From Leut Greg Keely in Washington

US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Richard Myers: “the capabilities of Australian forces continue to be a force multiplier to the Coalition.” Photo by Leut Greg Keeley, MPA

THERE would have been a void in coalition capabilities if Australian forces had not been deployed in Iraq, according to the United States’ top military chief.

In an interview in Washington recently, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Richard Myers, said the ADF’s 2000-strong contribution added to the capabilities of the whole coalition.

“Had any piece of Australian forces been taken out, it would have left a void that would have reduced the capabilities of the coalition and would have required additional US or UK resources to fill the void,” he said.

In particular, Gen Myers acknowledged the role the SASR had in securing western Iraq to prevent the launch of Scud missiles, the work of the RAAF’s C-130s and P3 Orions in surveillance and transport and the Navy Clearance Diving Team, which cleared Umm Qasr of mines.

He said Australia’s Special Forces were absolutely crucial to the mission of preventing Iraqi missile attacks against neighbouring countries.

“They had a very important piece of it, kind of right in the middle – UK and US were in there as well.

“It was critical to secure what we call Scud launch baskets to prohibit potential launches against Jordan, Israel, maybe Saudi Arabia, because that could set up a whole different dynamic if that were to happen.

“Not the least of which could be chemical or biological weapons in addition to conventional weapons fitted, it could be very dangerous to people across the land.”

The continued focus of interoperability between the US and Australia had again proven itself worthy.

“It is not surprising that the forces that are working together inside Iraq to liberate the Iraqi people work together in a very coherent way, just like they did inside Afghanistan.

“As in Afghanistan, the capabilities of Australian forces continue to be a force multiplier to the coalition. Their contributions have been monumental and their heroic efforts and sacrifices have been very important.

“They have been absolutely superb and we appreciate it. Lots of people make enormous sacrifices and I am sure for the families left back in Australia that they need to know that their folks are conducting themselves brilliantly on the battlefield and we very much appreciate it.”

Gen Myers said the immediate post-conflict period would be incredibly important with military tasks which would have to be done immediately to ensure Iraq’s integrity remained intact.

A key task would be to secure weapons of mass destruction sites and then dispose of the weapons.

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