Handshakes, high-fives, patch swapping and a good old laugh – what better way to finish an exercise.

Drenched in sweat after their culminating activity, members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) lounged in the shade alongside their Australian Army mates.

Exercise Wirra Jaya comprised a range of activities, obstacle courses and a large-scale battalion attack to close out the week of training at the urban operations training facility on Robertson Barracks.

It wrapped up a series of training this year between the TNI and units from 1st Brigade.

Private Jason Selmes, of 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, said his first time working with the Indonesians was a great experience.

“On the range, the drills from the Indonesians were similar but just to a different standard,” Private Selmes said.

“I picked up some basic Bahasa so I could communicate on range safety. It made it easier to get the soldiers to do the right things when needed.

“Getting people to point in the right direction, make sure the safety catch is on when not shooting. It keeps everyone safe, so having a few words to understand is crucial.

“The soldiers did well. They took on the lessons we gave them and it was a good experience working with them.”

'The obstacle course was a great activity as it showed no matter what nation we are from, we can work together to overcome literal obstacles.'

Private Selmes said stepping up as section commander for the exercise was a highlight and enabled him to grow his skillset.

“Full credit to the boys. They got out there, gave it a good crack and it was great to have the Indonesians in our platoon,” he said.

Contingent Commander Major Benjamin Dorland said the exercise presented challenges that come with working alongside international forces, but being able to overcome these challenges makes everyone stronger together.

“On the range, we were able to share techniques on combat shooting with our weapons system and they showed us how they conduct it with theirs,” Major Dorland said.

“The obstacle course was a great activity as it showed no matter what nation we are from, we can work together to overcome literal obstacles.”

Major Dorland said the annual exercise was a great opportunity for his soldiers from Delta Company to learn new tactics and share their own knowledge to strengthen partnerships.

Speaking to the entire contingent, Commander 1st Division Major General Ash Collingburn said that over the course of the exercise, commitment to modernisation, resilience and adaptability had been demonstrated.

“One team, one fight. That’s what we have seen here,” Major General Collingburn said.

“Training here in the Northern Territory is tough, particularly in an urban environment, but you have all demonstrated you are up for the challenge.

“What we have seen here is one team, right down to the section level. It was great work and I could not be more impressed.”