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Exercise in sabre rattling |
| THE government of Kamaria has been accused of genocide, with the ADF being mobilised to take action. The ADF will be part of a more than 30,000-strong UN-sanctioned force that will attempt to bring stability to the region, conveniently located in the north and north-eastern area of Australia. That’s the scenario for the combined joint US-Australian exercise, Talisman Saber 07 (TS07). To be conducted primarily at Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) in June, TS07 will be the largest-ever combined joint training exercise between the ADF and US forces in the region. The biennial exercise will focus on operational-level warfighting with scenarios altered depending on location between air, sea and land assets. Australian forces will include about 7500 personnel, 20 ships and 25 aircraft. US forces are expected to include 20,000 personnel, more than 150 aircraft and 10 ships, including the aircraft carrier USS Kittyhawk and its battlegroup. The exercise aims to enhance combat readiness and interoperability, improve Defence relationships and develop capability. TS07 will include parachute insertions, amphibious landings, air combat manoeuvring and maritime operations. Among the highlights will be the Joint Combined Training Capability (JCTC) that will enhance joint and combined training using a network that links training management systems, training areas, simulators, headquarters and units. The network allows the interaction of live instrumented forces with virtual and constructive simulations. Centrepiece of the JCTC will be the opening of the Urban Operations Training Facility (UOTF) at SWBTA. UOTF uses shipping containers to represent a complex urban environment. The shipping containers allow different building configurations and enable combined teams to practise offensive and defensive operations. The facility is instrumented so live tracking can be recorded and analysed. A live-fire urban assault range, adjacent to the UOTF, will complement the facility. During TS07 an airfield will be established at Bradshaw Field Training Area, NT, for Australia’s new C-17s. It will provide a semi-permanent runway for future exercises and training. All training sites have undergone a rigorous environmental risk assessment process and will be managed in accordance with ADF provisions and environmental legislation. |