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"We're going to load up here...in six C-17 aircraft with over 550 paratroopers," said Col. Brian Weightman, commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division. "Airfield seizure and expansion is the bread and butter of this brigade and the airborne infantry." This training demonstrated rapid deployment and the force’s capability to respond to emerging challenges quickly and decisively. Building on a successful Combined Joint Forcible Entry Operation (CJFEO) earlier in the exercise, paratroopers once again showcased resilience and preparedness for demanding operations in succession. “Critical to the success of the operation was the seamless integration of intelligence and communication systems, enabling real-time command and control over vast distances and challenging environments,” said Lt. Col. John Limauro, director of intelligence for the 11th Airborne Division. "Using en route mission command intelligence and operations systems supported by the Division G6/Joint Communications Support Element, provided a capability that enabled the Division G2 to keep the airborne commander current on any threat the airborne force would encounter. It is critical the airborne commander has most current intelligence and accurate situational understanding when he exits the aircraft,” Limauro explained. The continuous flow of information was made possible thanks to the upgraded communications package, including the Secure Video Enterprise Network (SVEN) system, offering high-fidelity voice, data, video teleconferencing (VTC), chat, and email services in conjunction with Starshield, provided by the Air Force. Lt. Col. Barrie Ciotti, 11th Airborne Division director of network communications, emphasized the critical role of this system. "Continuous, robust communication for an extended period: SVEN provided full SIPR (Secret Internet Protocol Router Network) and NIPR (Non-Classified Internet Protocol Router Network) services for the entire flight," Ciotti said. "This level of continuous, high-fidelity communication capability on the move, especially across the International Date Line and into potentially contested environments, is critical and not easily achievable with traditional systems." The connectivity allowed command teams to monitor troop movements, adjust tactics in real time and assess threats, ensuring operational resilience despite the complexities of international distance and potential interference. Participating forces emphasized that the exercise was not only about immediate tactical success but also about learning and adapting for future operations. Weightman noted the significance of after-action reviews. "A big part of what we do is learning from our experiences, then applying those lessons to future experiences," he said. "This refit in-country allows us to have a very robust after-action review...and discuss the lessons we learned, then adapt those going forward to the next operation." The ability to conduct such large-scale airborne operations within a tight timeline underscores the growing emphasis on rapid response. Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, with multinational participation, advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability among key allies and enhancing our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns. Lt. Col. Ciotti highlighted the importance of constant communication with all levels of command. "As forces enter potentially hostile or contested environments West of the International Date Line, constant communication ensures the airborne commander and all subordinate units receive the most up-to-date intelligence, threat assessments and friendly force positions," he said. “Every opportunity to use this communication package is invaluable for our communication system operators, division staff, and 2/11 leadership. We should leverage this support to refine and improve our performance from the first JFEO.”