The war scenario playing out before us is part of a major joint exercise known as “Southern Jackaroo” – a training programme involving the Australian, American and Japanese armed forces aimed at strengthening defence co-operation across the Indo-Pacific.<\/p>\n
“We like to call ourselves America’s 911 response force,” US Marine Kevin Hicks says.<\/p>\n
And in terms of numbers, they are more prepared than ever. In 2012, just 200 US Marines were deployed to Australia for an annual six-month deployment. Today, that figure has risen to around 2,500.<\/p>\n
A quick read of Australia’s 2026 National Defence Strategy gives you an easy answer as to why these numbers are growing.<\/p>\n
“Intense competition between major powers \u2013 principally the United States and China \u2013 will be an enduring feature of our strategic environment,” it said. <\/p>\n
“China continues to undertake the largest military build-up in the world today, without the transparency or strategic reassurance the region expects.”<\/p>\n
The military tie-ups aren’t just being seen in terms of troops but in bases too – most obviously in the north of the country such as RAAF Tindal air base in the Northern Territory which has been upgraded to support long-range American B52 bombers.<\/p>\n