Simulated explosions and green and orange smoke engulfed the Tully jungle, as Indonesian section commanders relayed orders to their troops during this year's junior officer combat instructor training course (JOCIT) - a jewel in the crown of Army's partnership with the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI).
The day before, the TNI platoon was given two hours to complete an obstacle course as part of the infamous Jungle Training Wing Tully 'True Grit' challenge.
Each team had a member assemble a rifle blindfolded before a stretcher carry to the obstacle course.
The TNI soldiers followed with climbing walls, crawling tunnels, monkey bars, a bear pit and a stores carry to the finish.
Despite the challenges, their hard work paid off and they finished in less than two hours.
Captain Brook Wright, 2nd in Command of the Combat Training Wing, said upon arriving they were plunged into the activity.
"We're sharing lessons on how to fight and win in the jungle," Captain Wright said.
TNI participants were selected from a course held in Indonesia, with the top 50 earning the chance to train in Australia - including a mix of officers and non-commissioned officers.
The TNI refreshed skills such as packing their kit, identifying natural hazards and adapting to the jungle.
They also learnt how to use the EF88 and practised delivering orders.
'We face similar threats because we are neighbours and have a close border, so cooperation in military activities is very important.'
Deputy assistant for Training to the TNI Chief of Army Staff, Brigadier General Dwi Sasongko, said conducting joint training like JOCIT-A enhanced shared understanding, purpose and fostered cohesion.
"[JOCIT] is based on mutual trust, mutual benefits and mutual respect, which is very important," he said.
"This is highly beneficial for the future.
"We face similar threats because we are neighbours and have a close border, so cooperation in military activities is very important."
The activity fell under the Jungle Operations for Specialists Exchange and Training program between Australia and Indonesia.
Combat Training Centre Commander Brigadier Benjamin McLennan said it was a jewel in the crown of the Australian-Indonesian military relationship.
"There's very few things we do in the Australian Army that have been occurring since 1981, so that gives you a real sense of the value and importance of this annual engagement with the TNI," he said.
"JOCIT has a pedigree that is unmatched and it remains vitally important that we sustain the annual program in Indonesia and Australia."
Over the years, JOCIT has adapted to evolving military needs, integrating lessons from world events while staying focused on jungle warfare.
"The fact is we always come back to the jungle - because it dominates the geography of our region. Someone once said 'the more things change, the more they stay the same'," Brigadier McLennan said.
