CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy talks to troops from D Coy, 1RAR Bn Gp, and 3CER at Forward Operating Base Gleno in East Timor. Photo by Cpl Sean Burton, Army newspaper.

CA on the ground in Timor

By Capt Sarah Hawke
ON A recent visit to East Timor, CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy managed to speak to almost every Australian soldier serving in the peacekeeping operation.

While recent media focus has centred on operations in the Middle East, this visit by the CA highlighted the large ongoing commitment of the ADF to the PKF element of UNMISET.

It was a busy few days for Lt-Gen Leahy, with the visit taking him to troops based at Los Palos, Metinaro, Moleana, Maliana, Batugade, Gleno, Dili and Junction Points in Sector West.

1RAR Bn Gp, the eighth battalion group to rotate into the nation, last served in East Timor on UN peacekeeping duties from September 2000 to April 2001.

The CA also took the opportunity to meet with soldiers serving as part of the ASNCE for Op Citadel as well as the Defence Cooperation Program, which is providing training and support to the East Timorese Defence Force.

“I am proud of the professionalism, dedication and compassion shown by Australian troops. They are a reassuring sight for the local population, as they have been since they first arrived as part of INTERFET in 1999,” he said.

“The soldiers from 1RAR, as well as the other army personnel deployed to East Timor, are contributing to the ongoing legacy of the Digger that has been developed over the past 102 years.”

During his fifth visit to East Timor, the CA fielded a number of questions from the troops. One of the main queries related to conditions of service, with others focusing on the possibility of future deployments to the Middle East and the general future of the Army.

On the ground, Lt-Gen Leahy took part in the activities of Australian troops including a foot patrol with D Coy, 1RAR Bn Gp, in Gleno in the Emera District.

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