Military Police Train Jointly in Talisman Sabre 2025

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Military Police from 19 nations unite in Talisman Sabre 2025, ensuring security and interoperability during Australia’s largest bilateral exercise with the U.S.

In Queensland, Australia, Military Police (MP) units from the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, and other nations converged for Talisman Sabre 2025, the largest bilateral military exercise between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the United States military, held from July 13 to August 4, 2025. With over 35,000 personnel from 19 countries, the exercise emphasizes force protection and community engagement, as MPs train to safeguard participants and maintain public safety, according to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

The MPs’ role focuses on dual responsibilities: securing military operations and fostering community trust near training areas like Shoalwater Bay and Townsville. Activities include speed enforcement, traffic control, incident response, and 24-hour security operations, as outlined by DVIDS. Warrant Officer Class Two Caleb Shields, the combined joint training duty officer, emphasized that MPs aim to protect and defend while enhancing law enforcement collaboration, marking his fourth Talisman Sabre participation. This training strengthens intelligence-based policing and core skills like investigations and corrections, per DVIDS.

Lieutenant Colonel Dave Hankin, commanding officer of the joint MP force, highlighted the importance of easing civilian concerns near training zones. He noted that controlled community engagement ensures locals feel comfortable with the military presence, a critical factor in the exercise’s success, as reported by DVIDS. The MPs’ efforts extend to managing large vehicle convoys on public roads and responding to security breaches, ensuring safety across Queensland, Northern Territory, and other regions, per the Australian Department of Defence.

Talisman Sabre 2025, hosted across multiple domains including land, sea, air, space, and cyber, showcases the ADF and U.S. military’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The MPs’ integration with international partners enhances interoperability, preparing them for real-world contingencies. Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones underscored the exercise’s role in building tactical trust and operational readiness, according to Defence Australia. As MPs patrol and train, their work reinforces the exercise’s goal of deterring conflict through strength and cooperation.