Workhorse - E27 - Airborne Ops Development - 1975-1986

The advent of the 1976 White Paper came with a reduction in the ADF's combat operations, and an emphasis on preparedness for the defence of Australia. As a result, the ADF put a great deal of energy into exercising and developing combat skills and proficiency. This effort led to the re-establishment of a permanent Regular Army airborne operations capability (first with 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, then 3 RAR) and along with those capabilities came C-130 tactics development.This is the story of that development.  Featured are Exercises Perak Ginger, Distant Bridge, Just Cause (US invasion of Panama), Pelican's Progress and Far Canopy. Also featured is a discussion of how the wedge came to be.