Exercise Stoic Gauntlet highlighted the people behind Air Force health capability, as specialist reservists proved mission critical.

Throughout the exercise, reserve clinicians played a central role in establishing and operating the field hospital. Many work daily in high-tempo civilian hospitals as surgeons, anaesthetists, perioperative nurses and critical care specialists – expertise that was crucial in translating hospital capability to a deployed setting.

Reservists were instrumental in planning, validating and testing the JP2060-3 equipment suite. They drew on their Defence experience on exercises and operations, and their familiarity with modern clinical systems to ensure equipment was safe, functional and fit-for-purpose. 

For Squadron Leader Sarah Nixon, a perioperative nursing officer from Coffs Harbour with extensive civilian hospital experience, the exercise showcased the unique value reservists bring to complex operating environments.

“I led a team of clinical experts to select equipment that was practical for the field. That meant balancing capability with deployability, such as choosing a lighter, more agile anaesthetic machine over a heavier option. The procurement process was a strong test of both our clinical and military judgement,” Squadron Leader Nixon said.

“We work with this equipment, procedures and environments every day in our civilian jobs, and that knowledge feeds straight into Defence capability.

“On exercise, we ran through a surgery scenario involving a patient with a penetrating chest wound. The constraints of the field-operating table became obvious. We had to think outside the box and really understand what available equipment we could safely adapt. It was great to see the reservists bring their specialist skills into the mix, helping to guide decisions in the deployed environment and support the best outcomes for patients.” 

'I was really proud to see how quickly we can integrate, operate as one team and be ready to deploy.'

Stoic Gauntlet demonstrated how reserve personnel seamlessly integrate with the permanent force, providing specialist depth that would otherwise be unavailable. According to Squadron Leader Nixon, that integration is critical to readiness.

“This hospital capability requires reservists to bring their specialist skills,” she said. 

“I was really proud to see how quickly we can integrate, operate as one team and be ready to deploy.”

Beyond capability, she said the experience has been personally rewarding.

“I absolutely love being a reservist. It’s the best career move I’ve ever made,” she said. 

“A civilian hospital is a totally different exposure to living and working out field. Out field, we are learning to be uncomfortable, make decisions under pressure and use our initiative. It’s challenging, meaningful, and it makes you better at what you do in uniform and civilian life.” 

As Air Force prepares for increasingly complex operational environments, Stoic Gauntlet has made one thing clear: Reserve capability is fundamental to readiness and operational success.