Talisman Sabre
Managing construction and site logistics for Australia’s largest military exercise with US Forces.
Exercise Talisman Sabre is a multinational military exercise held every two years between the Australian Defence Force and United States Military. It is the largest training activity held between the two forces and aims to improve combat readiness and interoperability along with other partnering nations.
In July 2015, the exercise was held at Defence Establishment Berrimah, RAAF Darwin, Robertson Barracks, Larrakeyah Barracks, Bradshaw Field Training Area, Kangaroo Flats Training Area and Fog Bay. More than 20,000 US and 10,000 Australian troops took part in the 20-day program. A smaller contingent from New Zealand and Japan also took part in the training exercise for the first time.
In April 2015, the Defence Base Services contractor, Transfield Services (now Ventia), received a short notice request to manage and operate seven accommodation, administration, training and staging sites to support the exercise. Given the complexity and time-sensitive nature of the project, The APP Group was appointed as project manager because of our defence and logistics experience.
We provided strategic logistics and procurement advice in planning the exercise. In addition, we managed construction of tent cities for more than 3,000 personnel, including necessary facilities and amenities. Our team coordinated logistics including cleaning, waste removal, transportation, security, land management and maintenance services during the exercise and deconstruction and site remediation after it was complete.
