OT - Aussie Marines!

[Targan]

The Australian Government has announced plans for the Australian Army to create an Amphibious Ready Group, the equivalent of a single USMC Marine Expeditionary Unit. Our 2 landing dock ships are currently under construction in Spain and will come into service in 2013. They'll each carry a couple of Abrams MBTs, a couple of Eurotiger attack helos and a bunch of landing craft.

The unit being used to form the ARG will be 3 RAR, who were formerly the Australian Army's paratroopers. They'll start training for their new role when they return from their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. This obviously ties in nicely with the recent announcement of US Marines to be based in Darwin for dry season training. They'll be able to help 3 RAR prepare for their new, specialised role.