Men and women of the ADF.
Yesterday I received instructions from the Australian Government
to commit Australian forces to military operations against
Iraq as part of an international coalition of military forces.
These operations are to enforce the repeated demands by the
United Nations Security Council that Iraq fully declare and
dismantle its program of weapons of mass destruction.
I have given the necessary orders to our forces in the Middle
East. Our men and women have prepared diligently and are ready
to do what is asked of them. They will do their duty with
courage, wisdom and determination.
A danger to the international community will be removed. A
tyrant will be deprived of his weapons of mass destruction.
New hope and opportunity will be given to the people of Iraq.
To those of us who watch events in the Middle East: as we
work in our barracks, bases and ships or in East Timor, Bougainville
and those many other parts of the globe where we serve, we
pause to reflect on our pride and confidence in our fellow
service men and women who stand in harm’s way.
To the men and women who embark on operations against Iraq,
our thoughts and prayers are with you for your safety and
your speedy return to your homes, your families and your loved
ones. We will do our best to comfort and support them in every
way while you do your duty.
You will serve Australia with honour and distinction. Good
luck to you all.
P
J Cosgrove
General
Chief of the Defence Force
March 19, 2003
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Today the Australian Army has again been ordered on to the
field of battle. As part of the Australian Defence Force commitment
our troops are to participate in coalition operations against
Iraq.
Our thoughts and our prayers go with those deploying into
action as part of the Special Forces Task Group and as part
of the Australian Air and Naval forces on operations. They
have a big task ahead of them but having seen them before
their deployment and having monitored their preparations in
the Middle East Area of Operations I am confident that they
are well prepared, well trained, well led and well equipped
for the task ahead. They are a strong, capable and confident
group and are participating in a powerful coalition of like-minded
nations. They are clearly up to the task before them.
While our thoughts are with those committed to operations
in the Middle East, we should also remember the many other
soldiers deployed on operations around the world. The operational
tempo is high but our training remains focused and I am confident
that we can achieve our current tasks and meet any future
demands of Government.
We should also remember and offer our total support to the
families and friends of those deployed on operations. They
are a vital part of our broader Army family and at this anxious
time deserve our support, respect and help. As an Army family
let us join together and help each other.
To those committed to operations today, good luck, God speed
and a safe and swift return home. We are proud of you and
know that you will do well as you Serve the Nation.
P.F.
Leahy
Lieutenant-General
Chief of Army
March 20, 2003
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