Excerpts from "Tropic Lightning" Newspaper
All information comes from the 2-27 Infantry Battalion web page on the 25th Infantry Division web site.
http://www.25idl.army.mil/unit_frame.asp?unit_id=303
Then click in the news and look for articles dated July 10 through August 14
Wolfhounds deploy to Australia for PACBOND
By Spc. Sean Kimmons Assistant editor
More than 110 Soldiers of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 27th
Infantry Regiment deployed to Australia Tuesday to train with the Australian
Army during exercise Pacific Bond 2003. The 6th Royal Australian Regiment will
host the Soldiers, as they conduct training on Australia's terrain, become
familiarized with Australian weapon systems and execute squad, platoon and
company live fires. Training will be conducted in areas throughout Australia to
include cross training in Enoggera, jungle training in Canungra and adventure
training in Brisbane. The purpose of the exercise is a mutual exchange of a
company-size force from Hawaii and Australia to improve interoperability and
increase Soldier awareness of each other's army. In addition, the exercise will
demonstrate bilateral training with an ally in the Pacific region. "It gives us
the opportunity to train with our allies," said 1st Lt. David Briten, 3rd
platoon leader. "We can see what kind of techniques they use and exchange
tactics, but also build on those military relationships that are very vital to
any alliance between two countries." The Soldiers are scheduled to return to
Hawaii by Aug. 10.