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.