Image Gallery: March 2008
Dutch Defence Minister meets Australian soldiers training for deployment to Afghanistan
12 March 2008
The Dutch Minister for Defence, the Hon Eimert van Middelkoop, visited Australian and a small group of Dutch soldiers undertaking training for deployment to southern Afghanistan today in the Wide Bay Military Training Area, Queensland.
The soldiers are undertaking a Mission Rehearsal Exercise for deployment as Reconstruction Task Force (Four) into Uruzgan Province.
Approximately, 400 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel are currently contributing to the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF), working closely with Dutch forces to deliver reconstruction and community-based projects to the southern Afghanistan province. It is equipped with Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMV), Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) and armoured engineer plant equipment.
The RTF has a clearly defined role to work on reconstruction and improvement of provincial infrastructure (schools, hospitals, bridges, security points etc) and community based projects to assist the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) achieve a stable and secure future for its people.
The RTF also provides trade training to the local population and military engineering training to the Afghan National Army (ANA). This type of assistance is designed to benefit the people of Uruzgan Province well into the future and form the building blocks of a stable and prosperous community.
The Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General David Hurley, Commander of the 1st Division, Major General Richard Wilson and Head Australian Defence Staff-London, AIRCDRE Steven Martin, accompanied the Dutch party during their visit.
| 20080312adf8143085_080 Dutch Minister for Defence,the Hon Eimert van Middelkoop, on board an Australian Army Blackhawk helicopter leaving Maroochydore airport for Wide Bay Training Area, Queensland. A second Blackhawk can bee seen through the side door of the aircraft. (Date taken: 12 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080312adf8239682_004 The Dutch Minister for Defence, Eimert van Middelkoop, receives a briefing on the Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle from Crew Commander Corporal Craig Batchelor. (Date taken: 12 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080312adf8239682_028 The Dutch Minister for Defence, Eimert van Middelkoop, in the commander's turret of a Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle receives a briefing from the vehicle's Crew Commander Corporal Craig Batchelor. (Date taken: 12 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080312adf8239682_052 The Dutch Minister for Defence, Eimert van Middelkoop, thanks Corporal Craig Batchelor and Gunner David Carmen following their brief on the capabilities of the Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle during the Minister's visit to Wide Bay Training Area, Queensland. (Date taken: 12 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080312adf8239682_056 The Dutch Minister for Defence, Eimert van Middelkoop, talks with Commanding Officer of Reconstruction Task Force 4 Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Yeaman during his visit to Wide Bay Training Area, Queensland. (Date taken: 12 March 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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