ROCKHAMPTON, Queensland, Australia - FIRING the main gun of an M1 Abrams was an exciting highlight of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 for Pvt. Jodie Gilmour from the 8th Personnel Services Team.
The 8th Personnel Services Company which has been operating for nearly six years is an amalgamation of 1 Div Cash Office, the Joint Amenities Unit and the Townsville AFPO.
Morale and welfare service provided to the deployed troops include cash and canteen facilities, postal services and extra amenities such as a field-deployable surround-sound cinema and barista operated coffee machine.
When Gilmour visited 1 Armd. Regt. at SWBTA her coffee machine and barista style made such an impact she was invited to fire the gun. This made her one of the few females in the Australian army to do so.
Gilmour has only served with the army for eight months and said she was surprised and scared at the invitation to wear the tank suit and fire the Abrams’ gun.
“I had to load the weapon with the fairly heavy round and I was given help to aim it, then I fired it at the target,” Gilmour said.
“It was an amazing experience – I think some the armoured corps guys were more than a bit jealous because they had not fired the gun yet.”
“I love my new career --- I have had so many different experiences already though I am missing home a little.”
The 8PST deployed on TS11 on June 14 with 14 members, rotating in two shifts between DSG Camp Rocky and SWBTA every second day and are deployed until Aug. 10.
The Camp Rocky canteen turned over more than $25,000 in its first month and the cash office has supplied more than $60, 000 for Australian troops.
WO1 Pete Laggan, 8PST Commander, said the main challenge to provide the services was in getting the word out as they were a mostly unknown organization.
“We were supported and provided some funds by 17 Bde. to provide more amenities and services and we hope more people see who we are and what we do on TS11,” Laggan said.
“On July 11 we set up the cinema, canteen and cash services in support of nearly 120 members of 30/35 Water Tpt and Terminal Sqn who transported us by LCM8 to Townsend Island for a two-night stay."
“TS11 has been an enjoyable exercise for us and the efforts of the 8PST soldiers have been well received by the deployed troops.”