G’day Tigers,
It is a privilege to write to you as Commanding Officer of 5 RAR, and provide an update on what the Tiger Battalion has been getting after. The Tiger’s roar has been heard across the world this year, on operations and activities at home and overseas - I am incredibly proud to serve amongst them as they achieve great things with the quiet professionalism that I am sure all 5 RAR veterans would find familiar.

Members of the Battalion have served in the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Our commitment to supporting Australia’s borders continued, with deployments on Op RESOLUTE throughout the year. As always, the determination and professionalism of 5 RAR’s soldiers and officers maintained the excellent reputation of the Tiger Battalion within Army and around the world.

This year saw B Company deploy to Malaysia on Rifle Company Butterworth (RCB), leading the charge for the battalion in a year filled with extensive and valuable international engagement. At the same time, the rest of the Battalion formed as Battle Group Tiger to execute Ex PREDATOR’S RUN, which saw the 1st Brigade put through its paces in the littoral environment. We were also fortunate to be joined on the exercise by international allies and partners, including the US Marine Rotational Force- Darwin, elements of 40 Commando Royal Marines, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

It was then time for C and D Coy to move abroad. Delta Coy deployed to Indonesia to participate in Ex SUPER GARUDA SHIELD with the TNI, continuing the close relationship fostered on previous exercises. B Coy returned from Malaysia to complete Support Coy courses including Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Snipers, Direct Fire Support Weapons, and Signals. Charlie Coy and elements of Support Coy closed out the overseas account with a deployment to the Philippines, finishing a big year. Lastly, BHQ and B Coy set their sights on Ex TRIDENT, a significant multinational exercise with the Singapore Armed Forces.

The Battalion has also been providing significant support to Operation RESOLUTE (our domestic border protection contribution) throughout 2024. We provided a large contingent to conduct small boat operations in the Kimberley Marine Park, partnered with Australian Border Force and the Navy to protect our fisheries from illegal exploitation.

Again, all that is old is new again… On 03 December 5 RAR will re-link in a parade with 7 RAR, reforming as 5/7 RAR. This will be a momentous occasion, and will come with its own growing pains, but the Battalion has been here before. At Tobruk Lines, Holsworthy on 3 Dec 73, 5 RAR and 7 RAR linked to form the new battalion, 5/7 RAR. Soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers were drawn from both battalions to form the new battalion. The 5 RAR mascot, then SGT Quintus, and the 7 RAR Pipes and Drums were adopted by 5/7 RAR. The Unit subsequently saw operational service around the world, in peace and war, earning a justified reputation that we will strive to honour as would be expected of us.

As always, the end of the year brings farewells to those who’ve given faithful service to the Battalion. This year, The Tiger Battalion farewells our “Village Elder”, the Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Brad Foster, with whom I’ve had the pleasure of serving with this year and in my previous Company command team. I would like to acknowledge and thank him for his tireless efforts over the past two years – we would not be where we are without him. To all those leaving, I extend the promise that the Battalion will always be your home.

On behalf of the Officers and Soldiers of the 5th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment – I thank our families and friends for the support they have provided throughout, and wish you all the very best for the coming year.

Duty First!
LTCOL Hugh Grogan