‘Good relationships’ built in Darwin military tournament

A week of marksmanship training, partner building and even taekwondo lessons came down to one contest. See all the pictures.

Even the Build Up humidity could not stop Australian and Timorese soldiers from going head-to-head in a military skills tournament involving a weight-loaded run and a challenging marksmanship contest at Darwin’s Robertson Barracks.

A team of eight Australian soldiers from the 5th Battalion and a contingent of 12 Timorese soldiers competed for pride as they started the contest with a grueling 4km weighted-run on Thursday.

Contestants then had little time to regain their composure as they started the marksmanship challenge using the weapons of both nations — the Australian F88 and the Timorese-issued M4.

Lieutenant Hamish Gleeson of the 5th Battalion said Australian diggers enjoyed the challenge of using the Timorese carbine.

“They loved it – everyone loves the M4,” he said.

But he said it “took a little bit for (the Timorese) to get the hang of” the Australian rifle.

”Just different stoppages, different drills, but they enjoyed shooting that (also),” he said.

Australian and Timorese soldiers conducting marksmanship practice at Robertson Barracks, Darwin.

Lieutenant Gleeson said the tournament was a positive way to finish the week with the two teams training together in marksmanship, building clearing and even a taekwondo lesson.

“This is a really good opportunity for us to both learn from the Timorese as well as help our Timorese partners develop their own skills and training but we’ve also built some really good relationships working with our East Timorese troops,” he said.

“It was a pretty challenging run this morning but the Timorese did really well, they pushed our guys right up until the end so they performed really well.”

Lieutenant Gleeson said the teams would celebrate the week with a well-deserved pub feed.

“(Both teams will go to the pub) tomorrow night with a bunch a presentations and yeah the winner will get to take home the trophy,” he said.

Australian and Timorese soldiers conducting marksmanship practice at Robertson Barracks on Thursday.

Already fatigued, the soldiers’ marksmanship skills were tested.

The Australian F88 Steyr.

The Timorese-issued M4 Carbine.

A Timorese soldier in the prone firing position.

Language barriers did not stop ADF and Timorese soldiers from developing good relations.

Timorese soldiers prepare their kit before the shoot.

Targets at 100, 200 and 300 metres were engaged by shooters.

Lieutenant Gleeson said Australians soldiers enjoyed trying the M4 Carbine.

A Timorese soldier makes their way to the firing point.

Both teams completed a 4km battle run prior to the shoot.

A Timorese soldier loads his magazine before the shoot.

Timorese soldiers ready to shoot after their battle run

Timorese soldiers wore Australian-issued helmets for the duration of the contest.

M4 Carbines which featured on the Robertson Barracks firing range.

Lieutenant Chyco Boavadia (left) and Lieutenant Hamish Gleeson (right) enjoying the competition.