Indonesians visit exercise DPR/TV/1582

Senior Indonesian Army officers currently visiting Australia, this week gained first-hand knowledge of how the Australian Army operates in the field. The twenty officers from all arms of the Indonesian Army visited the Sydney-based 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment which is currently taking part in exercise Temple Tower in North Queensland. The officers accompanied by the GOC Field Force Command, Major General K. Mackay and his Chief of Staff, Brigadier J. Hooton were briefed by the exercise director, Brigadier J. J. Shelton (Commander of 3 Task Force) before moving to the exercise area by RAAF Iroquois helicopters. At the Battalion HQ they were met by the CO of 5 RAR Lieutenant Colonel K. Newman and shown the BHQ area and defensive positions. During their visit the BHQ came under a mock artillery attack which stirred the CP and mortar platoon into action. The Infantry officers with the party stayed overnight with the Battalion. The Exercise Temple Tower is a two phase exercise involving the Australian Army, with RAN and RAAF support, a company of Papua New Guinea soldiers (which took part in phase one) and a composite New Zealand Infantry Company. The overall aim is to practise the skills required of an Infantry Battalion and to practise joint service procedures. The exercise was an ideal opportunity for the Indonesian officers to observe Australian operations in the field. Also identified: Major Green, Supply Company, 5th Battalion; Lance Corporal Allan Sheather of Moss Vale, NSW; Colonel Kusnadi; Major Rollo Brett; Colonel Kidrosin.