Whose Name We Share

89 Japanese Ground Defence Force joined in the tri-force effort that was Exercise Southern Jackaroo, which also included ADF and US Marines. This exercise had more than seven live fire traces open simultaneously as members from all three Defence Forces opened fire on enemy positions, this included the use of Javelin missile systems, Japanese LMAT anti tank missiles and the 103 rd Battery’s own indirect fire support. More personnel exchanges occurred throughout the three forces, moving Japanese soldiers to the 5 th battalion’s sections and vice versa. The 103 rd Battery utilised this exercise to test digital links with Mike Battery between gun detachments. Seeing as the battery welcomed many new members this year it was a challenge to establish the link as many members tend to take the knowledge of how American systems interact with Australians with them when they post. Despite this, both gun lines were able to successfully engage the final objectives and complete the exercise. Exercise Southern Jackaroo was a critical building block in diversifying training as well as increasing the complexity of what the 1 st Brigade is able to do with international partners. The 103rd Battery’s own Bombardier Eduardo Osborne also hosted the Chief of Defence Force Angus Campbell on Bravo Gun, saying his detachment appreciated the visit. He thought it was interesting to meet a highly ranked officer you’d only see on the news and to have him on the gun as a number six was exciting. BDR Osborne was gifted a coin for the efforts. 2021 was significant in US – Australian relationships as it marked 10 years of the Marine Rotational Force Darwin and 70 years of the ANZUS treaty. It also fell on the year of the 150 th anniversary of the Royal Australian Artillery – which was marked by the 101 st Battery by firing the only live salute across the country. Figure 45 A JGSDF, USMC and ADF Soldier work together during an urban clearing serial. Credit Defence News.