Diggers at their best

THE Australian Contingent Commander in the Middle East has reported how impressed he is by the performance of Australian personnel on the operation.

Brig Ken Gillespie returned to Australia for a short break after several months deployed to the United States and then into the Middle East.

"I'm struck by how much we've achieved in a relatively short time and how our personnel have enhanced our Defence Force's international reputation," he said.

Brig Gillespie said morale among soldiers in Afghanistan was high despite the danger and discomfort of their deployment.

"They're living on an airfield in Kandahar - there are several dangers, none more potent than the mine threat we have in the region.

"The weather and the environment itself is highly hostile in the sorts of places that we're working."

In addition, the al Qa'eda remain a danger, threatening to attack groups through suicide bombings.

"Despite this, our soldiers feel they are doing a job that needs to be done and are proud to be able to serve Australia on this international stage."

"They are working very well with coalition forces, who have high regard for their ability and adaptability."

Soldiers have been able to keep in touch with families in Australia through Internet and satellite communications.

"It's not like it was on my first deployment, where we got one letter a month if we were lucky and saved all our money for weeks to make a single phone call."

Brig Gillespie said the thing he would most remember about the deployment was the way in which higher command of the coalition forces worked together.

"It was certainly a valuable experience for me to work with the US and other forces at that level."

By Cpl Jonathan Garland