Photos Australian Defence Force

An Australian Army Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle from 5th Brigade at the release of the Defence Industry Development Strategy at CEA Technologies in Canberra.

In support of the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program with the Philippines, the training is being conducted between Australian Denence Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines under the Joint Australian Training Team – Philippines (JATT-P) program.
The training team, drawn from the 3rd Combat Brigade, deployed to Philippines in April 2024. They are delivering bespoke tactical training with elements of the Philippines Army’s 5th Infantry Division. Training is being provided in fire support planning including live-fire of mortars, urban training, first aid, reconnaissance and surveillance and tactical communications.

3rd Brigade in Nth Queensland. July 2024

1RAR in Philippines. July 2024

Delivery of the RAN's first ten Skyhawks, eight A4Gs and two TA4Gs, began on 26 July 1967

RAAF No.2 Security Forces Squadron throughout Exercise Austral Shield. July 2024

Engineers of Battle Group Tiger, 1st Combat Engineer Regiment. July 2024

The last M1A1 Abrams main battle tank has left Gallipoli Barracks, Brisbane, as Army continues its implementation of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) and National Defence Strategy (NDS).


It marks the end of an era for 7th Brigade unit 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) (2/14 (QMI)), which has operated with tanks since 2017, when C Squadron became a tank unit under Plan Beersheba.
Under the DSR and NDS, tank capability will be consolidated in Townsville. The new Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 main battle tanks will be introduced into the School of The School of Armour - Australian Army and 2nd Cavalry Regiment later this year.
2/14 LHR (QMI) Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tim Hurley said the move would ultimately be a positive for the unit and Army as a whole.
“While as a unit commander I would love to have a tank squadron at my fingertips, it makes absolute sense to consolidate Army’s tank capability,” he said.
“It allows Army to become a focused force, and it significantly reduces the sustainment overheads for the main battle tank capability.
“Becoming Army’s only pure cavalry regiment will give our unit great role clarity, in addition to some depth in both people and equipment.”
Lieutenant Colonel Hurley acknowledged the impact of the DSR and NDS implementation on soldiers who would have to transition skillsets or move.
He said having an honest conversation with them was key to them being prepared for the next challenge.
“I believe clear and rational communication removes at least some of the friction inherent in organisational change,” he said.
“I think the vast majority of our tank crews are keen to get their hands on the best tank on the planet – the M1A2 SEPv3 - and as such will happily move to Townsville or Puckapunyal to keep doing what they love.
“Centralising in Townsville will also give the tank fraternity some critical mass, which will afford them more depth in terms of experience, instructors, maintainers and commanders.”
Tank commander Corporal Isaiah Emnace, who has been working with M1A1s since C Squadron was raised, said it was a sentimental moment watching the last one leave the unit, but viewed it positively.
“It was a bit of a bittersweet moment because obviously in order to get new equipment, the older stuff has to go first,” he said.
“I’ve been operating these vehicles for a while now and you experience a lot with them out field; but watching them go, it’s all of the good times that I’ve had with them that come to mind.
“Being in the back of them, shooting with them, commanding in them and being part of a really close team - those are all great memories.”
Corporal Emnace said he was ready for the next challenge though, and was looking forward to training with the new main battle tanks.
“First and foremost we’re soldiers, so we’re working on those skills at the moment because it’s important to be capable as a soldier on the ground,” he said.
“Then we’ll start looking at the theory side of understanding the new tank and adapting to the differences, so when we get them we can hit the ground running.”
Commander of 7th Brigade Brigadier Giles Cornelia said it was a significant moment for the brigade and 2/14 LHR (QMI).
“I am very proud of the sterling service of C Squadron as a tank squadron, and am looking forward to the new chapter for this historic and exceptional unit,” he said.
“We are working quickly and effectively to change our force structure and play our part in the focused force as the ready brigade, and 2/14 LHR (QMI) are central to this.”

Two Mi-24 Hind gunships diverted to Australia from Papua New Guinea, then stored in the Tyndall AFB.

PC-7

Conhoon said:

“It allows Army to become a focused force, and it significantly reduces the sustainment overheads for the main battle tank capability.

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This was blindingly obvious from day 1. Yet it's taken 7 years to be rolled back.

Aviators put through their paces during Exercise Stoic Gauntlet 24.
Exercise Stoic Gauntlet brought units from across the country to RAAF Base Tindal, Northern Territory, to practice airbase operations whilst operating under simulated ground and air threat conditions in severe, deployed, and uncertain environments.
Exercises like Stoic Gauntlet are critical to ensure Defence has the capability to project air power from northern bases in line with the 2024 National Defence Strategy objectives.

Soldiers from 1st Combat Engineer Regiment and 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment prepare to land on Warruwi Island, during Exercise Predator's Run

An A Coy Platoon Headquarters, 1st Military Police Battalion, receiving radio orders. July 2024