Cavalry prove they can go the distance

Joint Task Force 629 (JTF629) demonstrated its ability to conduct long-range mounted reconnaissance across regional Australia during Exercise Austral Shield.

Travelling hundreds of kilometres through central Queensland in July to gather information on critical infrastructure and engage with local communities, a reconnaissance cavalry troop from 12/16HRL patrolled from Jericho to Gladstone via Emerald, Blackwater, Stanwell and Bajool. 

The patrol assessed infrastructure of significance to Defence operations, including transport, energy and industrial facilities, while providing reconnaissance reporting from across the area.

It also tested the ADF’s ability to operate across vast distances.

Commander of Joint Operations VAdm Justin Jones said the scale of Exercise Austral Shield reflected Australia's harsh geographic realities.

“We have people spread across Queensland from Cairns to Gladstone, to Weipa and RAAF Scherger, and in and around HMAS Stirling in WA – it’s a continental-sized activity,” VAdm Jones said.

JTF629 reconnaissance cavalry troop leader Lt Conor Watson said the patrol highlighted how cavalry soldiers projected a regional presence while providing wide-area security.

“Our ability to conduct long-range reconnaissance and screening for the task unit, combined with our speed, firepower, agility and bias for action, provided a significant disruption effect on the enemy within our area of operations,” Lt Watson said.

Reconnaissance of key infrastructure included the Stanwell Solar Farm, Blackwater Coal Mine, Bajool Magazine and the Boolburra Bridge. 

Reporting from the patrol helped identify infrastructure suitable for supporting future ADF operations while highlighting vulnerabilities.

Lt Watson said the activity demonstrated the task force's ability to deploy and operate independently over significant distances, including forward positioning fuel supplies to limit impact on the local communities.

“It proved JTF629 can deploy anywhere in Australia,” Lt Watson said.

“We can do so effectively without breakdown or resupply issues. 

“We were required to observe such a variety of different assets, aligned to a range of tasks. 

"We really broadened our cavalry skills.”

He said the patrol's engagement with community leaders, industry representatives and local residents proved equally valuable. 

“We were so surprised by the awesome community support,” Lt Watson said.

“People just flocked to us and were so excited to meet the Australian Army.”

VAdm Jones said activities such as Exercise Austral Shield demonstrated the ADF's commitment to defending Australia and protecting national interests.

“It tells the citizens of Australia that we take our remit to protect them and Australia’s interests extremely seriously, and this is preparing for that mission,” VAdm Jones said.

Soldiers also supported local businesses, with bakeries becoming a favourite stop for the cavalry troop.

“A chunky steak meat pie, absolutely,” Lt Watson said.

“It’s become our unofficial bakery benchmark. Everyone judges a bakery by its steak pie.”