GOING into southern Iraq for a second deployment in two years is all part of the “absolute ball” that Lance Corporal (LCpl) Brendan Southwick describes as his five-year career in the Australian Army.

LCpl Southwick last deployed to Iraq with the Al Muthanna Task Group in 2005 and is currently serving as an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle crew commander with the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-Two, operating from Ali Air Base, Tallil, in the southern Iraqi province of Dhi Qar.

The Battle Group is supporting the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in Dhi Qar and the neighbouring Al Muthanna province by training and mentoring the local security forces and providing assistance to the ISF as required.

LCpl Southwick describes this deployment as significantly different to his first due to the noticeable improvements being made in transitioning security back to the Iraqi Government.

“On the first deployment we were the first Australian task group into southern Iraq. The tempo has changed because the Iraqi Security Forces have taken on increased responsibilities,” LCpl Southwick said.

But while the operational tempo may have tapered, it has still been a busy two years for LCpl Southwick, after the Darwin-based member of the 2 nd Cavalry Regiment married a Darwin girl in Rome in 2005.

“Since I have been married, I think we’ve only spent about 11 months together. Obviously being away from your family for six months is hard, but at the end of it you get back to Australian for two or three months and you’re pretty keen to get on the next trip because that’s what you train to do,” LCpl Southwick said.

LCpl Southwick is one of about 1400 Australian Defence Force personnel serving in the Middle East as part of Operation Catalyst, the Australian Government’s contribution to help build the capability of the Iraq Security Force.

The Australian Battle Group is also assisting with the redevelopment of water and irrigation projects, rural projects to enhance animal production, health clinics and power supply initiatives.

Before joining the Army, LCpl Southwick went to primary school in Sanford and then onto Ferny Grove High School in Queensland prior to joining the Army.

“I always knew I was going to join, so I decided to finish year 12, then I joined the Army and then 2 Cav (2nd Cavalry Regiment) and haven’t looked back since – it’s been an absolute ball,” LCpl Southwick said.

Training in Iraq - Operation Catalyst fact sheet