20 September 2023
From the dusty ranges of Townsville Field Training Area, to the tropical islands of Papua New Guinea, soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) 2nd Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (2RPIR), trained side-by-side in high-level warfighting.
Exercise Wantok Warrior, hosted in Wewak, PNG, provided a seamless continuation of training for the infantry soldiers who worked closely on Exercise Talisman Sabre.
Section Commander Corporal Glynn Shrosbree said the opportunity for both regiments to train together in different environments allowed for a robust training package and strong relationship building.
“Having started our training with 2RPIR during Exercise Talisman Sabre on our home soil in Townsville, we've now come to PNG and it’s been great to meet up with the same lads and continue that training,” Corporal Shrosbree said.
The training ramped up in Wewak with the conduct of a combined arms assault, moving via amphibious and air assets from the mainland to Muschu Island to complete jungle and urban clearances.
“You can only go so far in so many weeks. Now that we've come over to PNG we can keep training with our brothers from 2RPIR and progress to conduct amphibious and air-mobile assaults,” Corporal Shrosbree said.
He said the battalion was making the most of the amphibious training in a world-class location.
“We spend a good portion of our time out field in Townsville, so changing up the environment gives us more options in terms of training outcome and keeps the soldiers sharp,” Corporal Shrosbree said.
“Operating with the zodiac boats has been a massive learning curve. We’re experienced in air-mobile operations, but we don't get exposed to small boats very often, so conducting amphibious landings here in beautiful clear water is an awesome opportunity.”
This level of integrated combined arms training is the first to be executed in Wewak, and Contingent Commander Major Mick Janssen said he was impressed with the soldiers’ adaptability.
“It is impressive watching soldiers quickly adapt to working across the jungle, coast and urban terrain; on top of it being the first overseas exercise for many,” he said.
“It’s important to rehearse integrating the assets, resources, skills and knowledge of our partners and allies as we seek to conduct realistic and demanding training.
“Opportunities such as these help soldiers at all levels forge relationships as they work closely together, which solidifies the historic connection between the ADF and PNGDF.”
Corporal Shrosbree said the ADF had long-standing commitments in PNG.
“There’s a brotherhood here, especially with 2RPIR and the history of Australian soldiers in Wewak. It's a privilege for us to come over and honour those friendships built over time,” he said.
