Pte Brett Miller, C Coy 3RAR, and Sgt Sowiboon Sak Dee, 3 Bn 31 Infantry Regiment (King's Guard), compare patrolling techniques during Ex Temple Jade. 115 Thai paratroopers visited 3RAR at their home in Holsworthy while a similar number from 3RAR visited the Thai battalion's home base for company-level interoperability training. Photo by Bill Cunneen.

PARATROOPERS nations apart were brought together recently for Exercise Temple Jade, an international company-sized exchange of airborne forces.

Members of Spt Coy 3RAR swapped jobs with elements of 1 Bn, The King's Guard of the Royal Thai Army in an activity designed to enhance the interoperability of the two nations at a tactical level.

The Australians were welcomed with a feast followed by an introduction to a Thai icon - Maekong whiskey.

Throughout the three-week exchange, an extensive program of lessons was conducted to swap ideas and foster co-operation and interoperability between the two armies.

Training included an introduction to Muay Thai kickboxing, refresher training in mines and booby-trap procedures, camouflage and concealment, military unarmed combat and foreign weapons handling.

The field phase started with a difference for the Australians, who observed Thai battle-prep procedure, which involves a ceremonial-style check of attendance, weapons, equipment, communications and vehicles - and included jumping up and down in marching order with the honking of horns.

During the field exercise Spt Coy participated in an advance to contact, numerous platoon and company level attacks and a tactical withdrawal.

The Australians used the opportunity to visit the Burma Railway, Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and Hellfire Pass, as well as to impart some aspects of Australian culture upon their hosts by means of a barbeque and beer.

OC Spt Coy Maj David Rose said the exercise was a good chance for the two countries to learn from one another.

"The exercise was an excellent opportunity for 3RAR to practice inter-operability with the Royal Thai Army in tropical conditions," he said.

"It was a highlight of the training year for most of the company."

By Sgt Phil Larkam

Thais down under

Bush tucker men ... Sgt Saman Kpng Ka, Pte Kirley and MSgt Somchai Klindokkaew sample some culanary delights at Singleton during Exercise Temple Jade. Photo by Bill Cunneen.

3RAR's paratroop brethren from 3 Bn, 31 Inf Regt (King's Guard), recently visited Australia for some invaluable training and the chance to see some of Australia's well-known sights.

OC Training Technology Centre Watsonia Maj Antony Rigby said that the group was in Australia for just under a month, calling Holsworthy Barracks their temporary home-away-from-home.

He said that Exercise Temple Jade saw 115 Thai soldiers train with C Coy 3RAR, including weapons handling on the Steyr and Minimi, using the WTSS and doing a range shoot.

"The Thais also did flight and landing training at the Parachute Training School under the supervision of their own Jump Masters," he said.

"And we have three senior NCOs who are assisting and ensuring the equipment is being used safely."

He said that the soldiers from C Coy also had the chance to work with the Mag 58 machine guns - the Thai counterpart to the Minimi - the M257 and the M16 A2.

"Because of their role as a rapid deployment force in Thailand this battalion is very well equipped with modern radios and weapons," he said.

During the cross-training the Thais and Australians held briefings on the history, roles and structures of both battalions.

Maj Rigby said that something that had been remarked on by all the Thai soldiers was the similarity of history of the two units.

"One of the things that came up is that both of these units are the primary parachute battalion of their nations and each have lost a commanding officer in action."

He said that for most of the soldiers, their trip to Sydney was their third experience with the Australian Army.

"There was an exchange on Exercise Chapel Gold in 1999, when a company from 2RAR travelled to Lop Buri and exercised with 3 Bn.

"Two months later the two battalions operated together in East Timor."

The group visited the AWM, the Blue Mountains and saw snow, which was a first for some.

Maj Rigby said that the group appeared to have had a good time and made use of their time to go into the city and visit Parramatta and the beaches and experience Australian Asian cuisine.

"They've been making a big move on the OR's mess and provided a cook to help the Australian cooks as they're very particular on the method of rice cookery.

"They were also surprised that there was so much Asian food in Sydney."

Company Commander Capt Ronnarong Rochanasena said that a number of his soldiers had eaten at Thai restaurants and had noticed that a lot of the time the food had been adapted to make it more applicable to Australian tastes - which they found unusual.

By Pte Simone Heyer-Irwin