RAA Liaison Letter – 2025 / 2026 Edition 69 The ECN-specific phase saw the gunline conduct an array of basic and technical live fire mission profiles, including an air-mobile serial with a dismounted CP, on the US Army supplied M777, named CHECKMATE. Similarly, our ACSOs conducted various livefire serials, utilising full digital, partially and fully degraded drills working out of the US Army Humvee CP vehicles. The JFTs conducted surface-to-surface and air-to-surface missions in a simulator, planned and executed a full mission profile for a downed aircraft recovery task, and conducted integrated urban operations with urban Ops in conjunction with the US FiSTs, JFOs and JTACs to coordinate joint fires and effects to achieve mission success. However, there could only be one winning team per trade, and with the final event, a 14km pack march in best effort time, looming it become evident that this would be the decider for first place between the 104th gunline and the 2/11 FA Bn US Army team. The JFTs and ACSOs had both secured second place in their respective steams. The atmosphere at the 0300h start line for the final pack march was electric and the word had spread that first place for best M777 detachment was on the line between the Aussies and the US. It was on. With a Hollywood-esque motivational speech from the Command Sergeant Major of 25th DIVARTY and a final confirmation of the route, the gun sounded and the rubber hit the road. With all teams taking off in an all-out sprint for the first kilometre or two, barely remembering they were wearing packs, the teams settled into a steady pace and locked-in for the next few hours. Within 1 hour and 44 minutes, it was decided. Alpha Detachment, 104th Battery, 1st Regiment Royal Australian Artillery were victorious, with a blistering 7:29/km pace to outclass the US Army 25th DIVARTY teams. The Exercise Best by Test support crew, consisting of BC 104th Battery, MAJ Liam Hurley; the MG, WO2 Carl Partridge; and the 104th Battery BQ, CPL Cathy Paus, were on a constant rotation of enabling actions that, undoubtedly, gave our Gunners the absolute best chance of success. Whether it was simply cheering from the sand at the beach PT session or delivering desperately needed ice-cold electrolytes after the IST, their contribution to the success of our teams cannot be understated. Across all three trades and all competitions, our Aussie Gunners maintained impeccable character, toughness, resilience, grit and determination. The dedication displayed, the friendly rivalry and spirit of competition whilst maintaining integrity at every turn was a genuine privilege to witness and be a part of. The competition came to a close with the US Army 25th DIVARY hosting a traditional Hawaiian Luau at the Hale Koa Hotel in Waikiki. By this stage, with competition in the rear-view mirror, the Aussies and 25th
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