19 May 2025
Hundreds of reservists of 5th Brigade from across NSW and the ACT went through their paces this month in preparation for Exercise Talisman Sabre.
Scenarios conducted during Exercise Menin Run included route clearance operations, convoy protection, mobile reconnaissance and fire support operations.
Community engagement and soldier welfare activities were also practised during the four-day exercise.
For Trooper Ruby Olssen, the name of the game was practising communication support from the battlefield to headquarters.
“We’ve had reconnaissance tasks and vehicle checkpoints out in the bush, so my role is taking all of the information in at a command post on the radio,” Trooper Olssen said.
Trooper Mark Harris said the exercise was a great test to polish skills ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre.
“We’re trying to meet the operational tempo with the amount of inbound and outbound communications that come into the command post, which for this exercise has been quite intensive and enjoyable,” Trooper Harris said.
'Exercise Menin Run was a great opportunity for our reservists to demonstrate their skills and capability.'
Commander 5th Brigade, Brigadier Jodie Lording, said it was a great shake-out for the troops and congratulated them all on their hard work.
“I have been impressed with the enthusiasm and professionalism of our soldiers and officers," Brigadier Lording said.
"Exercise Menin Run was a great opportunity for our reservists to demonstrate their skills and capability. They should be immensely proud of their achievements.”
Private Luca Allan connected with mates from across the brigade.
“It’s spending time with the mates; it’s what makes it fun and you get to meet a lot of people, and get to know them and to make a great set of friends,” he said.
Exercise Talisman Sabre will run from July 12 to 27.
