Refining the ability to conduct counter terrorism ops: Exercise Saracen

In the dim street lights of South Auckland, Commandos from the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service are ready.

An active shooter is on the move in nearby amusement park, Rainbow’s End.

The Commandos’ role: to neutralise the terrorist threat and rescue a large number of people caught up in the situation.

Supported by two RNZAF NH-90s, members of Counter Terrorist Task Unit 1 (CTTU1) make their way into the park and begin working towards their objective.

Responding to an active shooter is one of many counter terrorist operations the members of CTTU1 trained for recently during Exercise Saracen 2018.

The exercise tested new capabilities and techniques as commandos responded to situations simulating modern global terrorist activities that could still pose a very real threat to New Zealand and its citizens.

To maintain an effective counter terrorist response capability for New Zealand, D Squadron conducted a number of tasks throughout the country, involving scenarios in public places such as schools and airports as well as more isolated areas including an island in the Hauraki Gulf.

The introduction of the new Battle Management System delivered through the Network Enabled Army Project was a key component of the exercise. The radio system enabled better command and control at the squadron and troop level, as well as providing the capability to conduct geographically separate operations through a Special Operations command and control element and ground force commanders.

The troop commanders and team leaders were tested in their command and control by dynamic scenarios putting pressure on their ability to complete complex tasks, while coordinating a variety of assets including the NH-90s, C-130 Hercules, snipers, military working dogs and explosive ordnance disposal operators. Testing the commanders to their limits, operations were held in difficult terrain such as multi storey buildings. A large group of civilians played hostages.

Exercise Saracen 18 provided valuable experience for five recently graduated Commandos from the Special Operations Tactical Assault Course (SOTAC). The new Commandos were able to apply their recently learned skills in different scenarios in various areas of New Zealand.

One of those graduates, Private J, had the opportunity to deploy with the Squadron as an Assault team member. “Exercise Saracen provided a good opportunity for us newer guys to integrate into the team and put to use the skills learnt on SOTAC,” he said.