Australian and Filipino soldiers exchange tactics

Mortars, urban combat clearance, signals, first aid and combat shooting were just some of the categories of training conducted in the Philippines by members of the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR).

CAPTION: Philippine Army soldiers conduct an urban clearance serial led by the joint Australian training team – Philippines at Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz. Story. by Captain Thomas Kaye. Photo by Sergeant Brodie Cross.

From April to June, members of the 3rd Combat Brigade deployed to the Philippines to form a land mobile training team (LMTT) under a joint Australian training team – Philippines (JATT-P).

Major Lindsay Pritchard, officer commanding the activity, said he was proud of how his soldiers conducted themselves while working with members of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

“Sharing our techniques and procedures helps us build interoperability between our two defence forces,” Major Pritchard said.

“Being here and working side by side with the Armed Forces of the Philippines helps us build that cultural understanding, build the social networks and build those person-to-person relationships that really help us work together.

“Watching the soldiers delivering the training, I think it’s been excellent. It’s been an awesome opportunity for them. Seeing them grow in their ability and confidence – as well as their instructional technique – has been really exciting to watch and observe.”

While most have to wait to gain seniority before they get the opportunity to undertake an instructional role, junior members of the unit shared what they had learned.

Working as a signals instructor, Lance Corporal Cooper Thompson facilitated training for members of the Philippine Army on enhancing radio communications.

“I’m currently bridging a gap between our communications and theirs, so they’re able to work better with coalition forces using internal systems and methods,” Lance Corporal Thompson said.

“The outcomes we’ve set for this whole activity; they’ve absolutely smashed through all the assessments we’ve put forward.”

Pleased with the training and the chance to share knowledge, First Lieutenant Nelson Perabo, of  the 86th Infantry Highlander Battalion, and his comrades found themselves immersed in the training.

“It is indeed a great opportunity for us to endeavour for our advancement and gaining more knowledge and skills in the different areas of our career,” he said.

“I find it really challenging and a great opportunity to work with the Australian Army. They are indeed knowledgeable and ensure that we learn.”

CAPTION: Australian Army soldiers from 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, with Philippine Army soldiers in the Philippines.

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