corporation and other RAAC entities are trying to get things changed.

Mick

[Donny B.]

Originally Posted by slick_mick

.............................. The RAAC Corporation and other RAAC entities are trying to get things changed.

Best of luck to them in their efforts.

Donny B.