RTF is ready
New Afghanistan deployment
By Lt Simone Heyer
Volume 11, No. 43, May 18, 2006

1CER will deploy to Afghanistan in July as part of a combined Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) with 2 Cav Regt, 1CSR, 6RAR, 1 Int Bn and other elements from across the Army.

Prime Minister John Howard announced the task force would be part of a Netherlands-led Provincial Reconstruction Team operating out of Oruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan.
Commander 1 Bde Brig Craig Orme said the RTF would conduct engineering works.

"They'll be helping re-establish roads and conducting local construction tasks to rebuild the community in Oruzgan," Brig Orme said.

They will be supported by the aviation task group that has been in Kandahar since March.
RTF Commander Lt-Col Mick Ryan said the majority of the task force had been training together in the lead-up to their deployment.

"At the moment we've done a lot of basic training and combined-arms training. We've also been focusing on the development of SOPs and working up the HQ," Lt-Col Ryan said.

"We've done a lot of convoy movement training, training of how we secure work sites, cultural awareness, language training and training to minimise the threat from explosive hazards.

"We've also been honing a welfare plan to look after our families."

He said there was an element of danger operating in Oruzgan, and that was why the government was sending combat engineers.

"The combat engineers are exceptionally well trained and well equipped and when we deploy, we'll be ready to undertake the mission."

He said that although the task force was part of Operation Slipper, its mission was separate from that of the SF Task Group.
"My soldiers are pleased to accept the challenge of working in an environment such as Afghanistan.

"They're all pretty excited - soldiers love going overseas. It's an interesting and different security environment.
"This particular task to help the people of Oruzgan is a really positive mission."

1CER has a history of rebuilding communities, deploying on Op Sumatra Assist last year and to East Timor from 1999.
Lt-Col Ryan said he has emphasised four points with the members of the RTF.

"We're one team - every member of the RTF adds value with their particular trade or skill," he said.

"We set the bar high, we're the first Australian reconstruction team into Afghanistan and we're going to set a high standard for those who follow, as well as setting up those who follow us for success.

"Our soldiers are among the best trained soldiers in the world. They've trained to work in these environments and are well equipped and up to the mission.

"Most importantly, this is a good mission. We are deploying to help the people of Afghanistan."