Australia is to get a powerful new fighting force akin to the US Marine Corps that will be able to launch amphibious assaults and carry out humanitarian missions across the region.
It is understood the Government will establish the equivalent of a US Marine Expeditionary Unit by 2016, training troops to conduct seaborne missions from large ships capable of carrying landing craft, tanks and attack helicopters.
The plan is to be rolled out as thousands of US marines are based in the Northern Territory, with Diggers to learn from the Americans the mechanics of deploying troops and equipment on beaches while under fire.
The Government will use the 3rd Royal Australian Regiment, stationed in Townsville, as the basis for the force, to be known as the Amphibious Ready Group.
Troops will be trained to operate from the two new Landing Helicopter Docks, the equivalent of small aircraft carriers each able to carry two Abrams tanks, Tiger attack helicopters and landing craft.
"This will be the most powerful amphibious force in the region bar none," a Defence source said.
Until recently, 3RAR was Australia's crack parachute regiment.
But it was stripped of its ability to launch airborne assaults and moved from NSW to Queensland under a major revamp of the Australian Defence Force.
It is currently preparing to deploy to Afghanistan and will begin training for its new role when it returns.
The plan for the creation of Australia's own marine assault force comes as neighbours in the region express caution about Prime Minister Julia Gillard's decision to allow 2500 US troops to be based in the NT for six months of the year.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has suggested Australia allow Chinese troops on its soil to train alongside Diggers as part of efforts to promote understanding between Canberra, Beijing and the US.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith said yesterday that the idea had merit but pointed out that Australia already carried out some Defence exercises with China.
"We don't see it as something which would necessarily occur in the short term but it's a good suggestion, it's an interesting suggestion, it's a positive suggestion and one which I think in the longer term is good for serious consideration," Mr Smith said.
The first of Australia's two LHDs is due to begin service in 2013.
