Forged in the jungle

ADF personnel and international partners tested their resilience, adaptability and survival skills during a Combat Survival Course in North Queensland.

Delivered by Combat Survival Training School at RAAF Base Townsville and the Tully Field Training Area, the course challenged participants to operate in harsh tropical conditions, while developing the skills needed to survive, evade, resist and escape (SERE) in isolated and hostile environments.

The activity brought together aircrew from Air Force, Army and Navy alongside military personnel from Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Sweden, Thailand and France, strengthening interoperability and professional relationships with partner nations.

Chief Instructor Combat Survival Training School FLTLT Marat Roche said the training reflected the realities of contemporary operations through realistic multinational training.

“Combat Survival Training School prepares selected personnel in survival, evasion, resistance and escape techniques for both hostile and nonhostile environments,” FLTLT Roche said.

“Our aim is to ensure personnel are prepared to survive, avoid capture and, if necessary, endure isolation until recovery.

“Combat survival is a core operational capability, and this course provides the opportunity to practise these skills in a realistic but controlled environment so participants are better prepared if they ever become isolated in the field.”

FLTLT Roche said international participation added significant value to the training.

“Training alongside our international partners builds trust, strengthens interoperability and gives us confidence in how we will operate together in real-world situations,” he said.

Throughout the course, participants completed scenario-based activities designed to build confidence, self-reliance and sound decision-making under pressure. Training included survival site development, shelter construction, fire-lighting techniques, and trap and snare construction suited to North Queensland’s tropical environment.

Students were assessed on individual and team-based survival tasks, reinforcing the importance of leadership, cooperation and mutual support in demanding conditions.

FLGOFF Matthew Martin said the course delivered practical skills directly applicable to future operations.

“Training with other nations has been incredibly valuable because they bring different perspectives and approaches to survival challenges,” FLGOFF Martin said.

“The course has given me confidence that, if I ever found myself in this situation, I’d have the skills to survive, be recovered and continue the mission.”