8 October 2024
A contingent of Australian soldiers from 8th/9th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment and medics from the 2nd Health Battalion flew to Fiji last month to participate in Exercise Cartwheel, which wrapped up on September 19.
The two-week US Army Pacific-led exercise with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces also included participants from New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France and Tonga.
Focused on company-level activities and individual skill building, the round-robin style exercise was designed to enhance confidence, increase exposure to partner nations, and build interoperability for future conflict response.
Major Simon Sullivan said it was an opportunity to strengthen relationships with international partners while enhancing operational readiness.
Confidence-building activities included jungle warfare tactics with the Royal Gurkha Rifles, rappelling off heights with the Nevada National Guard, and running explosive breach confidence practices.
“These activities not only provide valuable training, but also allow each nation to demonstrate their expertise and share best practices with one another,” Major Sullivan said.
Operating under the Coral Warrior series, the annual exercise aims to improve the operational capacity of the Fijian military while fostering closer ties between Australia and its Pacific partners.
'It is through exercises like Cartwheel that we continue to foster trust and mutual understanding, and the spirit of cooperation that will see us into future engagement.'
Major Sullivan said it provided a platform for diggers to refine their combat engineering and infantry skills while learning from the diverse approaches of their international partners.
“Exercises like Cartwheel provide us the opportunity to build not just technical skills, but to forge relationships and mutual trust, both of which are essential for future joint operations within the region,” Major Sullivan said.
“The shared experiences and challenges faced during these scenarios provide a professional development within a multinational environment and allows for a better unified force.”
Chief of Staff Joint Task Force Command, Republic of Fiji Navy, Captain Saula Tuilevuka, said the annual exercise was another step forward in the joint commitment to regional security.
“This exercise has once again showcased the dedication, professionalism and strength of our joint forces,” he said.
“I want to acknowledge the support from all partner nations, and agencies. Your participation has made this exercise a true success.
“It is through exercises like Cartwheel that we continue to foster trust and mutual understanding, and the spirit of cooperation that will see us into future engagement.”
