Pivotal role of citizen soldiers
August 01, 2002
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Pte
Alex Stein, 8/9RVR, fills a magazine with rounds for his Steyr,
before conducting another training activity during Exercise Tiger
Cub in Puckapunyal to select members of A Coy, 5/7RAR. Photo by
Cpl Wade Laube, 1JPAU(P)
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When given the command to form A Coy, 5/7RAR, the soldiers of 2/17RNSWR, 41RNSWR, 5/6RVR and 8/7RVR on parade at Watsonia Barracks in Melbourne on July 14, removed their bush hats and replaced them with forest green berets.
CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy said this was the first sub-unit comprised entirely of Army Reserve soldiers to deploy on operational service outside Australia.
"This represents a significant milestone in the steady progression of the Army to a seamless force comprising permanent and part-time soldiers," he said.
Lt-Gen Leahy said citizen soldiers had always played a pivotal role in the success of the Australian Army.
"Indeed, a substantial permanent army is a relatively recent phenomenon in Australian history - the traditions and unique ethos of the Australian Army are largely the creation of citizen soldiers."
He said it was vital to the Army that the soldiers succeed on their deployment.
"While significant numbers of Reserve soldiers have already performed superbly in East Timor, Bougainville and in many other challenging environments, yours is the first unit comprised exclusively of Reservists to undertake operational service outside Australia.
"I don't think it will be the last."
Lt-Gen Leahy said the Defence White Paper laid out clear guidelines for the enhancement of the Army Reserve's capability and the Government had directed they have an active role in the Army.
"It is essential to our national security that the Army be capable of deploying potent land forces to trouble spots offshore.
"We cannot sustain and rotate those forces without the complete integration of the Army Reserves into the combat force.
"You are providing a very real and highly visible commitment to the defence of Australia through your service in 5/7RAR.
"From today you are entitled to wear the coveted badge of the Royal Austalian Regiment and its inscription - Duty First - should be your byword in the coming months."
CA also spoke to the families of the soldiers on parade, welcoming them to the biggest extended family in Australia.
"We appreciate that the members of A Coy would not be available to serve in East Timor without your sacrifice and support.
"Let me formally thank you on behalf of the Army for the support that has allowed them to make this commitment to the nation - in a very real sense, you also are serving the nation."
By Cpl Jonathan Garland