US Marine commander Colonel Jason Armas tells of 17 task force military exercises during stay

In a press conference featuring China, the Indo-Pacific, and whispers of a larger US military presence, Colonel Jason Armas says his Marines will be “hitting the ground running” in Darwin, with a whopping 17 training exercises awaiting them over the next six months.

Marine Rotation Force – Darwin commander Colonel Jason Armas (right) and ADF Headquarters Northern Command CO, Group Captain Melissa Neilson (left) speak to media at RAAF Base Darwin. Picture: Harry Brill.

A senior US commander says the Marine Corps shares a “critical” relationship with the Australian Defence Force, maintaining the two services will work “hand-in-hand” in a jam-packed year.

At RAAF Base Darwin on Monday, Marine Rotation Force – Commander Colonel Jason Armas and the first batch of his 2500-strong force were seen passing through customs to retrieve their M4 carbines.

In his first press conference since setting food in Australia, Colonel Armas told the media his Marines looked forward to the “hitting the ground running” in Darwin.

“We look forward to the incredible opportunities that we’re going to have to continue to strengthen our relationship with the ADF throughout our time here, and we look forward to the opportunities that are not just local, but also abroad,” he said.

“We already have an amazing relationship, and we look forward to continuing to advance that.”

A group of Marines make their way for minibus after touching down at RAAF Base Darwin. Picture: Harry Brill.

It is understood MRF-D will participate in a whopping 17 military exercises in the space of six months, which includes some activities in South-East Asia.

Despite suggestions in Canberra of a possible US Marine build-up in northern Australia, Colonel Armas said he would lead the rotation with a force composition similar to previous iterations.

“We work hand-in-hand with the ADF to see what they would like to train on to ensure we’re meeting requirements set forth by both (services),” he said.

“But since 2011 when the rotation force was announced it has grown in size, but we are very similar in form, size and capability as we have seen for the pass three iterations.”

Asked if the importance of the latest Marine rotation was elevated by the rise of China and Indo-Pacific tensions, Colonel Armas said it would not be appropriate “for me to speak on national security policy”.

“Each (MRF-D rotation) has gotten a little bit different, a little bit more advanced and that is working side-by-side with our Australian partners and fulfilling the requirements that are set forth in our agreement,” he said.

“Is any one (rotation) more important than the other? I would say that these are pre-planned and we plan on continuing them moving forward.”

With M4 carbines in-hand, US Marines were greeted by ADF locals in the airport lobby at RAAF Base Darwin.

However, Colonel Armas did reveal his view on ADF-US Marine relations.

“I would say that our relationship between the US Marine Corps and the ADF is incredibly important – I’d say it’s critical,” he said.

“I can’t really speak to the higher aspects of it, but from my aspect here, as the commanding officer of MRF-D, I think it’s part and parcel of who we are.

“I think we can’t go forward, or we can’t continue to train and work our interoperability without them.”

Interstate, Defence Minister Richard Marles said the arrival of the latest wave of US Marines demonstrated “shared dedication” to the region.

“The power of our Alliance with the United States is a testament to our shared dedication to fostering a secure, stable, and inclusive Indo-Pacific,” he said.

“Past rotations have shown us the value of improving the capability and interoperability of our defence forces through joint exercises and activities, and in 2025, we’re excited to continue building on this momentum.”

Originally published as US Marine commander Colonel Jason Armas tells of 17 task force military exercises during stay