accepting an amphibious tasking ,” he said . In June , the Brigade will focus on Ex Brolga Strike ( the annual Combined Arms Training Activity ), the main exercise before Ex Hamel . BRIG Field , who was an observer at Ex Hamel last year when 1Bde ( commanded by former CO 2RAR BRIG Ben James ) was “ in the box ”, said the major annual exercise was not so much about “ winning ” the war , but how the Brigade responded when it inevitably failed . “ They [ exercise directors ] hold all the cards , and you hold no cards ,” he said . “ It ’ s even more difficult than real life .” He said each day , the exercise was directed in certain ways depending on what the Brigade chose to do , and in that way , every possible failing or weak link could be exposed . “ They have perfect information , while you have the normal fog-fiction uncertainty of imperfect intelligence ,” he said . He said he was looking forward to the challenge . BRIG Field said 3Bde had worked very hard to reduce the size of the HQ , it was now down to about 100 people ( from 400 a couple of years ago ). “ Of course , that comes with risk , because people get tired and tired people make mistakes ,” he said . He said HQ Forward was now capable of manoeuvre in two 40-person groups and a third group of about 10 ( including security ) with the Brigade Commander .
BDR Jonathon Jackson 4Regt RAA checks artillery shell fuses during Exercise Brolga Run in the Townsville fi eld training area at high range in October
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