RAAF base hold simulated training

A LIFE-LIKE training exercise involving the Australian Defence Force and police tested RAAF Base Amberley's preparedness for an armed invasion.

Conducted at the base yesterday, the simulated armed-attack response was described as a success.

The annual security exercise, code-named Koala Amber, tests security responses and preparedness under a number of scenarios.

The Officer Conducting the Exercise (OCE), Wing Commander Clive Wells, said the primary aim was to examine the responses to threats of unauthorised armed incursion to the base, and the threat of intruders targeting base personnel.

“This was the type of threat that was made against an ADF establishment in August 2009,” he said.

Ipswich residents were warned to be ready for loud gunfire coming from the base – as those involved in the exercise fired blanks to make the situation as real as possible.

A defence spokesman said the intruders took hostages in the officer's mess – barricading themselves inside.

The Queensland Police Service Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) then arrived to control the situation.

Each of Australia's RAAF bases conducts annual exercises similar to the one carried out at Amberley yesterday.

“It was an overall success and we are very grateful to the QPS for their prompt response and professionalism,” the Defence spokesman said.

“It provided good training for both the police and for Defence.”