Partners sharpen combat skills

Soldiers from 3 Bde teamed up with Papua New Guinea Defence Force troops in a high-tempo joint exercise, sharpening combat skills across mounted and dismounted operations in the Townsville Field Training Area.

2 Cav Regt integrated PNGDF infantry into their ASLAVs, combining mobility, reconnaissance and firepower to conduct raids deep inside simulated enemy territory.

Lt Isaac Ralph, a 2 Cav troop commander, said the cavalry’s role was to operate ahead of the main force, gathering critical intelligence and striking key targets.

“Being cavalry, we push forward of the main body to answer the commander’s questions and enable the force to move and attack,” Lt Ralph said.

“When we find high-value enemy targets, we can engage them using artillery or our new dropper drones.”

Operating primarily at night, the combined force pushed into contested areas, using drones and dismounted teams to identify and strike targets through ambushes and raids. Once positions were secured, troops worked quickly to extract intelligence from captured enemy forces.

The exercise also flipped the script, with the same call sign transitioning into an opposing ‘red force’, tasked with disrupting friendly forces.

“As red force, our job is to get in behind blue force lines, create chaos, and stop them from achieving their goals,” Lt Ralph said.

A platoon from PNGDF’s 2nd Royal Pacific Infantry Regt (2RPIR) was embedded within the Australian unit, gaining rare experience operating from light armoured vehicles.

Lt Emolle Ryan, of 2RPIR, said the exposure to mounted operations had been challenging and rewarding.

“For many of us, this is our first time working in ASLAVs, and it’s been an incredible learning experience,” Lt Ryan said.

“As a dismounted unit, being mounted adds a whole new dynamic. The boys are really keen and it’s been great to roll up mounted and then conduct what we do best – dismounted patrols.”

Despite the demanding conditions, including unfamiliar cold overnight temperatures, Lt Ryan said the partnership was marked by strong camaraderie.

“We’re just happy to be here. It’s a privilege and we’re pretty humbled to be with the 2 Cav guys. They’ve been superb and we’re really enjoying our time here,” he said.

“They’ve also been really good with trying to keep us warm too, it’s been so cold overnight.”

The joint activity was part of Exercise Wantok Warrior, with PNGDF forces embedded into the broader Exercise Southern Jackaroo for three weeks before transitioning to weapons training alongside 1RAR.

Ex Southern Jackaroo wrapped up on July 3.