Combined Arms Training at Townsville

An M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank from 1st Armoured Regiment prepares to move into a firing position along side an M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier and an Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAV) during a Live Fire Exercise. (all photos : Aus DoD)

Over the period of 9 May to 1 June 2013 Townsville based 3rd Brigade (3BDE) conducted a Combined Arms Training Activity (CATA) in the Townsville Field Training Area (TFTA) in order to prepare for Exercise TALISMAN SABRE in July and the progression towards the Brigade’s ‘Ready’ status in November.

The CATA focused on the conduct of high end mid-intensity Foundation War Fighting with a number of Battle Group manoeuvre activities and Live Fire Exercises, including a brigade level live fire as the final activity. The scenario within the activity allowed for Battle Groups to move through two different missions with the second providing an opportunity for live fire.

M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks from 1st Armoured Regiment move into a firing position during a Live Fire Exercise.

An M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier from the Armoured Cavalry Regiment transits to a new location.

Soldiers of 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) prepare to be air lifted by aircraft from the 5th Aviation Regiment at the conclusion of Exercise CATA. The aircraft involved are three MRH 90 Tapains, eight S70 Blackhawks and one CH-47 Chinook.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) board aircraft from the 5th Aviation Regiment, including the MRH 90 Tapain, at the conclusion of Exercise CATA.

A Chinook from 5th Aviation Regiment conducts a mission during Exercise CATA.

Two Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (Tigers) from 5th Aviation Regiment prepare to engage a target during a Live Fire Exercise.