Amidst the dense Kuantan jungle, military personnel from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom were greeted by a striking figure - a Malaysian ranger covered in mud, clad in a grass skirt, holding a spear and adorned with a bone necklace.
Beneath a sign reading 'Welcome to Survival Training' the ranger led the group with rhythmic chants to the training site, where Captain Saravana and his team from the 4th Battalion, Royal Ranger Regiment, awaited.
The survival training kicked off with an introduction to the local jungle flora, where participants were shown a variety of plants and taught how to identify those that are edible, medicinal, poisonous, or useful for treating ailments such as heat rash.
The hands-on nature of the session kept everyone engaged, as they tasted leaves and extracted water from plant roots.
Next, the team learned how to build and maintain a fire without modern tools.
The importance of smoke in repelling mosquitoes and insects was emphasised, along with a clever tip to coat the body in mud, which not only deters mosquitoes, helping prevent malaria, but also provides warmth during cold jungle nights.
'The use of unconventional materials compared to what Australian soldiers typically rely on allowed for some quality learning.'
Australian Sapper Corey Lancaster said the Malaysian techniques were ingenious, particularly the use of natural materials such as thick vine lashings to construct durable and effective traps.
"Our team gained valuable insight into Malaysian field craft and sustainability practices," Sapper Lancaster said.
"The use of unconventional materials compared to what Australian soldiers typically rely on allowed for some quality learning."
Captain Saravana reminded participants of the ethical responsibility in survival situations - especially when using killing traps made of sharpened bamboo, which must be checked at least twice daily.
The training culminated in a jungle feast, where chicken, fish and beef were cooked inside rotating bamboo shoots over an open fire.
The importance of smoking meat for preservation was also demonstrated.
This immersive experience not only equipped participants with essential survival skills but also fostered deeper collaboration and mutual respect among the nations' participants.
The shared knowledge and camaraderie built in the jungle set a strong foundation as the teams prepared to head into the field for Exercise Bersama Lima.
