Private Charlie Wright, of the United Kingdom's Royal Marine Commandos Logistic Regiment, and Lance Corporal Adrian Cluning, of the 1st Combat Service Support Battalion, were part of a multinational team of petroleum operators (PETOPs), fuelling the fight on Exercise Predator's Run.
Supporting Battle Group Tiger in the Bradshaw Field Training Area, the two pushed the boundaries of their trade amidst the scorching heat of the Northern Territory.
Lance Corporal Cluning, a dual specialist in trucks and PETOP from Ballarat, Victoria, said they basically provided a portable service station.
"We drive our petrol in a truck and come to refuel the team's vehicles as we go," Lance Corporal Cluning said.
"In a place as big and remote as this, you become an essential worker within the team - Army doesn't go without fuel."
Private Charlie Wright, a full-time PETOP from Warrington in north-west England, concurred.
"We just literally essentially build a petrol station in the middle of anywhere and get everyone to come round and fuel up around us," Private Wright said.
"We have a big responsibility to the team; it's pressure, but it's nice."
The logistical challenges kept them busy, refuelling from tanker to tanker and ensuring continuous supply to various call signs.
Private Wright said there was a collaborative spirit with their Australian counterparts.
"Working with the Aussies has been really good, really different," he said.
"Some of the kit is very similar but the way we lay it out is slightly different.
"The banter, however, has been great; we're similar in our humour."
Lance Corporal Cluning also appreciated the camaraderie and ease of integration.
"You can't really tell that they're international lads 'cause they work the same," Lance Corporal Cluning said.
"It's just normal, talking into the night - classic, just the way it is, no international exercise is complete without it."
Adapting to the NT heat was a unique experience for the UK contingent.
"I think next time it'd be nice if we hosted it in the UK, and have the Aussies come to us," Private Wright said.
"It'd be a nice change for them as well, give a bit of a taste of how you guys soldier in the cold."
Post exercise, Private Wright planned to "spend time with the missus and the family" and explore Sydney, before wrapping up their stint in Australia.
