Natural high

The CIMIC in the mists of Mt Ramalou. Photo by Capt Simon Hunter, 1RAR

From Capt Nic Smith in East Timor

CLIMBING the highest peak in East Timor was all in a days work for two Civil Military Cooperation Teams (CIMIC) from 1RAR.

As part of a three-day patrol, the CIMIC teams commanded by Capt Simon Hunter and Lt Duncan Foster climbed Mount Ramalou, the highest peak in East Timor.

The mountain stands at over 1000m and is located in the Atsabe sub district in the central highlands of East Timor.

The patrol established contact with remote mountain communities as part of AUSBATT VIII’s support to the Government of East Timor. With a greatly increased area of operations, AUSBATT VIII relies upon the work of the CIMIC teams to provide a direct link into local communities. This link helps the battalion support the local police, and provide medical and humanitarian assistance to areas of need.

To assist them in their work each CIMIC team has a Tetum speaker, the local language, and a medic.

OC CIMIC, Maj Mitch Kennedy, said that the patrol was part of an ongoing program to establish a positive rapport with the local people and provide support to the Government of East Timor.

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