The Australian brings word that soldiers are going to be rappelling out of Blackhawk helicopters over Parliament House on Friday as part of a training exercise.
While the note states “this training is for exercise purposes only and is not in response to any specific security threat or situation,” it immediately excited comment amongst parliamentarians.
The Black Hawks will make a number of approaches over Parliament House and descend well below the top of the famous flagpole, hovering as low as 15 metres above the roofs of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
So don’t go panicking.
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Surely fast roping, rather then abseiling?
Wilson Tuckey trying to get his seat back.
p1 said :
1- They’re two different things.
One uses equipment to control descent, the other just relies on physical strength and rope-grip.
2- Then vs than? You should know better…
Be alert, not alarmed.
Holden Caulfield said :
Your country needs more lerts.
Personally, I feel safer knowing he BlackHawks and those that use them are out there, keeping us safe.
I wonder if it’s going to be loud enough to drown out the voices of the politicians.
Skidbladnir said :
Yes two different things. I was suggesting it is much more likely that they are are practicing fast roping in this instance.
As for the ‘then’, I can only claim drunken posting. Cheers!
Anyone know what time of day the training will be taking place? or is it all under wraps?
Sounds like they aren’t giving much away.
Jeez – I hope the Blackhawks aren’t built around rusty Viet Nam-era airframes! Surely our Great and Powerful Friends wouldn’t sell us their clapped out old junk…again…would they?
Deref said :
They’d need a time machine to do that.
p1 said :
1, Otherwise it is Tea bagging.
Deref said :
facepalm!
Hopefully, the era of El Presidente` Capitano Raaf will beging peacefully once I get to the bottom of the rope but those parliamentary guards do pack a pretty mean chinese burn!
All lawyers, Labor voters and Kevin Rudd’s had better make tracks cos, your first on my list!
In other defence news, I noticed in the RAR magazine that I received yesterday that the M113s are being retired.
What a pity. I liked those big growling beasts.
Any idea as to what time this may happen people?
‘Bout lunch time… But don’t quote me on that.
Captain RAAF said :
I saw through your cunning plan. It’s a military coup while Ms Gillard and 1st Bloke are in Korea…
As an ex-raafie, I request that I be appointed acting 5 I/C until a position can be found to suit my talents..
Where’s the best place to watch from with a pair of binocs? Any hints?
Well it was great to watch it at Parliament house, hot and windy weather wasn’t too pleasant though. And it happened just over lunchtime so thanks for the tip.
I got a fair few pics, I have sent a few through to the riotact, I imagine there may have been a few other rioters snapping pics too.
Even some of the AFP guys had their phones out and were taking in the spectacle.
A cabbie tried to stop and take it in too but was quickly moved on by the AFP who yelled at him for stopping and obstructing traffic