Photo: Defence Connect

Australian Defence Force personnel have upheld national pride at the Exercise Opie Trophy annual military skills competition alongside New Zealand and Canadian soldiers.

Royal Australian Regiment 3rd and 1st Battalion soldiers tested their field and infantry skills, physical fitness, shooting, communications, navigation, first aid, and vehicle recognition at the competition held in March this year.

Royal New Zealand Regiment 1st Battalion and Canadian Light Infantry 2nd Battalion soldiers also joined this year’s competition.

Lieutenant Dion Firth of 3RAR commanded the firing range serial, which tests soldiers on their section defence techniques and combat behaviours.

“Each serial is designed to test soldiers on the skills expected from them in the field,” LT Firth said.

“As well as being a great challenge for our soldiers, this is also an opportunity for the ADF to share skills with the New Zealand and Canadian force elements.”

Commanding Officer of 3RAR, Lieutenant Colonel Jack Westhorpe, said it was great seeing a bit of healthy competition happening between the ADF and international forces.

“The competition has been a fantastic way to foster stronger connections with allied forces, develop personal friendships and trust between soldiers and nations through military camaraderie,” LTCOL Westhorpe said.

“These longstanding relationships have been forged in battle and are strengthened through activities like Opie Trophy.

“I am very proud of the efforts of all the competitors involved.”
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