A parade marked the historic presentation of the first brevet to soldiers and officers of 20th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, who qualified as operators of Category 3 and higher uncrewed aerial systems at Gallipoli Barracks last month.
The awarding of a brevet in the Australian Army dates back to World War 1, when the principal roles of aircrew were as an air observation post (AOP) and reconnaissance.
Commander 16 Aviation Brigade Brigadier Dean Thompson said the brevet award was significant.
“It is an important moment in the history of the regiment, brigade, the Royal Australian Artillery Corps and more broadly the Australian Army,” Brigadier Thompson said.
“We add to the rich history of the regiment; a history which you can be justly proud.”
The wing on the brevet represents the aircrew history. Central to the brevet is the seven-fused flaming grenade, representing the ancestry of the RAA Corps, and was last worn as wings by the Artillery Corps AOP pilots in Vietnam.
The grenade is surrounded by a wattle wreath representing the spirit of the Australian people and is surmounted by the sovereign’s crown.
Since being re-raised to the Order of Battle on October 9, 2005, the regiment has been on operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, flying more than 66,000 hours, of which 55,000 have been operational.
Brigadier Thompson said presenting the brevet to the personnel at 20th Regiment recognised their skill and proficiency in trade.
“Today you are being recognised for your hard work, sacrifices and the ongoing commitment which goes with your qualification, trade, mastery of your weapon system, and the capability you bring to the Joint Land Combat System,” Brigadier Thompson said.
