Explosive start for sappers in the Philippines

Explosives, beach assaults and knife fighting kicked off the first two weeks of training between Australian soldiers and members of the Philippine Marine Corps participating in the Joint Australian Training Team – Philippines (JATT-P) program.

CAPTION: Australian Army soldiers and members of the Philippine Marine Corps conduct littoral assault training during Joint Australian Training Team – Philippines program at Marine Base Ternate, Philippines. Story by Captain Diana Jennings. Photos by Corporal Janet Pan.

The Australian contingent, predominantly from Darwin’s 1st Brigade, 1st Combat Engineer Regiment (1CER), deployed to the coastal Marine Base in Ternate, home of the 64th Battalion, Force Reconnaissance Company, for the training rotation.

Small boat operations and maintenance, combat shooting, tactical casualty care, offensive fires support coordination, obstacle emplacement, explosive hazard reduction and littoral operations were the focus of the intense training program.

Philippine Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Chris Ulobalang said the highlight was working alongside the Aussie sappers.

“The real highlight is working with the Australians and getting to know them; they’re very nice to work with and since the day that they arrived, we started a good relationship,” Staff Sergeant Ulobalang said.

Detonating live demolitions to breach obstacles and clear a path, the integrated teams executed a littoral assault, manoeuvring from the sea, storming the beach, clearing a feature and advancing into the jungle.

“They’re good instructors, we have learned a lot and have applied what they’ve taught us by completing the scenario activity, which makes us more confident,” Staff Sergeant Ulobalang said.

He said his soldiers were eager for more training opportunities.

“Our soldiers are very happy to have Australians with us. We wish and hope to have another JATT-P rotation here in the future,” Staff Sergeant Ulobalang said.

Lieutenant Alice Heartley, of 1CER, said the marines were skilled professionals and welcoming hosts.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure and an honour to train these guys and to gain knowledge from them as well; it’s been invaluable,” Lieutenant Heartley said.

Overseeing training serials on obstacle emplacement and explosive hazard reduction, Lieutenant Heartley said the inventive team of combat engineers adapted their methods to use locally available resources.

“We’ve adapted our training style to what the Philippine marines can use within their environment, so instead of bringing our defensive stores over from Australia, we’re using natural resources like bamboo to be more effective,” Lieutenant Heartley said.

“Philippine marines as a training audience are absolutely fantastic; they’re eager to learn and incredibly smart, plus they’ve shown us their tactics, which are quite different, but very effective.”

Corporal Aleksander Zulic, of 1CER, said training in a different environment within the pacific region was a valuable opportunity for the Darwin-based soldiers.

“Training in different environments gives us the ability to identify shortfalls in our own logistics and overcome challenges when operating abroad,” Corporal Zulic said.

“And unlike home in Darwin, there’s no threats in the ocean.

“The marines have been one of the most professional forces that I’ve worked with, they’re friendly, very good at what they do and there’s no other nation I’d rather be working with.”

CAPTION: Australian Army and Philippine Marine Corps participate in the Joint Australian Training Team – Philippines (JATT-P) program at Marine Base Ternate, Philippines.

.

.


.


.