Defence

Marshalling Point

Courage, compassion and success

ACM Angus Houston
Chief of the Defence Force

Special Forces Task Group

The Special Forces Task Group (SFTG) have now returned home from their deployment to Afghanistan, which means I am now able to share some detail of their courageous and effective work on Operation SLIPPER.

The mission of the SFTG was to secure the Oruzgan province to prevent anti-coalition militia from basing their activities in this region - thus severely disrupting their ability to mount insurgent operations. In successfully completing this task, the SFTG performed extremely well under considerable pressure. Out of the 395 days of their deployment, they were in the field and away from their operating base for 306 days. During this time over 100 ground patrols and 217 offensive air support missions were conducted. There were 139 separate combat incidents - ranging from skirmishes with small groups right through to battles against large numbers of enemy militia. Regrettably, 11 of our troops were wounded in action - that we lost none is a testament to their skill and professionalism.

Everyone in Defence can be very proud, as I am, of the performance of the SFTG in Afghanistan. The SFTG significantly undermined the insurgency capability of the enemy, thus making a notable contribution to the international Coalition fight against terrorism and to the future stability and security of Afghanistan. In achieving their mission the SFTG exhibited that unique mixture of determination, practicality and compassion which have traditionally put Australian Special Forces among the finest in the world.

AACAP 2006

Another group to perform exceedingly well are the men and women of the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP). A welcome home parade was held in Enoggera on 17 November, which formally acknowledged the successful completion of this year's AACAP project as well as recognising the 10^th anniversary of the commencement of this important program.

For those not aware, AACAP is a cooperative initiative between the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Department of Health and Ageing and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and seeks to improve environmental health conditions within remote Aboriginal communities. Over the last 10 years, a large number of projects in 17 communities have been completed throughout Australia.

The main military activity on AACAP 2006 was conducted from late April until August in Borroloola, in the Northern Territory. This year ADF personnel constructed four houses, supervised civilian contracts for the construction of an additional six houses, and provided comprehensive support to a wide range of people in the local community that included dental, medical, lifestyle, mentoring and training assistance.

The successful outcome of AACAP 2006 was due to the significant efforts of a wide range of personnel from all over the ADF and I thank them all for their hard work. 19^th Chief Engineer Works, based at Randwick, was responsible for the development of plans, civil liaison, contract supervision and the overall project management of AACAP. The construction component was led by the 6^th Engineer Support Regiment's 21^st Construction Squadron who focused on the provision of environmental health infrastructure such as housing, water, sewerage and electrical services. 21^st Construction Squadron also commanded the attached contingent of health and training teams who augmented existing community medical, dental and veterinary programs.

AACAP is a wonderful program that provides remote Australian communities with much needed assistance. The men and women of the ADF involved in AACAP 2006 have once again shown how well the ADF can perform while assisting others in need. I congratulate all involved for their compassion, determination and commitment. The planning for AACAP 2007 is already underway and I am confident it will be conducted in the same outstanding and professional manner.

Merry Christmas

Finally, as this is the last column for the year, I would like to wish all Defence men and women, and their families, a merry Christmas. Our entire organisation has worked very hard this year in defending our nation and our national interests, and I thank you all for your continued dedication and enthusiasm.

I hope that everyone is able to take some time over the holiday season to relax and spend time with family and friends. To those of our personnel who will be deployed over Christmas, and to those supporting them here at home, I thank you for your continued hard work and commitment. Your efforts are very much appreciated and I hope you are able to celebrate with your loved ones upon your return home.

To our entire organisation, I look forward to working with you all again in 2007, when I am sure we will be presented with many new and exciting opportunities.

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