Aussie 1st Brigade and 31st MEU train. Question. Where is the 3rd Brigade?

Australian Light Armoured Vehicles prepare to depart before the major offensive of Exercise Hamel 2012 begins here, June 24. Prior to the main operations, Marines of Company G., Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, integrated with Australian Army units to engage the Army’s 1st Brigade for the multi-week scenario. The exercise certifies the Australian unit for deployment. Exercise Hamel is a multi-national training evolution between Australia and New Zealand, with this year being the first with U.S. Marine participation. The 31st MEU is the only continuously forward-deployed MEU and is the nation’s force in readiness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Interesting but the Australian's have designated their 3rd Brigade as their "Naval Infantry" so why aren't the Marines training with them?

Australia is about to come to a shocking revelation for them, but one I've been predicting for months.

The skills necessary for them to acquire in order to properly utilize the Canberra Class LHD, the Bay Class LPD's and other equipment like the LCM-1E will require them to form a Marine Corps.  Maybe not in name but in function.  The 3rd Brigade is looking like that force but this certification exercise (when did that become 'envogue' for units....certifying to become Special Ops Capable but certifying to deploy...really....say that shit out loud and see if it doesn't smack of bullshit) shows that the Australian Army but more precisely the Navy doesn't quite have its head in the game.

Maybe it has to do with getting all this new gear into service but I'm really surprised that the Admirals haven't pushed for the formation of even a token force.