Photo By Sgt. James Gulliver | Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin,...... read more read more
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NORTHERN TERRITORY, Australia - The door of the Protected Mobility Vehicle slammed to the deck giving the signal for the infantrymen to exit and begin the assault. Under covering fire from both tanks and machine guns the infantrymen quickly set up their fighting position and began moving on the objective. With precision, skill and a heavy volume of fire the position was quickly taken and the combat team settled into the defense.
The combat team was composed of elements of the 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade and four Marines from 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, designed to provide heavy fire support with the Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon during Exercise Koolendong 2014.
During Exercise Koolendong 2014, approximately 1500 Marines and Australian Defence Force soldiers will undertake a wide spectrum of infantry training activities to include establishing an expeditionary operating base in austere conditions, company-sized helicopter and ground live-fire ranges.
“Our section’s job was to assist the Australian infantry providing suppressing fire and proving anti-armor assets,” said Lance Cpl. Westley Stone, assault man, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Marine Rotational Force – Darwin. “The SMAW that we use is a very effective weapon system and if utilized properly can change the course of a firefight.”
During the exercise the Marines engaged in numerous dismounted patrols and live fire ranges in support of the Australian combat team. The 1st Armored Regiment utilized M-1 Abrams tanks for fire support, and PMVs to transport the infantry.
“Before we exit the carriers our section leader will decide which side of the vehicle he wants us to set up on,” said Pvt. Alistar McKinn, infantryman, Delta Company, 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. “After exiting the vehicle we will immediately begin to open fire and move onto our objective.”
The exercise gave the Marines an in-depth look into the Australian Army structure, providing them with valuable information essential to future operations.
“I know that my guys have taken a lot away from this experience,” said Cpl. Andrew Hermann, assault man, 1st Bn., 5th Marines. “Whether it’s their infantry tactics or seeing how their weapons systems function, we have not had a better opportunity to work this closely with the Australians.”
The Marines plan on taking what they have learned from the exercise and passing it on to their junior Marines providing them with valuable information and experience.
“During this training phase it is our job to learn as much about the Australian military system as we can,” said Hermann. “So when we get back to the states we can pass on information to other members of the battalion for any future operations we might have with the Australians.”
After their final assault the combat team set up in the defense in support of 1st Bn, 5th Marines, helicopter assault.
“We are just grateful we had such a unique opportunity to work with the Australians,” said Hermann. “Training like this is extremely valuable and we are happy to be out here with our allies.”
| Date Taken: | 08.28.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 08.28.2014 02:15 |
| Story ID: | 140609 |
| Location: | NT, AU |
| Web Views: | 142 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, MRF-D conducts final assault of exercise Koolendong, by Sgt James Gulliver, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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