Bowen businesses have been urged to partake in a military bonanza catering for up to 900 US military personnel involved in the defence exercise Talisman Sabre.
The call went out at the Bowen Chamber of Commerce meeting on June 14 as the town gears up for the latest and largest iteration of the multi-site biannual exercise.
The event is due to run from late July to early August, including a "slow burn" US forces-only logistical exercise for Bowen.
Bowen is one of 17 sites in Queensland, two in the Northern Territory and one each in Western Australia, New South Wales and Norfolk Island hosting Talisman Sabre's 10th iteration.
There will be exercises in multi-domain warfare capabilities, building and affirming military-to-military ties and interoperability, and strengthening strategic partnerships across the region.
About 30,000 military personnel from 13 nations will attend, although Bowen will host about 900 US troops (and up to 300 vehicles) in a test of their ability to launch from sea and sustain a campaign on foreign soil.
While previous exercises have entailed multi-nation forces "invading" the town, Lt-Col Bernie Kronen of the Australian Defence Force told the meeting this year's event had the US "slow burn" leg.
The US contingent will bivouac in Bowen where, according to Lt-Col Kronen, "soldiers need services".
US 1st Sgt Peter Rogers told the meeting that with troops aged predominantly 17 to 19, and on foreign soil for perhaps the first time, they would be seeking foodstuffs and activities popular with teenagers everywhere. "They are going to want to be involved in the community", Sgt Rogers said.
While the troops would exist largely on military rations, off duty there would be a demand for extra purchases.
"We are trying to involve you in the exercise wherever we can," Sgt Rogers told the meeting's 40-strong audience.
He also stressed that US discipline would be tight.
The US contingent will host an "open day" event as part of its commitment to community consultation.
BUSINESS CASE: (From left), US 1st Sgt Peter Rogers, Bowen Chamber of Commerce president Bruce Hedditch and Lt-Col Bernie Kronen of the ADF at the chamber's recent meeting.
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
