Land Commnder Maj-Gen Ken Gillespie addresses troops on Op Anode. Photo by Capt Anthony Kirk, 1JPAU(P)

Look after troops, says Gen Gillespie

From Capt Anthony Kirk in the Solomon Islands
SOLDIERS need to be properly rested, says the newly-appointed Land Commander Maj-Gen Ken Gillespie.

Maj-Gen Gillespie told members deployed on Op Anode that CA, Lt-Gen Peter Leahy was keen to get troops home safely and then get back to basics.

Maj-Gen Gillespie said he would be holding commanders accountable to ensure they did just that.

Knowing that the world is monitoring the progress of the Solomon Islands, the Land Commander was keen to review the many contributions the Army had made to the law and order restoration process.

Following a detailed briefing, Maj-Gen Gillespie took a tour of the area to view the achievements of the previous 212 days of operations.

He also took the opportunity to speak with soldiers about his priorities for the future, as well as to hear their concerns and to answer questions.

Many soldiers were relieved to hear the acknowledgement by the Land Commander that, following recent years of high tempo operations, it was now time for soldiers to take a long, well earned break.

Maj-Gen Gillespie cited numerous operations and the increasing number of leave days being accrued as a clear indicator that Army personnel need a rest.

Keen to find out what issues were of concern to soldiers, he sat and listened intently as soldiers conveyed views on matters ranging from rehabilitation management through to pay.

Maj-Gen Gillespie acknowledged the concerns raised and addressed many issues on the spot. Thanking the troops for their straightforward feedback, the Land Commander encouraged all personnel to use the system if they see something that needs fixing or can be improved.

"It's important that you use the system; submit a RODUM, write a minute or use the chain of command," he said."

"Make sure you tell someone who can do something about it or at least give you an answer. If we don't know there's a problem then we cannot fix it."

As he was leaving Maj-Gen Gillespie voiced his thoughts on Op Anode.

"It's an undoubted success - this is a very different operation for the Army as we are supporting other agencies, however, our work has been no less demanding and I am delighted with the results you have achieved," he said.

This was Maj-Gen Gillespie's first major overseas trip in his capacity as Land Commander.

Impressed with what he had seen and very pleased with the feedback he received from the troops, Maj-Gen Gillespie departed with a number of new items on his to-do list.

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