7 October 2024
For the first time in four years, Australia has won the Multinational Force and Observer’s (MFO) annual Force Skills Competition, claiming both best overall team and best minor-contingent team titles.
The MFO annual Force Skills Competition, held from September 18 to 19, united personnel from various international contingents to demonstrate military prowess and teamwork.
Over two days, 11-person teams faced off in a series of challenges designed to test essential military skills. Larger contingents like the US and Fiji fielded two teams each, while smaller contingents collaborated to create combined, multinational teams.
The competition itself was a test of military skills, including weapons handling, marksmanship, driving, recognition and identification of military vehicles and equipment, combat first aid, physical fitness, explosive ordnance and counter-IED drills, and more.
Each unique challenge was marked out of 10. Teams gained or lost points for how quickly and how well they completed each challenge.
The Australia contingent (AUSCON) triumphed, winning gold by securing both the titles for best minor-contingent team and best overall team. This marks a significant achievement for the Australian contingent – their first win in four years.
'It really solidified our confidence in the training we receive as Australian soldiers.'
Captain Harrison Clayfield, an armoured corps officer and battle captain deployed on Operation Mazurka, shared insights on the team's preparation and the competition’s significance.
“The team prepared by revising the integration training conducted by the Force Training Team upon arrival in the MFO,” he said.
“We held extensive rehearsals and training on the range to ensure safe, rapid and accurate live-fire practice.”
He said the Force Skills Competition was a platform for contingent-based teams to test individual and collective military skills while fostering esprit de corps among different nations.
Geographical separation of team members before the competition posed challenges, but the diverse backgrounds of the Army and Navy personnel ultimately enhanced the team’s capabilities.
“This diversity allowed us to tailor our skill sets,” Captain Clayfield said.
“All members were well prepared and willing to train together, showcasing the professionalism of Australian soldiers and sailors.”
Captain Clayfield said it was a fantastic achievement to be named the winners.
“It really solidified our confidence in the training we receive as Australian soldiers,” he said.
“There was also an extra push to perform at our best. Anytime you get Kiwis and Aussies competing against each other it’s a good chance to engage in a bit of friendly rivalry.”
The AUSCON team leveraged individual skills throughout the competition, using combat first-aid qualifications during the medical stand and demonstrating strong knowledge of armoured fighting vehicles during relevant challenges.
'All members were well prepared and willing to train together, showcasing the professionalism of Australian soldiers and sailors.'
Team members applied their expertise to achieve outstanding results in the live-fire and driving skills components.
Reconnaissance Platoon Sergeant and sniper Sergeant William Tutt, of 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, is the current Security Sergeant at the MFO, and played a vital role in setting up and implementing the competition.
He was proud to support the Australian contingent team by facilitating regular marksmanship and firearms training in the weeks leading up to the event.
Leading Seaman Vivian Messa, the most junior AUSCON member and participant in the AUSCON team, said teamwork was key to their success, . He described the driving component’s challenge, consisting of a theory test, a driving course, and a tyre change in a threat environment.
“From the get-go, we were in it to win it. When I heard we won, I felt an enormous amount of pride to represent Australia. It was very fulfilling; all our hard work had paid off,” he said.
The Force Skills Competition exemplifies the spirit of service and opportunity within the MFO, as personnel from different nations unite to enhance their military skills and strengthen international bonds.
The event not only highlights individual and team achievements but also reinforces the collaborative ethos essential to the MFO's mission.
As participants returned to their duties, they carried with them not just medals but a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to excellence in service.
