The only indication that something was about to happen on a deserted beach in Shoalwater Bay was a few dark specks on the horizon as we glanced out to sea. As part of Exercise Talisman Sabre, Australian and US troops lead an amphibious landing against an 'opposing' force.

Troops were given a scenario and were instructed to take control of the area upon landing.

In the distance the dock landing ship USS Germantown awaits for communication from troops on the ground, it's all encrypted of course so the enemy can't listen in.

US Captain Caleb Eames gave a running commentary of the event as the amphibious vehicles approached the shoreline.

"Now you see the smoke screens being produced by the amphibious assault vehicles as they come assure to mask their movements, to make it less clear where they're actually at so the enemy who might be sighting in on them won't be able to ascertain their exact positions or their movements," says Captain Eames.

"The driver and the vehicle's commander can see the beach, the guys who are in the back don't have any visibility but they're getting commands from the vehicle commander who's letting them know how much time they have until they're going to hit the beach and how much time until those doors are going to open and those troops are going to pile out and secure the beach."

Within seconds the vehicles have exited the water and are running up the beach before troops are unloaded from the rear.

Captain Eames says there are about eight to 10 men per craft but they can fit as many as 12 depending on their needs.

Private Dominic Hanson says it's a thrilling experience coming out of the amphibious vehicles.

"It's quite a rush being in the tracks, it's complete darkness and then you feel about 15 seconds before you actually hit the beach, you hit rock bottom in the ocean," says Private Hanson.

"Then you hit the beach, a ramp goes down and it floods with light and you go from complete darkness to complete light.

"It's quite an adrenaline rush."

Captain Eames says once ashore, the troops will move forward 25 to 30 kilometres and seize another section of the training area.

"Their mission for this is an airfield seizure so the scenario is that the enemy has an airfield that we need to use to bring some air assets in and so....this company will go in and seize that airport as quickly as possible."

Captain Eames says the Marine Corp prides itself on the ability to swiftly respond to any humanitarian crises or deployments for assaults.

Brigadier Bob Brown says the amphibious landing is a great way for Australian forces to learn from the experts in that department.

"The Marines are obviously renowned for their ability to project power across the beach and they have a great enduring history in that regard," says Brigadier Brown.

"Australia has had a limited capacity to do that but we're about to, in the next few years, to enhance that capability through the purchase of two large amphibious ships."