Joint Combined Training Capability at Shoalwater Bay Training Area

The Joint Combined Training Capability is a training and communications capability, not massive infrastructure.

The Joint Combined Training Capability is a training capability which uses real time networked simulations through the use of sophisticated computer and communications technology. It is important to note it is not massive infrastructure.

Under the Joint Combined Training Capability concept, facilities at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland and the Bradshaw Training Area and Delamere Air Weapons Range in the Northern Territory will be further developed and able to be linked with American facilities.

The first priority for the Joint Combined Training Capability project is to enhance Shoalwater Bay Training Area for our major bilateral training exercise with the United States, Talisman Sabre, in 2007. The $9 Million of enhancements include improved range facilities; advanced integration of maritime, land and air training systems; increased linking of simulation with live training; and an enhanced ability to track and record exercise activity in order to provide high quality feedback.

The main aspect of this enhancement at Shoalwater Bay Training Area will be the creation of an Urban Operations Training Facility and the erection of an Exercise Control Building. The Urban Operations Training Facility is a small town precinct and has been located in an environmentally and culturally benign section of the training area.

The Exercise Control Building will provide work facilities for more than 50 personnel involved in the commanding, umpiring and overseeing the safety and environmental aspects of exercises.

None of the facilities are visible from adjoining properties, roads or sea outside of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Another $11 Million is being invested around Australia in sophisticated communications equipment to network existing air and maritime platform simulators with land force training systems and operational command systems.

The Joint Combined Training Capability will provide three practical benefits: major improvements to training outcomes as exercises can be viewed and assessed by commanders in real time and then replayed in debriefs to participating personnel; The wide range of scenarios available through simulation will enable the enhanced development, analysis and refinement of tactics and military concepts. 'virtual' equipment such as ships and planes can be incorporated into simulations thus freeing up assets for operational use.

Through it, the United States will become a closer training partner and as a result, our joint combined operational effectiveness will be improved.