Defence keeping quiet on which military exercises will be held in the NT this year
THE Australian Defence Force says a number of military exercises are scheduled to go ahead in the Northern Territory in 2021, but isn’t revealing which ones.
Northern Territory
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THE Australian Defence Force says a number of military exercises are scheduled to go ahead in the Northern Territory in 2021, but isn’t revealing which ones.
It says what exercises take place is subject to the evolving COVID-19 situation both in Australia and around the globe, as well as the agreement of Territory authorities.
Defence has, however, indicated that the exercises will involve the US, Indonesia and Japan. When asked for a list of exercises that would take place in 2021, a spokesman said the Australian Defence Force’s ability to undertake training and exercises was critical to Defence’s mission to defend Australia and its national interests.
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“A number of exercises are scheduled to go ahead in the Northern Territory in 2021,” the spokesman said.
“These exercises are important to maintaining and building the capability of Army’s 1st Brigade, as well as building our interoperability with our international partners, including the United States, Japan and Indonesia.
“Any exercises that proceed will be subject to strict COV-ID-19 risk management plans, customised to each activity and agreed to by the NT Chief Health Officer, to keep the Northern Territory community safe from COVID-19.
“As these arrangements are finalised, they will be communicated to the NT community.
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“Given the ongoing dynamic COVID-19 situation, activities may be required to be paused, modified or cancelled at short notice.”
Due to COVID-19, the 2020 MRF-D rotation was modified, with 1200 US Marines exercising exclusively at Defence training areas within the NT from June to September 2020.
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