Patrolling Australia’s vast northern expanses

On remote stretches of Australia’s north, soldiers from North-West Mobile Force (NORFORCE) patrol under the cover of darkness.

CAPTION: Private Leonard Harris, of NORFORCE, uses a spotting scope to conduct surveillance of the northern Kimberley region of WA. Story by Captain Katy Manning. Photo by Corporal Michael Currie.

Watching and searching for signs of unusual or illegal activity is just part of their mission to protect the northern borders.

NORFORCE adjutant Captain Andrew Farrands, who has spent the past two years in the unit, said engaging with local Indigenous communities was an important part of the role.

“Many NORFORCE soldiers live in small communities all over the Northern Territory and Kimberleys,” Captain Farrands said.

“They have a detailed understanding and knowledge of the land, which is very beneficial in the planning for, and during, a patrol.”

Teams also regularly talk with property owners and tourism operators to gain intelligence.

CAPTION: Private Justin Kennedy, left, and NORFORCE personnel pull a Zodiac boat ashore during a surveillance and reconnaissance patrol of the northern Kimberley coast of WA. Photo supplied by Headquarters 4th Brigade.

The Kimberley patrols operated out of the isolated Kuri Bay pearling station, which meant the NORFORCE teams had to get in by seaplane or boat.

NORFORCE conducts reconnaissance and surveillance patrols across 1.8 million square kilometres of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, through some of Australia’s most inaccessible areas.

“Being able to see Australia’s most remote areas first-hand has been an amazing experience,” Captain Farrands said.

But it’s not all picture-postcard scenery.

“We just finished a two-week patrol in the Kimberleys and some days were extremely hot,” Captain Farrands said.

“It wasn’t unusual for it to hit 40 degrees, so we conducted the majority of our movement by night, which also assisted the patrol to remain undetected.

CAPTION: Signaller Dylan Sopchak, of 1st Combat Signal Regiment, sets up a satellite radio antenna to enable a NORFORCE patrol to report in from an area of mangroves in WA. Photo supplied by Headquarters 4th Brigade.

“Where we operate is also very isolated so there’s a lot of saltwater crocs and inaccessible wilderness that we have to overcome during our patrols, so it can be tough going and you have to remain vigilant.”

For Private Andrew Dai, joining NORFORCE has been quite a change from where he grew up.

“I’m originally from Altona Meadows in Victoria and I joined Army as an infantry soldier in Perth, but my work as a police officer took me to Broome, so I transferred to NORFORCE,” Private Dai said.

“Patrolling in the Kimberleys by boat with the breeze on your face and being able to see these remote and stunning areas is amazing.

“I’ve seen parts of the country most people don’t get to see, while also being able to put all my military training to good use.

“I enjoy camping and hiking in remote areas so being a patrolman and doing the NORFORCE survival course has been really interesting.”

NORFORCE has been protecting Australia’s northern borders for the past 43 years.

CAPTION: Private Andrew Dai from North-West Mobile Force looks out for signs of crocodiles prior to launching boats to continue surveillance patrols through the Kimberley. Photo by Corporal Michael Currie.

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