Battling mosquitoes and torrential rain, an Environmental Health soldier protected Defence members from health risks during Exercise Alon in the Philippines.
Private Janet Puk, from Townsville's 4th Health Battalion, was part of the Australian Army's Battlegroup Ram during the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) largest overseas exercise of 2025.
The 25-year-old, who grew up in the Sydney suburb of Busby, said her role was to prevent non-combat-related injuries.
"This includes testing our water so it isn't harmful or making the soldiers sick. Testing the food as well, ensuring it is prepared properly - cooked at the right temp, for example," Private Puk said.
"We also set traps for bugs and mosquitoes around our camp - checking what types are around the area and looking at them under the microscope to see what diseases they might carry and how we'd combat them."
Her role in the Philippines came with challenges, with monsoon season affecting some treatment options.
"Once the traps and lures are set, we look at the number of bugs caught and determine if we need to fog the area. However, because of the constant rain, the fog won't be as effective," Private Puk said.
Hundreds of Australian Defence Force personnel operated in areas of dense jungle and swollen rivers during the exercise, with the environmental conditions keeping ADF health teams busy.
'We all wear the same uniform, but everyone has their own little thing going on and have different roles, but we all work towards the same goal.'
Private Puk said her role focused on the conservation of personnel capability.
"This means helping the soldiers avoid sickness and gastro-like problems," she said.
She said it was great seeing everyone work together around Fort Magsaysay in the north-east of the Philippines.
"We all wear the same uniform, but everyone has their own little thing going on and have different roles, but we all work towards the same goal," she said.
Almost 3600 personnel from Australia, the Philippines, United States Marine Corps and Royal Canadian Navy trained across land, sea, air, cyber and space domains.
