Surrounded by mountains and sprawling Malaysian jungle, where rain is a constant and unrelenting presence, lies Camp Paradise.
Usually housing members of the Malaysian 5th Brigade, the camp was transformed into a centre of trilateral engagement for personnel from the US Army, Malaysian Army and, for the first time, the Australian Army.
It is here that soldiers will strengthen interoperability through tough training in the jungles of Borneo – including sampling local food.
Members of the 5th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR), 1st Brigade, and supporting elements have deployed to Malaysia for three months as part of Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB) rotation 144, under command of 2nd/30th training group.
RCB personnel will participate in multiple exercises and international engagements, including Exercise Keris Strike.
Officer Commanding RCB 144 Major Jamie Frisby, of 5RAR, said it was an honour to return to Malaysia to conduct realistic and relevant training with friends and partners in the region.
“The contingent faces a unique set of challenges related to operating in an austere environment within the Malaysian jungle and rural settings,” he said.
“This activity is an excellent rehearsal for future deployments into the near region, testing the readiness of our people and continuing to enhance our strategic relationships.
“It is also a great chance for our soldiers, enabling us to further enhance foundation warfighting skills and resilience within our teams.”
Having completed a two-year posting to the Malaysian Army Academy (Akademi Tentera Darat) as the embedded Australian instructor, Major Frisby said enduring relationships with regional partners were important.
“Australia has a strong military history in Malaysia, and it is an honour to be able to expose Australian soldiers to that history and forge our new path forward within the region,” he said.
