All army combat training exercises have been suspended in the wake of the deaths of two Australian soldiers in the past week, as tributes flow for the latest victim.
Geelong man, Private Jason Walter Challis, died during a live fire exercise in the Northern Territory on Wednesday afternoon.
![Tributes flow for Jason Challis, the Australian soldier killed during a training exercise on Wednesday.](/web/20170512034118im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/2/j/z/5/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gw2lpw.png/1494496198102.jpg)
Pte Challis was taking part in a "routine training activity" when he was injured, about 12.45pm local time at the Mount Bundey training area, about 130 kilometres south-east of Darwin.
It is understood he was shot in the head during a live fire exercise.
He was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital, where he later died.
Pte Challis' death is being investigated by Northern Territory police, with the assistance of the Australian Defence Force.
Police are also investigating the death of Stuart Reddan, 21, who died on May 4 after he was reportedly hit by a tree branch while training near Rockhampton in Queensland.
On Thursday afternoon, Federal Defence Minister Marise Payne announced training activities across all combat brigades had been suspended, while safety procedures were reviewed.
![ADF training at the Mount Bundey base.](/web/20170512034118im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/2/o/z/k/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gw2lpw.png/1494496198102.jpg)
"The Australian public rightfully expects Defence to mitigate the risk of injury through the rigorous implementation of its policy and processes. The serious nature of the recent incidents require a deliberate and thorough review," she said.
"The army will progressively return to training over the next few days once the review is complete, and Brigade Commanders and army leadership are satisfied that the necessary procedures and protections are in place.
![Jason Challis.](/web/20170512034118im_/http://www.theage.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/2/r/h/w/image.related.articleLeadNarrow.300x0.gw2lpw.png/1494496198102.jpg)
"I will continue to oversee the progress of the reviews, in recognition of the importance of mitigating risk for Australian Defence Force personnel on training."
The grieving family of the Pte Challis said he was "the best son, step-son, brother and mate you could ever ask for".
"Our beautiful boy has gone. His cheekiness and loving ways will stay with us forever," the family said.
"His personality pleased and brought so many people together. Everyone he met loved him and fell in love with him.
"Rest in peace, our darling Jason, we love you forever. Until we meet again."
Pte Challis attended Grovedale College between 2004 and 2007, and principal Janet Matthews said there had been an outpouring of grief from the school on Thursday.
"He was a lovely young man, always friendly, outgoing, lively and a cheeky grin that you can see from his photos," she said.
Pte Challis' sister still attends the school.
"There's been a lot of support for her today," Ms Matthews said.
"And the teachers that were here 10 years ago have been very distressed to hear the news of a boy that we all knew so well, and that's indicative of the man he was," she said.
Photos of Pte Challis were shared by friends and family on Facebook, with heartfelt tributes for the young soldier, who was believed to have been aged in his 20s.
One friend, James Hinkley, wrote on Facebook: "So yesterday was the day i lost one of my best mates you where the best bloke i knew and also an awsome drinking buddy i will never forget all the fun we had REST EASY BRO GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN."
![Tributes for Jason Challis.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170512034118im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/2/l/q/i/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1494478027229.png)
Photo: Facebook
Pte Challis' cousin, Ryan Jorgensen, wrote: "Some people in life are hard to come by; one who would do anything for anyone.
"Always happy and never would say a bad word about anyone. Losing a best friend and a cousin is such a hard thing to deal with. I hope you're having a good chat to Nana up there mate."
![Tributes for Jason Challis.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170512034118im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/2/l/q/p/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1494478036213.png)
Photo: Facebook
Army chief, Lieutenant General Angus Campbell, sent a letter to all commanders on Thursday expressing his "deep concern" about the deaths.
"Like you, I am deeply concerned that we have lost two young Australians in training incidents this past week," he wrote.
"My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends. I know that our soldiers will continue to support each other as they confront the loss of their mates.
"While it is essential that our army trains for the rigours of operational service ... our training must build and develop our people and capability. The injury or death of soldiers in training is fundamentally at odds with this purpose and the responsibility we hold to those we lead."
He said brigades would progressively return to duty, as Forces Commander, Major General Fergus McLachlan, AM, was satisfied that appropriate safety measures were place.
The ADF said it would not release further information relating to Pte Challis' death, while an investigation was under way.
Northern Territory Police are preparing a report for the coroner.