27 June 2025
Whether it was on the local streets, on nearby farmland or in nearby seas, soldiers from 13th Brigade forged plenty of new friendships across the city of greater Geraldton this month.
The brigade’s security response task unit deployed north from its home base of Perth with more than 190 personnel and 50 vehicles, showcasing its capability to rapidly project force and resources across the vast state of Western Australia during Exercise Arras Sprint.
A cornerstone of the week’s activities was the enhanced interoperability with WA Police Force (WAPOL), Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force (ABF) elements to rehearse their joint responses to possible threats.
At Geraldton Port, WAPOL and ABF officers working alongside a platoon of infantry to conduct vehicle checkpoints, while a small boats platoon provided an effective blocking force in Geraldton Harbour.
Commanding Officer of the security response task unit, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Davidson, said the exercise demonstrated the importance of building trust with the community.
“The purpose of this activity was to test the task unit’s ability to secure and protect critical infrastructure,” Lieutenant Colonel Davidson said.
“Throughout the exercise, people in Geraldton saw soldiers patrolling the streets, interacting with the community, and asking questions.
“To do our job well and provide effective security we need the trust of the community, and we’ve been grateful for the engagement and support shown by the people of Geraldton.
“Even with soldiers in full body armour and carrying weapons, we saw many residents approach and chat with us – which is exactly what we hoped for.”
'This was our major training exercise for the year, and we chose Geraldton because it allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local community.'
Members of 13th Brigade conducted logistics and reconnaissance training near the town of Mullewa on land generously made available by local landowner and 13th Combat Service Support Battalion soldier Craftsman Jim Doherty.
Craftsman Doherty’s 2000-hectare property gave soldiers an opportunity to conduct heavy vehicle manoeuvres and dismounted patrolling over unfamiliar terrain.
The exercise concluded with a community day at the Geraldton foreshore, where soldiers showcased the vehicles and equipment used throughout the week.
Commander 13th Brigade, Brigadier Damian Bushell, said the reaction from the community had been very positive.
“This was our major training exercise for the year, and we chose Geraldton because it allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local community,” he said.
“It also provided the ideal conditions for the kind of training outcomes we’ve been aiming for, and I’m happy to say we achieved them.”
