BRIG Justin Kelly will next week assume the role of Deputy Force Commander of the Peacekeeping Force, UNMISET, from fellow Australian Maj-Gen Ian Gordon.

Over his nine-month deployment Brig Kelly will continue to work closely with the Force Commander in overseeing the military contribution to rebuilding East Timor as well as the continued downsizing of the UN military operation.

Brig Kelly, from Armoured Corps, has held a wide range of staff, command and force structure appointments including Commander, Peace Monitoring Group in Bougainville.

Other appointments include Director Concepts and Capability Development, Director Restructuring the Army Trials, SO1 Land Operations ADHQ and CO, 1 Armd Regt.

Brig Kelly arrived in East Timor last month for a handover period with Maj-Gen Ian Gordon.

During his 11 months in East Timor, Maj-Gen Gordon has been instrumental in co-ordinating UN military support to East Timor’s Independence Celebrations, Presidential elections, PKF downsizing and general rebuilding of the country.

Upon his return to Australia, Maj-Gen Gordon will take up the position as CO HQTC

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