Flecktarn in Australia: Talisman Sabre 2023

There is a sense of excitement in the Australian Outback. Massive clouds of dust emerge from the accommodation tents onto the dry open space. The approximately 170 soldiers of the 31st Paratrooper Regiment from Seedorf, Lower Saxony, put on their tactical gear in the humid, tropical air and apply camouflage makeup to their sweaty faces. They pack their personal gear, pick up their weapons, and move from their camp in the Outback to the so-called ready room - Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 has begun.

Over the next two weeks, various sites spread across the entire continent of Australia will be utilized. The huge training area, covering approximately 2300 square kilometers, is incomparable to German training grounds. In the Australian Outback, flora and fauna dictate tactical behavior. Not to mention the dangers that could arise for the soldiers in the Australian hinterland from animals like spiders and venomous snakes.

Upon their arrival, the German soldiers familiarized themselves with the climatic challenges on site. In the past few days, the German infantrymen in the camp interacted with soldiers from various nations, engaging in activities like sports such as football, introducing each other to their weapons, or simply exchanging verbal experiences from different overseas missions.

"In this exercise, in addition to my company, there is also an Indonesian infantry platoon assigned to a US battalion. This battalion, in turn, belongs to an Australian brigade. Together, we have coordinated and deepened tactical procedures, the care for the wounded, as well as the movement and deployment methods in unfamiliar, tropical terrain. Now, we are combat ready," said Major Lars, the paratrooper company commander, highly motivated.

The Inspector General of the German Army, Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, was able to witness the high motivation and professionalism of his women and men as well as those of the other nations during a brief visit to the training ground in Townsville.

"The soldiers are also expected to contribute effectively to the exercise with their knowledge and skills and enhance interoperability, the ability to collaborate different systems, especially with those of the USA and Australia. Learning from other exercise participants and gaining practical experience under these climatic conditions are two goals that the German Army is pursuing in Australia," said the Chief of the German Army.