Army - The Soldiers' Newspaper

In Bihac, Bosnia, Maj Kurt Rezek serves on an exchange tour as the divisional mines officer. He was deployed as part of the G5 Multi-National Division (Southwest), Stabilization Force, working in Bosina helping to repair a war torn country.
Photo by Sgt W Guthrie,
Digital Media

NATO

Op Osier, the Balkans
Eight personnel, working as part of Nato’s Stabilisation Force in the Balkans

ICAT

Op Slipper, Afghanistan, Middle East
Three rotations of SASR over the past year as part of Australia’s contribution to the International Coalition Against Terrorism

Capt Jeff Ashton tasked with weapons disposal on the pacific island of Bougainville takes possesion of a Bougainville Revolutionary Army high-powered M16 rifle during the containment of weapons by the Peace Monitoring Group. Photo by WO2 Al Green, 1JPAU(P)

UNTSO

Op Paladin, Israel
Twelve observers on the border between Israel and Syria. A long-standing mission

PMG

Op Bel Isi II, Bougainville
Current strength, 40. An always challenging mission, finding weapons and educating people in the peace process

CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy talking with East Timorese villagers during one of his visits to soldiers serving in the AUSBATT, the national command element and training teams in the newly independent country whose security is being maintained by the UNMISET force.

MF&O

Op Mazurka, Sinai
Twenty-five personnel in a long-standing mission on the border between Egypt and Israel

IMATT

Operation Husky, Sierra Leone
Two personnel as part of a British-led international force maintaining security in the West African country recently torn by civil war

Australian Special Forces Task Group soldiers conduct a vehicle-mounted reconnaissance in the Bagram region of Afghanistan.
Photo by Cpl Ashley Roach, 1JPAU(P)

UNMEE

Op Pomelo, Ethiopia/Eritrea
Current strength, two personnel providing staff officer support in the headquarters

UNMISET

Op Citadel, East Timor
Current strength, 1150. 5/7RAR deployed in October and comprises three AS rifle companies and a Fijian company, maintaining security in the world’s newest independent country

The Australian Army
Around the World in 2002

THIS year has been one of extremely high operational tempo for the Australian Army.

It has also been a year in which the world and the nature of war fighting changed forever. The bombings in Bali brought terrorism to our doorstep. We must remain ever vigilant in all our efforts.

As before, Army has been engaged in a variety operations around the world, including taking a leading role in Australia’s contribution to the coalition against terrorism. Members of our Special Forces deployed on Operation Slipper have performed to the high standard we have come to expect from them and drawn praise from our coalition allies. They have brought great credit to themselves, their Regiment and their country.

I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our Navy and Air Force colleagues. Without their assistance, Army could not operate. The excellent work being done by all personnel deployed on Operation Slipper demonstrates the effectiveness of the ADF as a joint force.

Soldiers from 16 AD Regt who were deployed on RAN ships in the Gulf provided an invaluable capability to the Multinational Interception Force.

Diggers continue to contribute to peacekeeping, peace monitoring and humanitarian missions in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Bougainville, East Timor, Egypt, Sierra Leone, Bosnia and the Middle East.

I have been fortunate to visit many of our soldiers on operations this year and I have been impressed by their professionalism, dedication and courage displayed in often difficult and demanding situations. Allied commanders have been unanimous in their praise for Australian soldiers.

I have been pleased to see the work done in Australia to prepare, train and sustain our forces on operations has been successful. We must remember it is the role of all within the Army to support those personnel deployed on operations.

At home, Army works closely with the community across a range of activities. Army is a key participant in many DACC tasks while AACAP and the RFSUs continue to reinforce Army’s commitment to indigenous communities.

Service in the Army is not without sacrifice. This year we have lost soldiers at home and abroad. Their loss is a tragedy that is felt across the entire Army. At a time of celebration, we must remember the families of those who have died and remember their sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with them always.

I wish you all a happy and safe Christmas and look forward to another year of proudly serving the nation.
Peter Leahy
Lieutenant-General
Chief of Army

AGAIN, in 2002 all members of the Army have been fully committed to Serving the Nation.

No matter if that service has been on operations in far-flung areas of the world or day to day in units here at home, you, the members of the Army, can feel justifiably proud of your commitment and dedication.

Diggers from all corps, regular and reserve continue to demonstrate professional standards that are the envy of armies across the world.

To each of you I say thank you and I look forward to your continuing commitment in 2003.

While the focus is naturally on those members on operations I am conscious that there are many soldiers in TC-A, DMO, CSIG, DSD etc who continue to give loyal service but who may not always get the accolades they deserve.

Rest assured that your service is valued and appreciated by Army’s senior leaders.

This year has also seen Australia and the region touched by the hand of terrorism with the bombings in Bali.

This terrible event should cause us all to reflect on the need to remain vigilant in whatever we do.

Again this year this support has been outstanding and has enabled the soldier in the family to concentrate on the task at hand.

And, so as our thoughts turn to the leave break and Christmas spent with family, stay safe, drive carefully and return refreshed in the new year.

Jan 31: For the first time since the War on Terror begins, Australian Special Forces troops talk about the conditions in Afghanistan, commenting specifically on the threat of landmines.

Feb 14: The then-CA Gen Peter Cosgrove, in an interview with Army, says the continuing uncertainty facing Australia and its defenders remained the big challenge facing the Australian Army.

Feb 16: Sgt Andrew Russell, SASR, is killed in Afghanistan when the long-range patrol vehicle in which he was travelling struck a suspected anti-vehicle mine.

March: About 100 SASR troops are involved in the US-led Operation Anaconda, where battle-damage assessments indicate more than 500 enemy fighters are killed.

March 28: The second rotation of Special Forces Task Group troops leave for service in Afghanistan.

April: Sgt Matthew Bouillat, SASR, is awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his leadership during action in the international war against terrorism.

April 25: Soldiers in Australia and on active service around the globe celebrate Anzac Day.

May 9: The then-CA Gen Peter Cosgrove addresses troops from the 3RAR Bn Gp before the battalion departs for its second deployment to East Timor.

May 16: The last Anzac, 103-year-old Alec William Campbell, dies at his nursing home in Hobart.

June 28: Lt-Gen Peter Leahy is appointed Chief of Army. Maj-Gen Frank Roberts is appointed Deputy Chief of Army.

July 4: Gen Peter Cosgrove becomes the Chief of the Defence Force, replacing Adm Chris Barrie.

July 18: Soldiers are warned to stay away from steroids after investigation increases concern from senior commanders.

July: Pte Tim Lowndes, 1RAR, wins two gold medals, a silver and a bronze medal in shooting, at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England.

August 1: It is announced that an infantry company of Army Reservists will deploy to East Timor in November - it is the first time this has occurred since WW1.

August 29: The 60th anniversary of the Battle of Kokoda is commemorated with the unveiling of a monument at Isurava by PM John Howard.

September: The Incident Response Regiment and the Tactical Assault Group East are officially unveiled at Holsworthy Barracks, as Australia's military response to the September 11 terrorist attacks.

September 11: The world remembers the terrorist attacks on the US that stunned world a year ago.

October 12: Bali is shaken by a series of bomb blasts, causing widespread death and destruction to tourists and locals at the Sari nightclub. Australia bears the brunt of the casualties with about 150 dead or injured and 140 missing in the aftermath. The ADF provides five medical teams to help with the evacuation of casualties, totalling 41 medical personnel.

November 27: Sig Martin Wallace, SASR, receives the Medal for Gallantry for courage under fire in Afghanistan during Operation Anaconda in March. WO2 Mark Keily receives the Medal of the Order of Australia in the Military Division for Meritorious Service to the ADF while employed as an SM in the SASR.
Maj Daniel McDaniel receives the Distinguished Service Medal for distinguished leadership in action while commanding 1 SAS Sqn in Afghanistan during Operation Slipper.

December 4: Soldiers at Holsworthy Barracks, in Sydney’s south-west, are caught in the path of one of many raging bushfires that swept across the city. Brave soldiers stay and fight the fires at a number of units, indicating the strength and character of the Australian soldier. This dedication saved the barracks from what could have been a major disaster. No-one was injured.