Following command: Australian Army officer Major Ken Semmens delivers orders to officers and soldiers during Exercise Rhoden Strike at Puckapunyal Military Area on November 17, 2023. Photo: Corporal Michael Currie
Photo by
Corporal Michael Currie
Melbourne University Regiment of the 8th Brigade recently conducted Exercise Rhoden Strike for over two days at the Puckapunyal Military Training Area.
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The combined arms exercise integrated trainees from four concurrent MUR training courses, including Infantry and Cavalry initial employment training, Cavalry Scout Commander, and the Cavalry Regimental Officer Basic Course.
Commander of the 8th Brigade, Brigadier Arran Hassell, said exercises such as the Rhoden Strike were crucial for junior officers and soldiers.
“It is a unique training activity where we bring individuals from different corps together, early in their careers, to operate in a combined arms environment,” he said.
On day one, after receiving orders and conducting rehearsals, the combat team patrolled to designated positions and established night harbours, allowing trainees to practise securing and managing a defensive position overnight.
On day two, the exercise began with a combined arms attack at dawn, led by the infantry platoon with the cavalry scouts’ protected mobility vehicles in a support-by-fire role.
In training: An Australian Army Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle moves along a main supply route during Exercise Rhoden Strike at Puckapunyal Military Area on November 17. Photo: Corporal Michael Currie
Photo by
Corporal Michael Currie
Under cover of smoke grenades and suppressive fire, the combined arms combat team identified, observed, closed in and cleared the enemy call sign.
Once the engagement was over, members from Charlie Company, First Military Police Battalion, moved in to conduct battlefield clearances and provide mission support.
Trooper Elodie Manouvrier, 1st/15th Battalion, The Royal NSW Lancers, a trainee on the cavalry Scout course, said what she learned was invaluable.
“This culminating exercise allowed us to test what we learned by observing, then advancing on an enemy position, working alongside infantry to achieve our goals,” she said.
Private Aaron Cant, an infantry trainee of the 9th Battalion, The Royal Queensland Regiment, reflected on his experiences.
“I’ve made some good friends and had good laughs,” he said.
“We’ve bonded well as a team and friends because we shared a common purpose.”
Brigadier Hassell said the exercise’s broader impact was learning the basics of soldiering.
“We’re giving soldiers foundation skills, which they can take back to their units across the country, where they can help build the capability needed by Army right now,” he said.
“The 8th Brigade is very fortunate in that we see civilians joining the Army, going through their training and graduating as qualified soldiers.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the work that our brigade does to turn Australians into the newest soldiers in our Army.”
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