ADF sappers get ready for ruff training at exercise Brolga Run

Since the First World War, canines have been a highly regarded asset for the Australian Defence Force. During Exercise Brolga run it is no different for the four-legged personnel on the ground.

Australian Army soldier Sapper Aidan Jones and his Explosive Detection Dog, Yambo, during Exercise Brolga Run 2024 in Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland.

Since the First World War, canines have been a highly regarded asset for the Australian Defence Force, displaying bravery, loyalty and resilience in conflicts around the world. During Exercise Brolga run it is no different for the four-legged personnel on the ground.

The 3rd Combat Engineers Regiment is lucky enough to have a number of highly trained explosive detection dogs, with an unbreakable bond being formed between handler and canine out in the field.

Sapper Aidan Jones and his black labrador, Yambo, have been working together for two years.

“The bond between you and your dog is something that I envied when I saw the handlers and I wanted that,” he said.

“They were always doing training and it looked like a very rewarding job seeing them (the canines) do their job and find the explosives that we lay out for them and it’s just good to see the progression in your dog, it’s a good feeling to know that you did that.”

Military dogs serve in multiple roles across the ADF including Army’s Military Police,

Australian Army soldiers Sapper Aidan Jones and his Explosive Detection Dog, Yambo (left) Sapper Flynn Skerke-Irwin and his Explosive Detetction Dog, Ethan, (right) during Exercise Brolga Run 2024 in Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland.

Combat Engineer Regiments, Special Operations Engineer Regiment, Special Air Service Regiment, 2nd Commando Regiment and Air Force’s Security Forces squadrons.

Mr Jones said that during the first two weeks of training, the handler will be assessed on their personality traits and match them up with a dog that matches them, a task that was definitely accomplished with himself and Yambo.

Australian Army soldier Sapper Flynn Skerke-Irwin and Explosive Detection Dog Ethan from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment during Exercise Brolga Run 2024 in Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland.

“I had my eye on Yambo and I really wanted him and I was fortunate enough that I got matched up with him, he’s very soft, very kind natured, very loveable,” he said.

“I’m biased, I think he’s the best. I think he’s good at what he does. I think he enjoys what he does, which is the main thing.”

During a field exercise such as Brolga Run, the pair will be inseparable as they complete tasks during the day and bunk together in their sleeping bag at night.

“I can’t put it into words how awesome it is to see how excited he is when he finds what we put out for him, he does his little happy feet and it’s pretty cool.

“Every time he is in the harness he’s always smiling, he’s having fun and honestly that’s what brings me the most joy out of the job is seeing him happy and doing what he loves.”

When they aren’t at work, Mr Jones said that Yambo loves to go on runs on the beach, chase his ball in the park or snuggle up on the couch and watch movies together.

Fellow 3CER sapper Flynn Skerke-Erwin and his black labrador Ethan have also been enjoying their time at the Townsville Field Training Area, working together to keep their fellow soldiers safe.

“It’s a massive passion of mine. I definitely want it to be my longtime life career,” he said.

“The course consists of four basic searches we do, which is building searches, area searches, route searches and vehicle searches so of course we learn how to work the dog in those environments.”

“At the moment during this exercise we are doing a lot of route searches, clearing routes and paths for the bail team so that’s the kind of main job we’ve done.

The team can also work silently at night to complete tasks by using a tactical communication collar which sends vibration tones and commands to Ethan through a radio that Mr Skerke-Erwin uses.

Mr Jones said that the role is one of the most rewarding in the Australian Army.

“If you’re someone who likes progression and constantly keeps working on getting better and seeing progression and not just yourself but in your canine as well than 100% give it a go.”

Originally published as ADF sappers get ready for ruff training at exercise Brolga Run