Two former New Zealand cavalry soldiers have reunited in Townsville nearly a decade after first serving together.

Captain Ian Eagle and Lance Corporal Aaron Marinus both began their careers in the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) Wellington East Coast Cavalry Squadron before pursuing different paths. Captain Eagle transferred to the Australian Army in 2025, while Lance Corporal Marinus took up a civilian role with Ergon Energy in 2024.

By coincidence, both men settled in Townsville where a new NZDF Reserve Force arrangement allowed Lance Corporal Marinus to continue his military service with the Australian Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CAV).

The agreement enables NZDF reservists living overseas to meet training obligations while attached to partner forces, helping Lance Corporal Marinus to sustain operational readiness while strengthening Defence ties.

“The biggest advantage is the ability to maintain continuity in training and operational exposure while living overseas,” Lance Corporal Marinus said.

“It allows me to stay current, contribute meaningfully, and build experience within a highly capable partner force, all while strengthening professional networks between NZDF and ADF”.

Captain Eagle said it has been a benefit to the unit to have an experienced extra set of hands around – and perhaps someone to share the burden of a distinctive accent.

“I have enjoyed having Marinus in the unit. I know his character and skills, and he will add huge value to 2CAV, so it’s great to have him with us,” Captain Eagle said.  

Not long into joining the regiment, Lance Corporal Marinus deployed with 2CAV on Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2026, bolstering capability.

“These are the types of large activities that we struggle to get the manpower for, so being able to plug those gaps with experienced people is super powerful,” Captain Eagle said.

'I have enjoyed having Marinus in the unit. I know his character and skills, and he will add huge value to 2CAV, so it’s great to have him with us.'

He said the longstanding Anzac relationship continued to underpin seamless cooperation between the two forces.

“I think Aussies and Kiwis work so well together because we have shared character traits – we are resourceful, driven and positive soldiers on both sides of the ditch, who love to work hard and banter hard,” Captain Eagle said.

“I liken it to the big brother/little brother relationship – we like to compete but when it's time to muck in we are family.”  

For Lance Corporal Marinus, returning to field training reinforced the appeal of service.

“Getting back on the tools in a field environment has been highly rewarding, and that's the beauty of going to reserves, you learn to miss it,” he said.  

“Field exercises reinforce core soldiering skills, rebuild confidence and provide a practical, hands-on environment that you don’t get in routine settings.”

Lance Corporal Marinus described integrating with the regiment as smooth, blending each nation’s cavalry training as well as cultural values, reflecting the legacy of the Anzacs.

“The professionalism and structure within 2CAV make it easy to understand expectations, and the team has been welcoming and supportive,” he said.

“NZDF and ADF personnel work well together due to shared values, similar training frameworks and a long history of cooperation through the Anzac spirit, but also strong cultural alignment and mutual respect.”