Anzac troops train for the big one

By GREG ANSLEY

Falling seawards off the central Queensland coast, Australian commandos undertake a mock attack on an enemy position during a major transtasman operation, Exercise Swift Eagle.

Yesterday's strike was designed to stop insurgents distributing anti-aircraft missiles to bring down planes flying in to evacuate New Zealanders and Australians trapped by a looming war.

The raid, carried out at first light, was a major test of Australia's ability to evacuate hundreds of civilians in a crisis.

The exercise, carried out every two years, has become increasingly important with instability in the region, including the mass evacuation of New Zealanders and Australians from the Solomons.

Swift Eagle also tests co-operation with NZ, which has worked closely with the Australians in regional crises and which will later carry out a similar exercise.

The deputy commander of the exercise is New Zealander Brigadier Paul Southwell, an RNZAF C-130 Hercules is flying with the RAAF, and New Zealanders are in key headquarters roles and acting as observers. About 2500 soldiers, sailors and Air Force personnel are involved in Swift Eagle, which requires the evacuation of more than 900 people from the mythical troubled island of Capricornia. They are trapped in friendly North Capricornia after Qantas stopped flying to the island.

Under the scenario, tensions with South Capricornia, a client state of an "unfriendly power", have become so grave that Australia and New Zealand have decided that a military operation is needed to safely evacuate their nationals.

Australian troops, SAS and armoured units are being supported by aircraft, helicopters and ships, with a five-day deadline to take the trapped civilians to safety.

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