Soldiers have joined Air force and Navy personnel who have been pre-deployed to the Middle East in Operation Bastille.

The deployment is designed to support the UN disarmament process by continuing to pressure Iraq to comply with international obligations by ending its program of weapons of mass destruction.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said another objective was to ensure that the ADF were given the best possible opportunity to prepare for the possibility of conflict in the event that a diplomatic solution could not be found.

“This is in the interest of their own safety and their ability to carry out their tasks professionally if they are asked to do so,” he said.

Soldiers from the Special Forces Task Group (SFTG) which includes members of SASR, 4RAR(Cdo) and Incident Response Regiment (IRR) and would also be deployed as part of Operation Bastille.

“On the advice of the CDF and following our experiences in Afghanistan and East Timor, the Government has instructed the ADF to prepare Special Forces specialist support elements for potential forward deployment.”

Specialist support would include sappers from the IRR to deal with the threat of nuclear and chemical weapons.

Other Army personnel include 1 CSSB, along with South Australian gunners from 16AD Regt.

The RAAF has already dispatched two Orions, which will now be joined by a Hornet squadron, CH-47 troop-lift helicopters and Hercules.

The Government has also instructed that a Navy clearance diver team be prepared for potential forward deployment.

Senator Hill said no date had been set for the forces forward deployment.

The Government still hoped that the UN will succeed in disarming Iraq peacefully.

“These deployments, and any others in coming weeks, will not affect the ADF’s capabilities to respond effectively to contingencies in our region or at home.”

Debate is welcomed

The Australian Government welcomes debate on important issues of national security.

This is healthy in a democracy like ours.

The debate on how best to disarm Iraq is occurring while Australian Defence Force personnel are deploying to the Middle East to prepare for a military operation should it become necessary.

The Government has not made any decision to commit to such a military operation against Iraq and we will not do so unless and until all options for a peaceful resolution have been explored.

But we have decided to forward deploy some ADF elements to step up pressure on Saddam Hussein and to ensure that personnel are fully prepared in the event that a diplomatic solution cannot be found.

While the public debate continues, I would like to assure all ADF personnel and their families that they have the full support of the Government and the community.

Over recent weeks I have attended special farewell ceremonies for the sailors, soldiers and airmen and airwomen deploying under Operation Bastille.

I know the deployments are worrying for loved ones and I am conscious that the current debate adds to this anxiety.

The ADF has a long and proud tradition of distinguished service to the nation.

I am confident that those deploying as part of Operation Bastille will continue to do their duty with courage and professionalism.

In return, the Government will meet its commitment to support them and their families.

Robert Hill
Minister for Defence

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