Exercise Coastwatchers has ramped up training between the Australian Army and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), with the addition of drone operator and advanced boarder surveillance courses. Return students also had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge to advanced and instructor level.
The Coastwatchers namesake dates back to the Coastwatchers of World War II, where Australian, New Zealand and Solomon Islanders formed a secret communication system to identify enemy shipping and air movements across the pacific, reporting crucial intelligence back to allies.
The students from earlier small boats operator and drone operator courses returned to conduct advanced courses, which focused specifically on maritime and border surveillance.
Individuals had their skills put to the test, tasked to execute joint full mission profile scenarios, infilling a drone surveillance team by boat to identify and then intercept criminal elements.
'There's plenty of positives about being over here instructing, but the relationship we're building with the RSIPF [Royal Solomon Islands Police Force] is a highlight.'
RSIPF Drone Support Unit Chief Pilot Sergeant Molly Buiaraha said the drone training related directly to what was expected of RSIPF operators in their roles.
"The drone capability is new for us, so having the drone training is good. It's an eye-opener and expands our knowledge," Sergeant Buiaraha said.
"Everything they learn will be put into practice, but I think the mapping and navigation was most important and now we have the skills to really pin point locations."
Sergeant Buiaraha said there had been keen interest from RSIPF officers to conduct Coastwatchers drone courses, and that the integration between drone and maritime surveillance courses was a big win focused on practical application.
"It's really good to have the drone and maritime surveillance units work and integrate together. It's really helpful, especially in search and rescue," Sergeant Buiaraha said.
"From what I've seen, there's a big interest from officers to participate in the course, to know more and upgrade their skills around the drone capability.
"For the future, I think it's really good to have the advanced-level training and I do hope to see more courses and more integration in the future."
In the advanced drone and border surveillance course, students learned about patrolling, small-team tactics, long-range reconnaissance, intelligence collection and the policy requirements necessary to operate drones in support of border surveillance and natural disaster response.
'The drone capability is new for us so having the drone training is good. It's an eye-opener and expands our knowledge.'
Advanced course instructor Corporal Aaron Caruana, of Townsville's 2nd Cavalry Regiment, has now taken part in three Defence activities in the Solomon Islands.
He said it was great to deepen the longstanding relationship between the two nations, and that he was lucky to see the evolution of the RSIPF drone capability.
"Ex Coastwatchers has been a great experience overall. The collaboration and support between the Defence Cooperation Program and the RSIPF has allowed us to deliver enhanced training," Corporal Caruana.
"There's plenty of positives about being over here instructing, but the relationship we're building with the RSIPF is a highlight, developing new relationships and reconnecting with ones made on previous trips."
While drone technology brings surveillance into the modern era, the principals remain true to the rich, proud and enduring history of the Coastwatchers.
