Australian soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and the Republic of Korea Army strengthened interoperability during Exercise Tiger Dingo across the Townsville Field Training Area.

In the first iteration of this year’s exercise, they trained in realistic warfighting scenarios, rehearsing reconnaissance, infiltration and raids on enemy positions to strengthen readiness and tactical integration using utility task vehicles (UTVs).

The combined element was led by 2nd Cavalry Regiment troop commander Lieutenant Fergus Southern, who said the training enabled both forces to learn from one another while operating in a realistic environment.

“This is the first time we have trialled UTVs at 2nd Cavalry Regiment. The vehicles remain below normal noise detection thresholds, allowing us to conduct deep infiltrations into enemy lines and manoeuvre through close terrain without being detected,” Lieutenant Southern said.

A South Korean soldier said working alongside Australian mounted cavalry forces provided valuable experience.

“The objective was to strengthen multinational interoperability and gain experience conducting combined operations between conventional cavalry forces and special operations groups,” he said.

“This was a new experience for Republic of Korea Army because we do not usually train in this way.

“We learned how to operate from vehicles, move quickly, dismount and fight alongside mounted forces during operations.”

Another South Korean soldier said training in the Townsville Field Training Area was a unique experience.

“The training environment here is very different from Korea,” he said. 

“Korea is smaller and much more mountainous and humid. Training in a large open environment during the dry season has been a valuable experience.”