Battle Group Ram conducted battle-prep on a dusty Star Airfield waiting for CH-47 Chinook helicopters to insert them into an abandoned quarry 500 metres from Objective Horse.
“Pass me some cam cream,” said a Fijian soldier cleaning his rifle as he prepared for landing-hour.
Snipers watched Objective Horse from a nearby high point, hidden in the tree line, as fast jets struck surrounding targets setting the conditions for the airmobile operation to commence.
Commanding Officer of Battle Group Ram Lieutenant Colonel Ben Watson looked on as company commanders delivered orders and conducted their final checks.
“This operation is being executed as part of the 1st Combined Division, simulated in the Indo-Pacific,” Lieutenant Colonel Watson said.
“Opposition forces have illegally occupied ground to the south and the notional government has asked our respective countries for assistance to remove them.
“Australian, French, American, Kiwi and Fijian solders make up this Pacific Battle Group and we wouldn’t operate in the region without them – they’re an intimate part of our planning and execution.”
New Zealand motorised infantry in light armoured vehicles were first to attack the opposition force in Objective Horse.
This forced their withdrawal north and enabled follow-on forces to insert via helicopter.
“We’ve learnt a great deal from our Pacific family and in particular the Republic of Fiji Military Forces with their ability to integrate into local populations and the environment,” Lieutenant Colonel Watson said.
“If we are to conduct operations in the region, we are doing it with them in lock-step beside us as a united force.”
Republic of Fiji Military Forces Platoon Commander Lieutenant Marika Naupoto said this was the second airmobile operation they had conducted in a matter of weeks, and the familiarity of working with Battle Group Ram was delivering great results.
“We’re a dismounted unit, so being exposed to different operations and air-frames gives our soldiers a lot of confidence,” Lieutenant Naupoto said.
“It’s a big step integrating a platoon into Talisman Sabre. I look forward to seeing a company-sized element participating here in the future.”
