Defence News

Operation Mazurka’s contingent of 25 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members successfully challenged the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) larger nation groups in a military skills competition recently.

The Australian team came away with the Minor Contingents trophy and were runners-up in the overall competition––with only one point between first and second.

Commander of the Australian Contingent, Lieutenant Colonel Graeme Steer said though one of the smallest contingents, the ADF was traditionally well represented in these events.

“The competition gives us a chance to demonstrate the ADF’s military skills,” Lieutenant Colonel Steer said.

“Our team competed against military teams from the US, Fiji and Colombia as well as larger contingents from New Zealand, Canada, Italy and Hungary.”

Lieutenant Colonel Steer said the competition was physically challenging but also involved basic military skills relevant to service with the MFO.

“The competition involved finishing an obstacle course and 3.2 kilometre run in patrol order, followed by a 25-metre range shoot with different firing positions.

“After that, teams went through a combat medical scenario and an aircraft and armoured fighting vehicle recognition stand,” he said.

“The final part of the competition was a scenario based on a hostile crowd violating an MFO remote site to test the teams’ knowledge and application of the Rules of Engagement.”

The ADF contingent supports the 2400-strong Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai on Operation Mazurka to supervise the execution of the Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel.