Case Study: Logistics and exercise support - CJMCC

Background

CJMCC is responsible for synchronising air, land, and sea movements to ensure personnel and materiel are transported efficiently and safely between bases, ports, and deployed locations. Within CJMCC, the Regular Public Transport (RPT) Cell plays a critical enabling role by managing large volumes of commercial flight and surface travel bookings that support the movement of thousands of ADF and partner-nation personnel across Australia and overseas.

This work directly underpins Defence’s ability to conduct complex multi-domain training exercises such as Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS25), the largest bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States. The success of TS25 relies on the precise coordination of logistics and movement activities to ensure that all personnel, equipment, and sustainment assets are positioned where and when they are required to achieve mission readiness.

To meet increased operational demand and mitigate workforce shortfalls during the pre-deployment, execution, and redeployment phases, Profectus deployed six logistics and exercise support officers to augment Defence’s existing movement control teams across multiple locations.

Challenge

Exercise Talisman Sabre involves thousands of personnel moving between domestic and international locations within compressed timeframes. The CJMCC and its subordinate RPT Cell must operate at high tempo, managing a constant flow of travel requests, last-minute amendments, and complex interdependencies with Defence and coalition transport assets.

The environment presented several recurring challenges:

• large volumes of RPT flight bookings with short notice and frequent itinerary changes, often up to five per member
• missing or incomplete CTM profiles and movement requests lacking key data such as travel times and destinations
• last-minute operational adjustments affecting connecting military air (grey-tail) or sea movements
• unapproved amendments made directly through CTM by members without proper authorisation
• the need to maintain accurate records and accountability under constant change, while supporting multiple command levels and international partners

Despite these pressures, Defence required absolute accuracy, transparency, and timeliness to ensure the safe and efficient movement of all exercise participants.

Approach

Profectus logistics and exercise support officers were embedded directly within the RPT Cell, operating under the command of the Headquarters Combined Joint Theatre Support Component (CJTSC). Working closely with Defence movement control authorities and exercise planners, the team provided hands-on operational support to manage the full life cycle of personnel movement during TS25.

Under Defence direction, the Profectus team:

• booked and managed all RPT travel for Defence members supporting TS25, often with minimal notice and frequent changes
• coordinated surface transport such as bulk bus bookings and individual taxi services to complement air movements and ensure continuity between commercial and Defence-operated transport
• maintained continuous liaison with J78, CJMCC, and unit movement officers to align movement data and resolve conflicts between commercial and military transport schedules
• ensured compliance with Defence travel policy, delegations, and financial frameworks
• supported pre-deployment staging, in-transit adjustments during the exercise, and redeployment coordination at the conclusion of activities
• engaged with Defence personnel and contractors across multiple locations including Canberra, Brisbane, Darwin, and exercise hubs throughout northern Australia
• provided quality management and assurance across all RPT bookings and surface movements, ensuring data accuracy and adherence to Defence process requirements
• managed bookings that at times involved five or more international flight legs across complex routing arrangements
• worked flexibly across extended hours, including weekends and up to 14-hour shifts when required, to meet exercise timelines and operational demands

The officers worked in dynamic and high-pressure conditions, ensuring that all bookings, amendments, and cancellations were accurately captured and reconciled within Defence systems to maintain full visibility of personnel movements.

Progress and outcomes

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 has now concluded, with Profectus logistics and exercise support officers having successfully supported Defence throughout all phases of deployment, execution, and redeployment. The team managed a sustained volume of complex personnel movements across dispersed locations and tight operational windows, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and continuity across Defence and coalition systems.

This work involved responding to constant schedule changes, reconciling competing movement priorities, and maintaining situational awareness across multiple commands and transport modes. Through adaptability, clear communication, and close collaboration with Defence stakeholders, Profectus contributed directly to the smooth execution of Defence’s largest joint exercise.

Following the completion of Talisman Sabre, Profectus continues to provide Defence with logistics and movement coordination support in other operational areas. This ongoing assistance ensures continuity of service and the retention of critical expertise within Defence’s movement control network.

Key areas of focus include:

• movement accuracy and coordination: maintaining visibility and traceability of commercial and surface movements to ensure personnel arrive safely and on time
• process improvement: identifying and escalating recurring administrative or procedural issues such as incomplete CTM data and unauthorised booking amendments to support ongoing improvement within Defence logistics systems
• data and reporting integrity: maintaining real-time reconciliation of bookings, cancellations, and amendments to ensure Defence has an accurate and current picture of all personnel movements
• stakeholder collaboration: maintaining strong engagement with Defence movement staff, contractors, and partner-nation representatives to ensure clear communication and minimise coordination delays
• readiness assurance: continuing to support Defence’s ability to deploy personnel efficiently and in line with operational timelines and priorities

Profectus’ contribution to Talisman Sabre and broader Defence logistics operations demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver cleared, adaptable, and reliable personnel who operate effectively in fast-paced, high-security environments while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and quality assurance.

Impact

Profectus’ deployment of logistics and exercise support officers provided Defence with immediate and scalable capacity to sustain operational tempo during one of its largest joint training activities.

By embedding cleared and experienced personnel within the CJMCC RPT Cell, Profectus enabled Defence to maintain accurate visibility over complex, high-volume personnel movements and to manage ongoing adjustments with precision and accountability.

The team’s commitment to extended working hours, seven-day operational coverage, and rigorous quality management ensured that movement coordination was executed safely and efficiently under demanding conditions.

This engagement highlights Profectus’ proven capability to deliver mission-ready professionals who integrate seamlessly within Defence operations, strengthen national preparedness, and uphold the operational integrity of Australia’s Defence logistics capability.