Force Level Logistic Asset - Rotation Five

Unit Name: Force Level Logistic Asset - Middle East
Rotation: FLLA 5 is the fifth formed body rotation
Location: Middle East and supports both Operation CATALYST (Iraq) and Operation.

The Force Level Logistic Asset - Middle East is a joint unit that will provide vital operational logistic support to deployed ADF soldiers, sailors and airmen and women. The FLLA's wide range of logistic and administrative capabilities will be working hard to ensure to the right support is delivered to the right location at the right time. We have bought together a wide range of personnel throughout Australia and from Army, Navy and Air Force to train and prepare in Brisbane for the six month deployment.

Training has included general service skills such as range shoots and gas training; but, also focused on specific trade training, Middle Eastern cultural briefings and incorporated the use of emerging simulation, such as inter-active language trainers and driver programs that replicate a virtual Middle East.

FLLA 5 are happy to help the people of Iraq and Afghanistan to improve their lives and achieve a stable and secure future. The focus will be to support those ADF personnel in the MEAO as best as possible whilst continuing to build upon the fine work of the Australian service men and women who are there now and those who served before them. Training has been hard, but the team has been well supported, well-equipped and is committed to achieving the best result for the deployed forces.

A strong focus has remained on support services and the wide ranging assistance that is available to spouses and families. FLLA 5 held a very informative family and welfare brief on Friday 18 July 2008 that was attended by the families of those members based in the Brisbane area.

FROM THE CO FLLA-5

Welcome to the first edition of the FLLA 5 Newsletter. I hope that you enjoy reading about the goings on around various parts of the FLLA. To the families and friends back home, I can report to you that everyone who has deployed with us has made a great start. Already the team has made a positive impression with their professionalism and willingness to go out of their way to provide support to the deployed force. There is a lot of work to be done, sometimes in difficult conditions and I have been impressed with the hard work and dedication demonstrated by all.

We are now well established with the last personnel from FLLA 4 having left a few weeks ago. Everyone is settling into a routine and our junior leaders are hard at work looking after both the requirements of our mission but also the welfare of all members of the FLLA. We have good access to telephone and email and I encourage all members of the FLLA to maintain regular contact with family and loved ones back home. Mail is very popular and our posties work extremely hard to ensure that it is processed in quick time so that everyone can keep in touch the old fashioned way. I have recently returned from a visit to one of our sub-units who received letters from a school in Australia. I think penning replies to those kids was a rewarding experience for all concerned.

I am very happy with the start made by the soldiers, sailors and airmen of FLLA 5 and everyone at home can justifiably be proud of their efforts. I also recognise and appreciate the support of everyone back home and understand that it can be difficult to manage everything while we are deployed. Please do not hesitate in contacting any of the family support lines if you need help. The 9 FSB Duty Officer is contactable 24 hours a day on 0429 316 188 should the need arise for you to seek advice or assistance.

To summarise, I am very pleased with the start made by all members of the FLLA 5 team. We now turn our attention to some major activities which we will support on top of the daily maintenance tasks which we complete routinely - everyone will remain busy. We are also well into the final stages of planning for ROCL and ROCTFA with everyone now aware of the planned dates for their travel.

I hope you enjoy the first of our regular newsletters and I thank the small team who have done the work in compiling and gaining clearance for this first edition.

Regards,

Andy Fidge
LTCOL
CO FLLA 5