From Cpl Jonathan Garland
in East Timor
WITH the draw-down of Australian troops in East Timor, some of the non-operational functions are being replaced with civilians, or withdrawn completely.

One such function is that performed by the Joint Amenities Unit (JAU), which provides the 1100 Australian soldiers a long way from home with some comforts and entertainment for off-duty hours.

Capt Solita Hippisley, Detachment Commander JAU – East Timor, said the unit made life away from home a little easier for deployed troops.

“We provide a few little luxuries that aren’t otherwise available – guys on the border can’t just wander down to the shops after work,” she said.

Available are duty-free items such as digital cameras, video cameras, cigarettes, movies, video games and clothing.

“Clothing is probably our most popular item – it all has the UN symbol on it, which makes it a good souvenir item, and it’s all functional for the environment here.”

Soldiers also like to send flowers home, with the unit taking about 40 orders each fortnight for delivery to addresses around Australia.

Because soldiers serving on the border are unable to reach the unit in Dili, the staff makes a fortnightly run to all the border positions to make their stock available to soldiers in the field.

Stock for the unit is purchased in Australia and 65 per cent of the profit from goods sold goes to the Army Amenities Fund.

“All the stock in the store belongs to Frontline and basically we act as agents for them.”

The unit will be closed early in 2003.

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