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Features:
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The
war against terror began in New York and Washington. It continues
in Afghanistan with Australian soldiers serving on
Freedom's frontline
Let's
continue the good work of the past year
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The
south tower of the World Trade Center collapses on September
11. Photo by Richard Drew, Associated Press
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As the
world commemorates the first anniversary of the tragic events of September
11, we should reflect on the achievements of the Australian Army over
the past 12 months.
We were all horrified and angered by the attack by terrorists on the
World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington.
This anger quickly turned to resolve and a desire to join the coalition
of nations in the fight against terror. When the Australian Government
responded to the US call for help, the Australian Army, as always,
rose to the challenge.
Army has performed with distinction and determination in difficult
circumstances as part of the coalition against terrorism. Soldiers
from SASR and 16 AD Regt as well as those who deployed with the National
Command Element have upheld and enhanced the Anzac tradition. The
efforts of these soldiers has enhanced the Australian Army’s
reputation and given the Australian public a source of considerable
pride.
In the background, Army has also been working hard. In addition to
maintaining our high operational tempo, in the past 12 months we have
seen the establishment of the IRR and the raising of a second Tactical
Assault Group within 4RAR(Cdo). These two units form part of the Government’s
broader commitment to ensure that Australia has all the tools it requires
to combat terrorism and other threats to our national security. The
IRR and TAG-E enhance Australia’s existing capacity to respond
to national security threats.
In addition, and in support of our operational commitments, it is
important to remember the contribution of our families. It is their
love, understanding and courage that are the foundation of all our
efforts. Our families deserve recognition for their outstanding support
and on behalf of all in the Army, I thank them.
We must also pause and remember a fallen comrade and those who have
been injured on operations. Our thoughts and prayers are with the
family of Sgt Andrew Russell, who died while on active service in
Afghanistan on February 16. The loss of any member of the Army family
is a tragedy. He will not be forgotten. His name has joined those
of other Australians who have made the supreme sacrifice for freedom
over the past 101 years.
On this anniversary of a tragedy, we should pause to reflect on our
achievements and our sacrifices in response to the threat of terrorism.
I ask all soldiers to continue the good work and to build on the efforts
of the past 12 months. Our training, our preparedness and our commitment
must remain at the highest levels as we tackle future challenges.
Peter Leahy
Lieuteant-General
Chief of Army |
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