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Army Reservists have put their skills to the test in a combat environment, by integrating with regular Army units at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021.
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Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), and reservists from across the 2nd Division conducted the drills as an initial training activity designed to forge a cohesive and lethal infantry company before hitting the ground running.
Reservist Private Will Yet Foy, of the 9th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment, travelled from Brisbane to work alongside comrades from 1RAR and enhance his skills as an infantry solider.
“To come here and work alongside them is a really good opportunity to learn the skills and drills they practise every day,” he said.
“I’ve really enjoyed everything we’ve learnt so far and I’m looking forward to the ‘crawl, walk, run’ style training as we step it up over the next couple of days and piece together all of those things we have learnt.
“It’s been excellent working with the full-time guys.”
The reserve soldiers’ eagerness to learn could see junior leaders step up as mentors, according to 1RAR Section Commander Corporal Cody Delangen.
“Our section commanders have been teaching lessons and the senior diggers have taken on a lot of responsibility assisting, engaging with the reservists and giving them advice,” CPL Delangen added.
“Coming from both sides with reserves and full time, we’re working together really well, especially with urban clearance, which is such a complex task.
“It’s always good to get out there with the reserves, but it’s also a good opportunity to hone our teaching abilities, too.”
Soldiers will continue to work together across Battle Group Coral’s terrain.
According to 1RAR Platoon Commander Lieutenant Brendan Smith, it was an important opportunity for the soldiers to understand why integration training is so valuable.
“I began my career as a reservist and there was nothing we liked better than coming to train with full-time soldiers and getting the benefit of their knowledge and experience, so that’s what we’re trying to provide,” he said.
“The reserves have come with a really mature and professional attitude. They’re picking up the lessons quickly, their drills are already looking a lot smoother and by the end of the week we will be a strong company.”
[Related: International forces to arrive for Exercise Talisman Sabre]
