Soldiers from the 1RAR Battalion Group assume responsibility as AUSBATT VIII, which is part of Operation Citadel, during a handover parade at Moleana with the 5/7RAR Battalion Group (AUSBATT VII) in East Timor on May 17. Photo by Pte Duncan Carter, 1RAR

1RAR takes over in EM

SOLDIERS from 1RAR took over responsibility from 5/7RAR during a handover parade at Moleana in East Timor on May 17.

As part of the parade, CO 5/7RAR, Lt-Col Michael Lean handed a UN Flag to CO 1RAR, Lt-Col Stuart Smith, to symbolise the transfer of UN Mission responsibility between the battalion groups in the Australian AO.

The parade was reviewed by Commander Sector West Col Wayne Bowen and attended by United Nations Police, United Nations Military Observers and District representatives.

Lt-Col Lean said the parade marked a significant day for AUSBATT VII.

“Soldiers from the 5/7RAR Battalion Group are marking the end of seven months of highly successful and hard work,” he said.

“We wish AUSBATT VIII the best of luck for their tour of duty and thank all those who supported us in completing our mission.”

In accepting responsibility for the Australian AO, Lt-Col Smith highlighted Australia’s commitment to the people of East Timor.

“Our soldiers, gunners, sappers, pilots, drivers and medics will strive to support the East Timorese people as they assume more responsibility for their own security. We will do this in the same firm but fair manner as AUSBATT VII,” he said.

Australia currently contributes about 1000 people (about 25 per cent) of the Peace Keeping Force, to the United Nations Mission in Support of East Timor (UNMISET).

UNMISET was established by UN resolution 1272/99 on October 25, 2000, and was implemented on East Timor’s Independence Day on May 20, 2002.

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