The Australian Army’s 1st Brigade is being tested from 26 June to 14 July 2016 in South Australia as part of Exercise Hamel to ensure its soldiers are ready to meet the Australian Government’s needs as the Australian Defence Force’s ‘ready’ brigade.
Battlegroup Griffin is a multirole Army aviation battlegroup made up aircrew and technicians and Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters from 1st Aviation Regiment, and MRH-90 Taipan and CH-47F Chinook helicopters from 5th Aviation Regiment.
Royal Australian Air Force personnel from the 3rd Security Forces Squadron are attached to Battlegroup Griffin for Exercise Hamel to provide intrinsic airfield security.
Army uses the ‘Road to Hamel’ to build up its next ready brigade and Exercise Hamel is the final test. In 2016, Darwin's 1st Brigade is being put through its paces to ensure it is ready to support operational contingencies ranging from humanitarian assistance through to major combat operations.
Exercise Hamel 2016 involves 8000 military personnel from the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, United States Marine Corps, United States Army and the New Zealand Army.
For the first time, Exercise Hamel is being conducted in South Australia and will take place around Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Whyalla and the Cultana training area.