The systems, supported by Australian Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles and US Army MRZR all-terrain vehicles, quickly established communications, simulated a fire mission, and redeployed by air to demonstrate mobility and speed. Battery Sergeant Major of the regiment’s 54th Siege Battery, Warrant Officer Class Two Mick Krek, said the activity delivered strong training outcomes and highlighted the value of cooperation.
“Working with our American counterparts is always a rewarding activity. They come with a lot of experience, which is helpful for us as we’re a new unit and we still have a lot to learn,” WO2 Krek said. “At the same time, the USAF also learns a lot from the Australian call signs, and I feel our training has postured us perfectly to execute missions such as this to deny avenues of approach to the north.”
US Army elements from the 17th Field Artillery Battery also took part, with Battery Commander Captain Daniel Schell emphasizing shared learning and interoperability. “We were able to receive a mission during our flight window and then store that information,” Captain Schell said, adding, “One of the great things about this exercise has been the chance to see some of the similarities we have with Australian forces, share lessons learned and work through some of the new things that we’re doing as part of coalition and joint training.”
