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.

Message from the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, to the Australian Army following the announcement on Thursday, 13 June 2013 of civilian police and Defence investigations into allegations of unacceptable behaviour by Army members.

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, addresses the media on Thursday, 13 June 2013 in relation to civilian police and Defence investigations into allegations of unacceptable behaviour by Army members.

A computer generated animation of the Air Warfare Destroyer, showing the capability of the ship

The grand block containing the bridge of the ship was loaded on to the ship structure of the first Air Warfare Destroyer in Adelaide

Army’s newest rotary wing asset, the Multi Role Helicopter (MRH) 90 Taipan from Townsville based 5th Aviation Regiment (5AVN) participated in the 3rd Brigade (3BDE) Combined Arms Training Activity (CATA) over the period 09 May – 01 Jun 13. Operating alongside Blackhawks, Chinooks and the Darwin based 1st Aviation Regiment ARH Tigers, it is the first time that the MRH90 Taipan has participated in a combined field exercise. The MRH performed a number of roles during the CATA including troop movement, air lift and Aero-Medical Evacuation. The CATA has enabled 5AVN to perform a number of tests on the capability in the field environment whilst producing positive effects as a support asset in the combined arms environment.

Indian Minister of Defence A. K. Antony and the Australian Minister for Defence Stephen Smith met in Perth on 4 June and Canberra on 5 June 2013 to discuss shared strategic and security interests, including maritime security and bilateral defence cooperation.

Australian forces in Afghanistan have a conducted a joint Live Fire Exercise (LFX) at Tarin Kot, Afghanistan to maintain their combat readiness and enhance integration with Coalition forces under Combined Team Uruzgan (CTU). The activity involved United States UH-60 Blackhawks for troop insertion and Air Weapons Team (AWT) AH-64D Apache gunships firing on target areas designated by the 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Task Group Joint Fires Team (JFT). Collaboration between ground and air assets increased skills in airmobile operations, directed engagements and helicopter entry and exit drills.