It was that time of year last month for soldiers from 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment to raise funds for Legacy and have the chance at being Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) and Commanding Officer (CO) for the day.
This year more than $3500 was raised for Legacy Australia, with Lance Corporal Ben Pascoe winning CO for the day and Private Shanon Holloway claiming position of RSM.
Activities on the day consisted of the handover parade, officer dress inspections, headquarters meetings, transport via helicopter and important decision-making, such as an early knock-off for the battalion.
Lance Corporal Pascoe said he enjoyed stepping in as CO.
“We bossed the junior officers around a little bit, which was pretty fun,” he said.
“And then [I] helped the boys out by knocking them off as early as we could without disrupting the battle rhythm of the battalion.”
‘My favourite thing was seeing all the different headquarters coming together, it’s not something that I normally see; it provides a bigger picture.’
For Private Holloway, a bid of $1500 won him the position of RSM. But the nerves set in as he stood on the parade ground with 500 members of the battalion staring back at him.
“The RSM marched on to bring everyone to attention, we swapped over and then I brought the parade to attention for the CO to conduct the handover,” Private Holloway said.
“We came up with some points for the CO to attend a meeting with the heads of infantry battalions.
“My favourite thing was seeing all the different headquarters coming together – it’s not something that I normally see; it provides a bigger picture.”
Private Holloway said he would be interested in working in the role of RSM for real.
“It’s a long way away, but maybe if I had more time with management and working up to it,” he said.
It was a chance for CO Lieutenant Colonel Brent Hughes to take a step back and let the soldiers get the most out of their temporary ranks.
“For private soldiers whose primary responsibility is very much at their level, seeing all the behind the scenes at battalion headquarters is like, oh wow, there is a lot that goes into it,” Lieutenant Colonel Hughes said.
“It’s been good to open their eyes to that.
“I think they might be more motivated now towards achieving rank and promoting, seeing a more long-term career.”
