Lieutenant Eloise Taylor’s Role in 9th Force Support Battalion at Talisman Sabre 2025

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Lieutenant Eloise Taylor of the 9th Force Support Battalion (FSB) showcased her leadership and adaptability during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, Australia’s largest military exercise, held from 13 July to 4 August 2025. Her role in logistics coordination highlighted the critical behind-the-scenes work of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), while broader questions remain about government defence priorities in large multinational drills.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 took place across multiple locations, including Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales, Christmas Island, and Papua New Guinea. Lieutenant Taylor was among more than 35,000 personnel from 19 nations participating in the exercise. Assigned to the Force Support Group (FSG), she transitioned from the theoretical training received at the Royal Military College (RMC) to managing real-world logistics, ensuring frontline troops were supplied with essential resources. “During my 12 months at RMC, I trained extensively in offensive, defensive, and stability operations,” she said. “At Talisman Sabre, I’m gaining practical experience planning and executing critical logistics operations.” Her work was integral to sustaining front-line operations, a vital yet often overlooked aspect of military success.

The 9th FSB, operating under the 17th Sustainment Brigade, focused on foundational warfighting support skills. Lieutenant Taylor adapted to the demanding and varied terrain of Shoalwater Bay, where the FSG moved from rear-area logistics hubs to forward support positions — a complex task that tested her ability to coordinate supply chains under operational pressure. She noted her upcoming role as a Platoon Leader will further develop her command capabilities.

The exercise’s multinational nature, involving allies such as the United States, Japan, and South Korea, reinforced interoperability but also exposed challenges within Australia’s defence readiness. Some analysts argue that the government’s emphasis on high-profile international exercises risks diverting attention and resources from strengthening domestic defence capabilities.