Australian Army Activated Second Tank Squadron with M1A2 SEPv3 MBT

04 Mei 2025

D Squadron within the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2 CAV) equipped with 36 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams MBT at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville, Queensland (photos: Aus DoD)

Talons for the armoured bird of prey

The Australian Army has consolidated its heavy armour capabilities in Townsville, in a significant move to bolster operational readiness and align with the National Defence Strategy. 

This underpinned the formal establishment of D Squadron within the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2 CAV) on January 20, a milestone for the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. 

On April 23, 2 CAV officially welcomed its second tank squadron at the T4 Raising Ceremony, signifying the first time in the corps’ history that a regiment has two tank and cavalry squadrons positioned in the same location. 

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Josh Higgins explained that this transformation rounded out the order of battle that had been developing overtime.

“This places us as one of the first pieces on the chess board in the 3rd Brigade’s armoured realisation,” Lieutenant Colonel Higgins said. 

“We now have 36 of the world’s best tanks, complementing the combat reconnaissance vehicle capability we have.”

For the soldiers and officers of the regiment, their commitment to raising the new squadron will set up future successes. 

Officer Commanding D Squadron, Major Jodie McCart, expressed a sense of pride.

“I’m incredibly privileged and honoured to raise the squadron with the men and women behind me, and bring this new platform into service,” Major McCart said. 

“It is a huge responsibility to get it right because of the legacy it will leave, for not only me and the people that we are doing this with, but also to make sure we set up the brigade, in good order.”

The ceremony showcased the regiment’s capabilities, featuring a logistic resupply operation that was interrupted by a simulated attack, demonstrating the effective response from combat units in coordination with the main battle tanks. 

Lieutenant Colonel Higgins likened the regiment to its mascot, ‘Courage’, symbolising strength and vigilance.

"Our unit mascot is the wedge-tailed eagle, a bird of prey,” he said.

“The other squadrons in the unit represent the eyes and ears, and now finally we have the talons of the bird of prey.”

D Squadron is postured to undertake further progression training throughout 2025 in preparation for its role within the Army’s armoured amphibious brigade. 

(Aus DoD)