For the first time in half a decade, the 5th Aviation Regiment (5 AVN) and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2 CAV) executed a tactical refuelling of three M1 Abrams primary combat tanks using a CH-47 Chinook at Townsville Field Training Area. As an element of Exercise Eagle Walk, troops practised fuelling methods employing an expedient technique referred to as a ‘fat cow.’ Major George Flannery, of 2 CAV, who is the Officer in Charge for the tank squadron that coordinated with 5 AVN units to carry out the refuelling, stated that the tanks were the most secure and deadly ωeapon system on the battlefield, but they were “extremely fuel-consuming.”
“Our ground refuelling equipment, such as the HX 77 trucks, can’t always navigate areas with rugged terrain. So with these abilities working in unison, we are assured that refuelling can take place anytime, anywhere. The training was crucial in sharpening soldiering skills. It’s vital for us to rehearse this method, not merely to discover ways we can execute it more swiftly and effortlessly in the future, but also to prep soldiers for forthcoming warfighting drills like Exercise Talisman Sabre,” Major Flannery explained.
For numerous soldiers like 2 CAV armoured crewman Trooper Travis Brown, it was their inaugural experience participating in a tactical refuelling. “You witness things you don’t observe every day. For drills like this, it’s beneficial for us to be in a field environment, making errors so we understand how to rectify them. This guides us into the next tactical exercise more equipped for what’s ahead,” Trooper Brown elaborated.
The Australian Defence Force’s active fleet of Abrams is maintained by the Army’s three Armoured Cavalry Regiments in Adelaide, Brisbane, and Townsville. In addition, vehicles for training purposes are also stationed at the School of Armour in Puckapunyal and the Army Logistic Training Centre at Bandiana. To back the Abrams, the ADF has manufactured seven M88A2 HERCULES (Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift and Evacuation System) armoured recovery vehicles.
The Australian Defence Force has operated Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for the majority of the period since 1974. Thirty-four of the type have entered Australian service, comprising twelve CH-47C variants, eight CH-47Ds, and fourteen CH-47Fs.