Brigadier Kahlil Fegan took command in November 2019 becoming one of the longest serving commanders in the Brigade’s history.

In his initial days of command the Brigadier described it as the best one star general command in the Australian Defence Force stating that ‘if you wanted to command a combat brigade, this one in Townsville is the one you want’.

BEST COMBAT BATTALION

“Here at the 3rd Brigade, we have a collection of the Australian Defence Force’s best training facilities and training environments right on our doorstep.

“From the Townsville Field Training Area in Herveys Range to the Tully Jungle, Cowley Beach and the city itself which often plays host to our training activities to ensure our soldiers are challenged in realistic environments.”

When he arrived in the city in late 2019 the Brigadier almost immediately sent soldiers to the frontline of raging bushfires as they burned out of control along the east coast.

It has been non-stop ever since as the brigade faced coronavirus and deployments to Afghanistan and the Solomon Islands and flood relief.

The brigadier described it as a unique time to be in a senior command role.

“In 2022 alone, the 3rd Brigade deployed over 500 people overseas on security operation tasks; we deployed over 500 personnel and 130 vehicles to Operation Flood Assist, our units achieved some of the Australian Army’s highest and most complex live fire training, and we achieved maritime certification as Army’s Ground Combat Element for the Amphibious Task Group.

“In the midst of all that, our units gained over 20,000 individual qualifications and importantly, we made time to respect and connect with our community, with our history and with culture.

“Today our people are the highest trained and most ready conventional land force in Australia.”

READY BATTALION

Brigadier Fegan said he was proud of how solders from the Brigade had responded to diverse deployments in the past three years of his command.

“I am incredibly proud of our soldiers’ efforts over the last three years, they have been tested in a range of complex situations and have conducted themselves as professional, skilled and compassionate soldiers.

“Snap deployments to Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands and to support the Australian community through natural disasters and pandemic has given our soldiers an opportunity to prove they are among the world’s best.”

LASTING MEMORY

He said there would remain one lasting memory of his Townsville command.

“Briefing our soldiers, the young men and women, who deployed at exceptionally short notice into the Middle East to support the evacuation operation in Kabul, Afghanistan – and then the relief when they all came home alive.

“They and what they did is the reason I exist.”

EVOLUTION OF THE BRIGADE UNDER HIS COMMAND

“There have been huge advances in the technology and equipment we use to supplement and improve training.

“A suite of highly realistic simulation training supports our infantry, transport, cavalry and artillery units to hone and rehearse their skills.

“Our soldiers have also been given an array of opportunities to train closely with regional partners and military allies both in Townsville and overseas, in destinations like Papua New Guinea, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines.

“Conducting regular training exercises allows our people to integrate seamlessly with other nations and gain invaluable knowledge and experience which creates well-rounded soldiers.”

INAUGURAL PATRON OF OASIS TOWNSVILLE

Brigadier Fegan said the organisation, which officially opened in October 2021 was vitally important for ADF personnel transitioning out of the military.

“The Army is a lifestyle and it is a family, it can be really difficult to leave that family whether it is voluntary or not and we really encourage our soldiers to stay in touch, to engage with transition programs, look out for their mates and reach out if they need support.

“We have been working closely with John Caligari (Oasis chair) and The Oasis here in

Townsville which provides valuable support resources and networks as well as a positive and constructive space for the defence community to transition with dignity.

“As a defence force it is important that we continue to learn, adapt and improve the services offered to our members and their families during transition, and to work with local partners like the Oasis who understand service life and transition.”

THE BRIGADE AND THE TOWNSVILLE COMMUNITY

“The community in Townsville is what makes the 3rd Brigade such a great place to live and work.

“Steve Price articulates it so well and as a high tempo combat brigade, the continued support we receive from our community sits at the heart of our success, it is truly unique and a pleasure to serve in this Garrison city.

“Nothing will ever be as good as commanding the 3rd Brigade and living in Townsville. I’m now posted back to Canberra.”