Exercise Coastwatchers Rotation 13, led by Townsville’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment, delivered bespoke training courses to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Honiara, Solomon Islands, in late March.

Army instructors from Townsville led training in logistics, medical, vehicle maintenance, small boats operator and drone surveillance.

The courses, from basic to advanced, qualified 111 students in just one month. 

Contingent Commander Captain Jake Dooley, of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, said the exercise enhanced and maintained the relationship and trust developed over decades between Australia and the Solomon Islands by training side by side.

“Being over here is fantastic,” Captain Dooley said.

“For many of the contingent it’s their first trip overseas and it’s been great learning about the culture and the differences between our nations so that we can work better together as partners.”

The Coastwatchers training packages have developed significantly over recent years, now delivering advanced and instructor-level courses as well as practical cross-department scenarios, which Captain Dooley said had been valued by the RSIPF officers.

“We’re developing the trainees into instructor roles so that they can pass on the skills and knowledge to the rest of the police force,” he said.

“The level of training has been fantastic and it’s been a lot of fun. The RSIPF members are super keen and receptive to what we’re teaching, which is really good to see.

“It’s really fulfilling to be able to teach those skills and then see them applied in a more practical sense.”

RISPF Superintendent Lionel Kapisa praised the Coastwatchers training scenarios, and said he was proud to qualify officers from across the country.  

“The Coastwatchers program has helped develop RSIPF officers from all provinces and departments in training, which varies from maritime and land perspectives,” Superintendent Kapisa said.

“If you look at the Police Response Department, the basic and now advance boarder surveillance course really fits in with their environment and they have utilised the skills and knowledge they’ve learned in their roles.”

Superintendent Kapisa said there was no lack of RSIPF volunteers to conduct Exercise Coastwatchers, and he hoped to see the training continue.

“We are looking forward to more Coastwatchers training. It has developed more than 700 officers in total and they’ve learned a variety of skills through the different ADF courses, which gives the RSIPF an advantage,” he said.