Australian Army’s 5/7 RAR returns to Darwin

In a parade which featured attack helicopters and an epic three-shot volley, Darwin’s 5th Battalion has been formally relinked with Adelaide’s 7th Battalion after almost 20 years.

A historic military event has taken place in Darwin, with two infantry battalions formally relinked after splitting up almost 20 years ago.

On Tuesday evening, soldiers from Darwin’s 5th Battalion and Adelaide’s 7th Battalion joined forces on the parade ground of Robertson Barracks with hundreds of attendees, including dozens of 5th/7th Battalion veterans, watching on.

The parade itself delivered extra excitement for its viewers, with a pair of Tiger attack helicopters conducting a fly over, and the entire regiment executing a rare three-shot volley to mark their rebirth.

Members of the relinked 5/7 RAR on parade. Picture: Harry Brill.

With flares and sharp drill added into the mix, the return of 5th/7th Battalion was capped off the with unit’s past and present soldiers returning to their boozer for a well-deserved drink.

1st Brigade commander Brigadier Doug Pashley said he appreciated the new reinforcements.

“The government told us to make some changes and restructuring and what you’ve seen today is that in action,” Brigadier Pashley said.

“As commander 1st Brigade, I’m incredibly pleased to be able to have additional soldiers, additional capability up here.”

The battalion’s colours are marched on parade. Picture: Harry Brill.

Brigadier Pashley noted the two battalions already shared a special bond.

“They were linked for 33 years and they were separated as part of an initiative called enhanced land forces,” he said.

“The decision has been made to relink so they’re able to pick up where they left off.

“I’ve already seen the different members and battalions come together and work collectively.”

Almost 150 soldiers have moved to Darwin from Adelaide as part of the relinking. Picture: Harry Brill.

Brigadier Pashley revealed close to 150 soldiers swapped Adelaide for Darwin, with the remainder of 7th Battalion’s manpower spread across units in Townsville and Brisbane.

“There’s always a human factor when you make an organisational change,” he said.

“Army sought to make this as low impact as possible on the individuals concerned, so there was an opportunity for the members of 7th Battalion to indicate where they would like to serve – fortunately, we’ve got a decent chunk.”

The relinking brings 5th/7th Battalion’s manpower to about 800 soldiers – four complete rifle companies.

Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Grogan (left) receives a new lanyard as part of the formalities. Picture: Harry Brill.

With 7th Battalion’s troops having a background in mechanised infantry, the Adelaide arrivals will now turn their attention to getting up to speed with 1st Brigade’s move towards littoral, water-based operations.

“They are transitioning to a different role, but 5RAR have over the past 12 to 18 months accelerated so quickly they are close to being subject matter experts,” Brigadier Pashley said.

“So it’s easy for them to pass on knowledge and opportunities to 7RAR members because it all comes from leadership and we’ve got some really good members in 5RAR and 7RAR.”

Brigadier Pashley confirmed local residents would see plenty of the 5th/7th Battalion in action in the coming months.

“The members of the Darwin community will see 5/7 RAR out on the water, in and around the region as they learn how to get good littoral manoeuvre,” he said.

“But also as they prepare for (Exercise) Talisman Sabre next year which is a really big activity.”

Originally published as Australian Army’s 5/7 RAR returns to Darwin