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Australian and Fijian defence personnel have completed a practical knowledge-sharing military exercise.
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Earlier this month, the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (8/9RAR) and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) participated in Exercise Coral Soldier — a simulated role-playing exercise designed to foster collaboration.
Personnel were scattered throughout the bush and urban environments in the Greenbank Training Area in Brisbane, teaming up against a simulated enemy.
RFMF Sergeant Loresio Sovea said the exercise supported knowledge-sharing between the two forces.
“For me, [the exercise] is about enhancing regional relationships with our Anzac partners,” he told Army News.
“We’ve been exchanging a few tips on building clearances, tackling obstacles, and of course those little jungle tips that we carry with us that our forefathers are well known for, especially during the Malayan campaign, Solomon Islands and East Timor.
“We’ve developed those throughout the years and it’s a great opportunity to share some of those tips with our Australian mates. I’ve worked with Australians before and it’s always a huge learning curve for us.”
Lieutenant Max Silvy, from 8/9RAR, added that Exercise Coral Soldier also helped build comradery and mateship between Australian and Fijian personnel.
“I’ve learnt a bit about esprit de corps. The big thing the Fijians bring is high motivation,” he said.
“They’re eager to do the job and work in a communal atmosphere. The Fijians are lovely people to work with.”
[Related: Exercise La Perouse begins in Bay of Bengal]
