Given the geographical position of Australia and the current strategic direction, the Pacific Corridor is vital to Australia, its safety, and its national interests. This is why an effective Littoral Combat Unit is crucial to Australia’s ability to defend itself and effectively operate in this environment. These units are designed specifically to be agile and adaptable to rapidly respond to threats in coastal regions to project power, secure vital waterways, and support ground operations. So, what does it take to be part of this evolving capability? This article provides ‘hot tips for young players’ to make you an effective Littoral Solider.

(Provided by 5^th Battalion – The Royal Australian Regiment)

Prepare and look after your kit

Prepare your equipment accordingly – battle belt, TBAS, helmet, boating order etc. Ensure mission essential items such as Wilcox mounts and NFE are appropriately dummy corded / zip tied for security whilst under way. When getting off water, look to rinse all equipment with fresh water at the earliest practical opportunity.Salt water degrades – look after your kit!

Learn the craft

Fight for information, research the proper employment of the craft you will be operating out of (e.g., F470 Zodiac) and what the opportunities / restrictions are.

Learn your knots

For stowage of personal and mission essential equipment. Practice regularly with a small length of rope during down time. Start with a bowline, figure eight, and reef knot.

Learn about the environment

Understand the effects of tides, wind, and swell. Learn to read the forecast and plan accordingly.

Communications

Get around the in-service radios, you will use them as a coxswain to maintain comms as part of the flotilla. Understand the challenges with communications and preserving radio equipment in the marine environment.

Alertness

You aren’t just a passenger - constantly look around for dangers in / on the water, and be prepared to assist the coxswain / bowman. Keep your head on a swivel!

Water Proofing

Make heavy use of dry bags, garbage bags and pack liners, and a pack cover. This applies to mission essential equipment, maps, notepads, comms equipment, and pers clothing - if you don’t want it wet, dry bag it!

Get comfortable being wet

A zodiac is not a dry boat; you will be wet. Practice swimming in cams and boots, especially if you are a weak swimmer.

Hydration

Remember to consume water – you may forget while on the water. Hydrolyte and similar rehydrating powders can assist. Once you hit land you need to be prepared to step off on a task. Hydrate or die!

Sea sickness

If you know you get sea sick, or haven’t spent much time on the water before, it is your responsibility to procure sea sickness tablets from the medical centre (they are free). Don’t become a liability!

Protection from the elements

Bring plenty of waterproof sunscreen or zinc – cam cream will wash off and need to be reapplied in a final raft up point. Face wraps can assist, however may restrict breathing when wet (i.e., transiting in increased sea state) and should not be relied upon. If transiting in daylight for prolonged periods, consider the use of eye protection with polarised lenses with a neck strap (not to be used when firing IAW CDF Directive) to protect against the reflected sunlight from the water. In the littoral environment, there is rarely shade – you will be exposed to the elements.

Understand the transition

Littoral manoeuvre is a means to an end. You must understand the transition from ‘blue role’ to ‘green role,’ i.e., dismounting from a zodiac and stepping off from a beach landing site on a dismounted task. You are most vulnerable and will experience the most friction during this transition, so understand what actions need to occur and how you can prepare your equipment to best facilitate it. Once you understand the transition – REHEARSE, REHEARSE, REHEARSE.

Sustainability

Bringing together all the previous points, plan your sustainability accordingly – If you have a lengthy transit, consider extra food / water that is accessible during the transit to ensure you still transition and step off with 3 days of supply. Have extra garbage bags / waterproofing for multiple transits. Ensure you have extra oil and other cleaning stores for weapons and mission essential equipment to account for the extra maintenance required after exposure to salt water. Sustainability = survivability = lethality.

Lethality

The basics of maintaining lethality do not change. Think about how the principles of marksmanship, combat shooting, and combat behaviours can be applied in a littoral environment. Working with small craft is physically arduous, so you need to maintain your fitness. You’re going to carry the boats.