Army reservists from across the country converged on Puckapunyal in early June to demonstrate and develop their skills during the 2nd (Australian) Division's mortar concentration live-fire weekend.
For many, the transition was immediate, coming from their place of civilian employment on Friday, and sending rounds down range by Saturday morning.
The activity provided an opportunity to refresh individual competencies and build collective proficiency in the Division's growing indirect fire capability.
Captain Richard Jones said it was the first time such a large-scale mortar concentration had been conducted across the command since Army Reserve mortars capability was re-raised in the division four years ago.
"So it's been awesome to get the opportunity and see some really good training outcomes for everyone," Captain Jones said.
"We can't wait to go again next year."
While the live-fire serials formed the centrepiece of the weekend, the training extended beyond the gun line.
Soldiers were exposed to the broader systems and processes that underpinned effective indirect fire, reinforcing technical understanding and team integration.
For Lance Corporal Matthew Spain, time spent in the command post offered a new perspective on the trade.
"I've been privileged to work in the command post and do a lot of the map work in my training, it was quite interesting," Lance Corporal Spain said.
"Seeing the capability of some of the ballistic computers, where you don't even need to do the mathematics, is pretty incredible."
By combining hands-on firing with exposure to the planning and coordination elements of mortar operations, the activity helped build a more holistic understanding of the capability across all ranks and roles.
The momentum generated at Puckapunyal will carry into the division's next major training activity, Exercise Austral Shield 2026.
Forming part of the Australian Defence Force's broader homeland defence series, it will be an opportunity for Reserve units to integrate, validate and expand on the skills refined during the mortar concentration.
