Residents of the Adelaide Hills town of Woodside were met with an unusual sight during Exercise Rhino Run, when soldiers of the 10th/27th Battalion, the Royal South Australia Regiment (10/27RSAR) patrolled the town’s main street in full combat ensemble. 

The activity, part of a broader domestic security training exercise, resulted in positive interactions between personnel and the local community.

Conducted from August 29 to September 7, the exercise enhanced 10/27RSAR’s readiness as a security and response task unit to respond to domestic security contingencies involving the 1st Armoured Regiment, 9th Combat Service Support Battalion, 8th Signal Regiment and 3rd Health Battalion.

The presence of soldiers in Woodside simulated real-world conditions to test Army’s ability to operate in populated environments on home soil. 

Locals expressed support and curiosity about Army’s role, which proved somewhat surreal for 10/27RSAR Private Garry Bessen.

“I do a lot of work for my civilian job in Woodside, so it was strange being in uniform under these conditions and going into the local bakery where I usually like to go and grab a sausage roll,” Private Bessen said.

The exercise concluded with a live-fire platoon-level clearance of a trench system at Murray Bridge Training Area, which was a highlight for Private Bessen.

“It was the first time doing something like that for a lot of us, and I loved it. It was so different and just having that variety in our training,” Private Bessen said. 

“Prior to the trench clearance we were dealing with role-playing protesters, so seeing how situations can rapidly evolve, and testing how we respond to that with our fellow Australians, was really interesting.

“It was a great challenge and a lot of fun.”

'Exercise Rhino Run is about ensuring our soldiers are ready to respond quickly and effectively to domestic security challenges.'

Commander 9th Brigade, Brigadier Tim Orders, praised the structure and impact.

“Exercise Rhino Run provided a significant uplift in both our individual and collective preparedness,” Brigadier Orders said. 

“The investment by the 10/27RSAR staff in providing this demanding, realistic training is exactly what our soldiers deserve.”

The activities in urban and rural settings focused on rapid deployment, area security and inter-agency coordination. 

Along with foundation warfighting skills, the exercise tested command and control, mobility, communications, logistics and health support functions.

Commanding Officer 10/27RSAR Lieutenant Colonel Darrin Tyson said the exercise was a great opportunity to test integration of ADF elements in a complex operational setting.

“Exercise Rhino Run is about ensuring our soldiers are ready to respond quickly and effectively to domestic security challenges,” Lieutenant Colonel Tyson said. 

“The professionalism and adaptability shown by all participating units reflects the strength of Army’s capability and commitment to defending Australia.”