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The Australian Army has officially welcomed a second tank squadron to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, marking the first time in the corps’ history that a regiment has two tanks and cavalry squadrons positioned in the same location.
The 2nd Cavalry Regiment officially welcomed the new heavy armour capability at a T4 raising ceremony on 23 April, following the formal establishment of D Squadron within the regiment in Townsville on 20 January this year.
Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Josh Higgins said this transformation rounded out the order of battle that had been developing overtime.
“This places us as one of the first pieces on the chess board in the 3rd Brigade’s armoured realisation,” LTCOL Higgins said.
“We now have 36 of the world’s best tanks, complementing the combat reconnaissance vehicle capability we have.”
D Squadron is postured to undertake further progression training throughout 2025 in preparation for its role within the Army’s armoured amphibious brigade.
For the soldiers and officers of the regiment, their commitment to raising the new squadron will set up future successes – according to Officer Commanding D Squadron Major Jodie McCart.
“I’m incredibly privileged and honoured to raise the squadron with the men and women behind me, and bring this new platform into service,” MAJ McCart said.
“It is a huge responsibility to get it right because of the legacy it will leave, for not only me and the people that we are doing this with, but also to make sure we set up the brigade, in good order.”
The ceremony showcased the regiment’s capabilities, featuring a logistic resupply operation that was interrupted by a simulated attack, demonstrating the effective response from combat units in coordination with the main battle tanks.
LTCOL Higgins likened the regiment to its mascot, “Courage”, symbolising strength and vigilance.
"Our unit mascot is the wedge-tailed eagle, a bird of prey,” he said.
“The other squadrons in the unit represent the eyes and ears, and now finally we have the talons of the bird of prey.”
