Government commits more support for Ukraine

More troops have been deployed on Operation Kudu as part of Australia’s continued support of Ukraine, two years on from Russia’s invasion.

CAPTION: Members of the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, who recently deployed on Operation Kudu at Edinburgh Defence Precinct, Adelaide. Story and photo by Captain Peter March.

Army’s previous rotation of 70 personnel expanded to about 90 in January, to include a junior leader training program.

As part of this commitment, soldiers from the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR), deployed to the UK to lead Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel through the first iterations of the section commander, platoon commander, and platoon and company sergeant battle courses.

7RAR’s contingent commander Major Michael Jack said realistic training was key to achieving mission success.

“The skills that are being developed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine members range from small-arms training with their individual weapons, first aid and care of the combat casualty, and tactics training in rural, urban and trench environments,” Major Jack said.

“The idea with these scenarios is to replicate as much of the combat situation in Ukraine as possible.

“We have weapon effects to replicate the sound of artillery and indirect fire.”

Major Jack said he was proud of the part his team had played in assisting more than 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers since June 2022 as part of the wider UK-led and based training program.

“It’s very humbling, and a privileged feeling to have this key role as part of our mission,” Major Jack said.

Commander 9th Brigade Brigadier Tim Orders said the quality of the training being delivered by the team was world class and a testament to the skill and professionalism of the Australian soldier.

“Junior leadership training provides an opportunity to develop skills for key personnel within the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which are critical in the nation’s ongoing fight against Russia’s unilateral, illegal and immoral aggression,” Brigadier Orders said.

“The results of the training are helping Ukrainian recruits generate the additional capacity needed to defend their homeland.”

The success of the training led the Australian government to announce an extension and expansion of Australia’s commitment to the multinational training mission throughout 2024.

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