Australian soldiers from the 3rd Brigade teamed up with Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) troops in a high-tempo joint exercise, sharpening combat skills across mounted and dismounted operations in the Townsville Field Training Area.
Soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CAV) integrated PNGDF infantry into their Australian light armoured vehicles (ASLAVs), combining mobility, reconnaissance and firepower to conduct raids deep inside simulated enemy territory.
Lieutenant Isaac Ralph, a troop commander from 2CAV, 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," Lieutenant 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.
'When we find high-value enemy targets, we can engage them using artillery or our new dropper drones.'
The exercise also flipped the script, with the same call sign transitioning into an opposing 'red force' role, 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," Lieutenant Ralph said.
A platoon from PNGDF's 2nd Royal Pacific Infantry Regiment (2RPIR) was embedded within the Australian unit, gaining rare experience operating from light armoured vehicles.
Lieutenant 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," Lieutenant 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, Lieutenant 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 2CAV guys. They've been superb and we're really enjoying our time here," he said.
The joint activity was part of Exercise Wantok Warrior, with PNGDF embedded into the broader Exercise Southern Jackaroo for three weeks before transitioning to weapons training alongside 1st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment - reinforcing regional military cooperation and interoperability. Exercise Southern Jackaroo wraps up on July 3.
