Darwin: soldiers prepare for training exercise across city

Territorians have been told not to fear as soldiers prepare to take their combat training before the public eye.

Soldiers are gearing up to patrol the streets of Darwin as local units prepare to ramp up their training intensity.

On Monday, Robertson Barracks’ 1st Brigade confirmed Darwin’s urban area would become the site of a battle simulation for the remainder of March.

A statement by 1st Brigade reassured the public there was “no cause for alarm” in the weeks ahead.

“Throughout March, soldiers from the Army 1st Brigade will be practising battle scenarios by night throughout Darwin City and surrounds,” the statement read.

“The community may see soldiers carrying weapons with blank ammunition (and) you may hear periodic blank ammunition firing, but there is no danger and no cause for alarm.

“The community’s support is appreciated.”

Darwin is not the first town to be turned into a war zone, with Charters Towers in Queensland, Cooma in New South Wales and Whyalla in South Australia accustomed to the sight of ADF soldiers patrolling their neighbourhoods and kicking in doors as part of exercises they have hosted.

1 Brigade soldiers getting out of the pool after a creek crossing simulation exercise.

The local brigade’s announcement to bring the experience to the Top End was met with enthusiasm by residents online.

“Are they going to brass up Monsoons?” asked one.

“Gunfire around Darwin! Just a normal night,” said another.

Aimed at preparing section commanders, the exercise is expected to involve firefights, ambush scenarios, and casualty evacuations across various industrial and sports venue sites around the city.

The urban environment is a welcome change for the Diggers of 1st Brigade, who are typically operating out of the notoriously tough environments of Mount Bundey, Kangaroo Flats and Bradshaw Field Training Area.