Australia conducts training for forces over tactical refuelling

The tactical refuelling of three M1 Abrams tanks by a CH-47 Chinook was carried out by the 5th Aviation Regiment (5 AVN) and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2 CAV) at Townsville Field Training Area for the first time in five years.

Soldiers used a quick technique known as a “fat cow” to practice fueling operations as part of Exercise Eagle Walk.

The officer commanding the tank squadron that collaborated with 5 AVN forces to carry out the refuelling, Major George Flannery of the 2 CAV, claimed the tanks were the most protected and lethal weapon system on the battlefield, but they were “very thirsty.”

Major Flannery stated, “our land refuelling assets, such as the HX 77 trucks, cannot always go in places with rough terrain.”

Because of these combined capabilities, we can recharge at any time or location.

According to Major Flannery, the training was essential to developing soldiering abilities.

He continued that we must practice this technique, not just to figure out how to do it more quickly and easily in the future, but also to prepare soldiers for warfighting drills like Exercise Talisman Sabre.

“Considering this was the first time these soldiers had engaged in an activity like this, the training went very smoothly.”

Many soldiers, including 2 CAV armoured crewman Trooper Travis Brown, were participating in their first tactical refuelling for the first time.

“You get to see things you don’t see daily,” said Trooper Brown.

“For exercises like these, it’s beneficial for us to be in a real-world setting where we can make mistakes and learn how to correct them.

This puts us in good position to handle the upcoming tactical exercise.