125 Operation Kudu The moment the work year began almost half of the Junior and Senior NCOs of 103 BTY were immediately committed to Operation Kudu with 5 RAR. The Operation saw members deploy to the UK as part of the ADF’s commitment to the training of armed forces of Ukraine recruits. The 103 members joined 5 RAR in forming a contingent of up to 70 Australian troops to assist with the UK-led operation, alongside partner nations. The goal of Operation Kudu was to build additional capacity for Ukraine to defend their homeland, focussing heavily on infantry minor tactics in urban and wooded environments. The pre-deployment process for attached 103 members was fraught with unnecessary levels of preparation, members often citing the OC’s decision to spray paint everything from insignias on uniforms to the frames of ballistic eyewear, with no rhyme or reason beyond being told to do it. More controversially members were asked to fork out hundreds of dollars for fixed blade knives from civilian retailers, further adding to the confusion. Water bottles, uniforms, pouches, nothing was safe from the spray paint treatment. It was clear the OC had become over-excited. The rotation committed the Juniors and Seniors for 3 months, becoming immersed in a complex and high-paced training environment from the get-go. They would take a leading role within large sections of Ukrainians, teaching them everything from basic soldier skills to trench warfare. It was a unique and challenging environment, as just weeks prior to attending the course,
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