Soldiers from the 10th/27th Battalion, Royal South Australia Regiment (10/27RSAR), seized the opportunity to sharpen their combat skills during Exercise Shrike Launch, in preparation for their deployment to Indonesia for Exercise Super Garuda Shield.
Soldiers progressed through section and platoon live-fire training and infantry minor tactics.
Officer in Charge Captain Kyle Johnston said the troops were eager to display their lethal capability.
“These soldiers came out to the Cultana Training Area [in South Australia] with a great attitude and approached the serials with a really positive aggression,” Captain Johnston said.
“We put them through their paces to ensure they are good to go once they step off on Super Garuda Shield.
“From what we saw over the course of Shrike Launch, I’m sure they’ll go on to do the battalion and the Australian Army proud.”
Exercise Super Garuda Shield, an Indonesian-United States-led bilateral activity focused on joint operations with multinational partners, will take place from August 31 to September 13.
9 Brigade units – 1st Armoured Regiment and 10/27RSAR – will lead the Australian contingent.
Commanding Officer 10/27RSAR Lieutenant Colonel Sam Benveniste said Super Garuda Shield was a rare opportunity for his predominantly Army Reserve personnel, including those who are part of the Reserve Accelerated Training Scheme.
“The opportunity for these soldiers to deploy and exercise alongside flanking unit 1st Armoured Regiment, as well as our partners in Indonesia and the United States, is really exciting,” Lieutenant Colonel Benveniste said.
“It’s testament to the way 9 Brigade has integrated through the Total Workforce System, and the increased opportunity it provides for our Army Reserve members.”
Australian heavy armoured vehicles will take part in Exercise Super Garuda Shield, which will be the first time this type of vehicle has left Australian shores since the Vietnam War.
