Corporal Max Helion joined up looking for the mateship Army is renowned for, and now he uses some of the most advanced technology to patch communications with those mates across the country and beyond.
Corporal Helion, of 7th Combat Signal Regiment, enlisted straight out of school as a telecommunications technician in 2019, seeking "something different" from his school-based carpentry apprenticeship.
He was seeking a role where no two days would be the same, and Exercise Mercury Run was a good example.
"We've got a really good crew. Everyone is keen to get stuck in and do their job, and have a crack," Corporal Helion said.
"In our role, there's a lot you pick up on the go. With the new systems we get, you're always learning; your mind's always busy, and you can always learn something from anyone you're working alongside.
"If you're a good team player and eager to learn, you don't have to have all the answers, but if you can pick up things quickly and put in the effort, it adds value to the team."
During Exercise Mercury Run, signallers tested the tactical communications architecture and compatibility between systems, ensuring functional communications between combat brigades, formations and partner nations, such as New Zealand.
Corporal Helion said the exercise was an opportunity to prepare for upcoming field exercises and to catch up with mates from across Army.
"Throughout my career so far, I have made mates for life and they're all around Australia now, so it's good being able to connect with them," Corporal Helion said.
"In barracks you get a lot of new kit and courses, but you don't always get a chance to put that into practice until we go out field. Going out field is actually my favourite part of the job, because you get to use your trade skills the whole time, and that's the whole reason we're here."
'If you're a good team player and eager to learn, you don't have to have all the answers, but if you can pick up things quickly and put in the effort, it adds value to the team.'
Officer Commanding 139 Signal Squadron Major Tim McNamara said Exercise Mercury Run, conducted from barracks across the country, would roll into Exercise Polygon Wood, a Command Post Exercise that would prepare the brigade for upcoming major field exercises later in the year.
"We conduct Exercise Mercury Run twice a year - once at the start of the year and again in quarter four - to ensure we achieve a baseline of functional capability across our networks," Major McNamara said.
"We turn everything on, ensure we can talk to each other, and run serials to identify where faults lie.
"The objective is to confirm configurations for the divisional network and the integration of allies and partners.
"We practise integration with the New Zealand Defence Force through high-frequency radio communications. It's tricky to do, being able to talk across the ocean and not just relying on satellites, but we're making contact with Fort Linton Military Camp."
Major McNamara said while the exercise fulfilled an operational need to establish working communications systems, it was also a chance to present development opportunities to the signallers in his squadron.
"We definitely have wizards, a handful who are light-years ahead of the game. Just trying to harness their raw talents is one of the great opportunities this exercise represents," Major McNamara said.
