Over the last two weeks, members of the RSIPF have been participating in the Advanced Border Surveillance Course with the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The members have been undertaking the Border Surveillance Course to support border security operations to protect Solomon Islands security and sovereignty.
Running across two weeks, the course focused on the theory and fundamentals of navigation in both open and jungle environments. It looked at how to organise patrols in small teams and formations, and how these teams can work together to get better results than they could by themselves.
RSIPF and ADF members learned long-range reconnaissance skills, which can be used far from their home station to gather information. They also practiced communicating that information back to their station to enable rapid policing responses.
Participants were able to put the classroom theory into practice in the second week of the training, scouting forward in the Guadalcanal bushland and jungle to set up observation posts. From these positions, the teams practiced information collection and reporting to combat suspected illegal activity.
They also practiced their navigation skills in both the jungle and open fields, as well as undertaking small team patrols and forward reconnaissance to support real time border operations.
Australia’s High Commissioner, Jeff Roach, said a strong and effective RSIPF was essential for the sovereignty and prosperity of Solomon Islands.
“Exercise Coastwatchers, with its long and proud history of joint training, exemplifies Australia’s partnership with Solomon Islands,” said High Commissioner Roach.
“It’s about providing long-term, sustainable support and empowering Solomon Islanders to safeguard this beautiful country so that everyone has the chance to prosper.”
Participants in the Border Surveillance Course will later join with members from the Small Boats Course, as qualified Parrot drone pilots, to conduct further training in search and rescue and maritime patrols.
Exercise Coastwatchers runs from 6 March until 1 April.
