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Australian troops have teamed up with international counterparts in an effort to further strengthen interoperability.
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Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have commenced a warfighting exercise alongside US Marines and troops from the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) as part of Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2022.
The trilateral training activity, scheduled to wrap up on 27 May, aims to enhance warfighting interoperability to improve combat readiness.
The exercise, which is expected to include infantry live fire and tank integration, involves approximately 400 ADF troops, 190 personnel from the MRF-D, and 70 from the JGSDF.
“Exercise Southern Jackaroo is a great example of how our regional partners integrate with Australian forces to conduct realistic combat team training for combat operations,” Commander of the 7th Brigade, Brigadier Michael Say said.
“Our combined capability to coordinate ground forces demonstrates adaptability and interoperability that can be applied to disaster relief or warfighting operations.”
Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D) Commanding Officer, Colonel Christopher Steele. welcomed the opportunity to strengthen relationship with international partners.
“MRF-D is excited to continue the outstanding tradition of Southern Jackaroo alongside our trusted Australian and Japanese allies,” COL Steele said.
“We are looking forward to enhancing our combined interoperability and developing our relationships.”
JGSDF Training Unit Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ryozo Asano also noted the importance of the trilateral training activity.
“Considering the current world situation, the trilateral exercise is very significant, and it is very useful for improving the capability of units and all soldiers,” Lieutenant Colonel Asano said.
Exercise Southern Jackaroo is one of a number of multinational exercises set to take place this year, with up to 2,200 MRF-D personnel expected to conduct combined training with the ADF in 2022.
The MRF-D forms part of the United States Force Posture Initiatives, which also includes Enhanced Air Cooperation between the Royal Australian Air Force and US Air Force.
Earlier this year, preliminary work to construct a new fuel storage facility in Darwin was commissioned, expected to hold up to 300 million litres of fuel to support the transfer, management and storage of military specification jet fuels used by US forces.
A US delegation, led by US Indo-Pacific Command’s Director for Logistics and Engineering, Brigadier General Jered Helwig, also visited bases and facilities in Australia to advance commitments announced following the Australia-US Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2021.
These commitments included the establishment of combined logistics, sustainment, and maintenance enterprise to support high-end warfighting and combined military operations in the region.
[Related: RAN prepares for major international maritime exercise]
