Australian and Thai Special Forces soldiers prepare to recover hostages during Exercise Wyvern Sun, a simulated terrorist incident and SF response in Thailand.

Photo by Capt Jason Logue, SOCOMD

Aussie SF try Thai
SOCOMD troops deploy on combined counter-terror exercise

By Capt Gabrielle Turnbull

AUSTRALIAN Special Forces recently deployed to Thailand to test their ability to work together with the Thai Special Forces in resolving terrorist incidents.

Exercise Wyvern Sun was held from July 5-9 and involved Australian and Thai Special Forces rescueing hostages held by a group of terrorists.

In 30-degree temperatures, the Australian Special Forces not only acclimatised, but lived and worked with the Thai Special Forces and successfully completed their mission.

Deputy Special Operations Commander Brig Mike Hindmarsh had been located in the forward Headquarters in Thailand during the exercise and said the activity had tested and proved the interoperability of the forces.

“We all received combined briefings with interpreters and through every level – Digger to Digger, general to general – we worked together,” he said.

“Overall I found the Thais to be a very professional outfit with similar procedures to our own and a pleasure to work with.

“Our national counter-terrorism response capability must be capable of addressing all possible terrorism threats that could impact on Australia’s national interests at home and abroad.

“Therefore it is essential that Australian Special Forces have the opportunity to exercise their ability to counter terrorist activities, while offshore, working with international forces.”

The exercise involved Defence working with a number of Australian Government Departments including the Departments of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Foreign Affairs and Trade, Attorney General’s, the Australian Federal Police and Australian intelligence agencies.

Australia and Thailand signed an agreement in 2002, the Australian-Thai Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation to Combat International Terrorism, to advance both nations’ mutual aim of working together to defeat terrorism.