The Australian Army’s 1st Commando Regiment conducted Exercise REBEL CHALLENGE at the Puckapunyal Military Training Area during 20-22 December to train the Rabo Direct Melbourne Rebels Super XV rugby union team as part of their pre-season build-up program, with a focus to help them identify leaders within their senior player group.
Members of the 1st Commando Regiment conducted the leadership based activity for approximately 40 hours, designed to test the Rabo Direct Melbourne Rebels’ teamwork and decision making under physical and mental stress while operating in unfamiliar and arduous environments.
“This was a relatively tough series of exercises for all those involved, and we challenged the participants to learn us much as they could about working together when under stress,” said Brigadier “D”, Deputy Special Operations Commander Australia.
“It’s been a great opportunity for our Special Forces soldiers to work alongside a professional sporting organisation, as it enhances our own leadership and team building experience, while at the same time assisting the Rabo Direct Melbourne Rebels during their foundation years.”
Thirty members of the Rabo Direct Melbourne Rebels’ staff and senior playing group attended Exercise REBEL CHALLENGE, along with the same number of members from The 1st Commando Regiment.
The Australian Army is renowned for its ability to indentify and develop leadership qualities within a group environment, and has successfully conducted similar leadership activities for professional sporting teams from a variety of disciplines.
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Media contact: Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
