SF jump for joint activity

An Australian and RBSF soldier push a zodiac into deeper water. Photo by David Karonidis

A soldier from the Royal Brunei Special Forces carries his parachute ashore. Photos by Cpl Sean Burton, SOCOMD

Members jump into Pittwater on Ex Star Leopard.

By Capt Gabrielle Turnbull

RESERVE Special Forces unit 1 Cdo Regt and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Special Combat Squadron (RBAF SCS) came together last month in Sydney for Exercise Star Leopard 2004 (Ex SL04).

The exercise was part of the ADF’s Regional Engagement Program aimed at increasing the ADF’s cooperation and inter-operability with the region’s special forces.

OC 1 Cdo Coy Maj David Savvas said Ex SL04 reflected the increasing importance of working with regional special forces.
“This has been an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, enhance the skills, techniques and tactics employed by the RBAF SCS and the ADF’s premier reserve unit, 1 Cdo Regt,” he said.

Ex SL04 has continued to foster cultural awareness and a close relationship between Australian special forces and their comrades in Brunei.

SCS platoon commander Lt Kamarul Reza bin Haji Ramli said that the exercise was a great success.

“This is my first visit to Australia and since we are a new squadron, this bilateral exercise has been an excellent opportunity to expand our experience,” he said.

“The exchange of ideas through discussions has also been useful and will assist both nations in our regional fight against terrorism.”

The exercise began with a barbecue and friendly soccer match between the nations, and culminated with two combined military parachute jumps into Pittwater, north of Sydney, September 28-29.

60 soldiers jumped from the back of a C130 flying at 1000ft.

The Australians and Bruneians worked together, both when jumping and in the zodiacs, collecting the soldiers from the water and returning them to the beach.

Along with parachute training, soldiers on Ex SL04 also engaged in special forces amphibious and urban training, demonstrating the reserve regiment’s flexible array of skill sets and capabilities.

Part-time service with the reserve special forces provides an excellent opportunity for young, fit and motivated men and women.

1 Cdo Regt is recruiting now, call 131901 for details.