Military personnel from Australia, China, and the US, have concluded their first land-based trilateral military exercise, code-named Exercise Kowari 14.
Based out of Larrakeyah Barracks in Darwin, Australia, the exercise involved ten Australian Army soldiers, ten from China’s People’s Liberation Army and five from the US Army, as well as five US marines.
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Australian Defence Minister David Johnston said it provided a template for regional defence cooperation in the future.
"Exercise Kowari is an example of how Australia can encourage deeper habits of defence cooperation and trust across the region," Johnston said.
"Australia is well placed to take forward defence and security cooperation with China, and Exercise Kowari demonstrates that there is a healthy appetite from both China and the US to work together in practical ways to support regional stability and security.
"The exercise is an example of how Australia’s alliance with the US enhances the ability of both of our countries to cooperate meaningfully with countries in the Asia-Pacific."
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By GlobalDataThe exercise included field training and survival tests in remote in-land and coastal areas that were focused on providing participants with an understanding of the basic principles, procedures, techniques and equipment that can enhance survival prospects in a harsh Australian environment.
Led by the Australian Army’s 2nd Division, the environmental survival training drill also featured an additional 100 military personnel to provide support.
The North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) was responsible for the conduct of the survival training phase.
Image: US and Australian soldiers sharpen spears during the survival phase of Exercise Kowari 2014. Photo: courtesy of CPL Jake Sims / Commonwealth of Australia and the Department of Defence.
