2nd Cavalry Regiment Welcome Parade

Australian Army M1A1 Abrams tank during the parade welcoming the 2nd Cavalry Regiment to 3rd Brigade at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, Queensland, 27 November 2014.

source Australia Army

Australian Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment has officially taken up its role as the armoured cavalry regiment within the 3rd Brigade at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, Queensland. As part of the Australian Army’s modernisation plan, 2nd Cavalry Regiment’s incorporation into 3rd Brigade is an important milestone in the development of the combat brigade. It provides the brigade with full armoured capability with tanks, light armoured fighting vehicles and armoured personnel carriers. Mascot, wedge-tailed eagle Warrant Officer Class Two Courage, supported in the transition by Billabong Wildlife Sanctuary, has joined the regiment in its new home.

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment has contributed to many important Australian military operations. In 1999, detachments were part of the initial Australian contribution to stabilisation operations in Timor-Leste, and continued to support all subsequent Australian troop deployments. In Iraq, the regiment played a leading role and several supporting roles in a variety of deployments from 2003 to 2011. And, in Afghanistan, the regiment undertook mentoring roles and supported reconstruction efforts. It completed Australia’s mission in Uruzgan province in Afghanistan in 2013.

3rd Brigade is a multi-role combat brigade consisting of more than 4000 military and civilian personnel. The soldiers of 3rd Brigade are currently celebrating its centenary. The brigade was first formed in August 1914 for service during the First World War, taking part in the fighting at Gallipoli and on the Western Front in Europe. Elements of 3rd Brigade were the first ashore at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 and remained on the peninsula until December 1915.

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