Defence Flexes Its Muscles At Exercise Chong Ju

Defence Flexes Its Muscles At Exercise Chong Ju

The Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) demonstrated their latest combat weapons to Army officers and invited guests during Exercise CHONG JU at the Puckapunyal Military Area (PMA) today.

The live fire display included the Army's new Abrams tanks; ASLAV and Bushmaster armoured vehicles; artillery; missiles; small arms; and RAAF F-111 aircraft.

Colonel Mark Holmes, the Commandant of the Army’s Combined Arms Training Centre, said the Exercise is an essential part of combat training for the Army's junior officers.

"This Exercise demonstrates some of Australia's newest and most potent military firepower. It gives our young officers awareness of the effects of our latest weapons and how to best use them in operational scenarios," he said.

COL Holmes also thanked local residents for their ongoing support of training in the PMA.

"We regret any inconvenience caused by the increase in noise today and I'd like to thank the local community for their understanding, because it is vitally important that our soldiers are able to train safely with their 'tools of trade'," he added.

Exercise CHONG JU was named after a 1950 battle in North Korea when the Third Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, supported by tanks and artillery, attacked and captured a large North Korean defensive line during their northward advance to the Yalu River.

ENDS

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