Solomons draw down
Volume 11, No. 44, June 01, 2006

Band of friendship: Pte James Breckell, D Coy 1RAR, talks with Solomon Islands children about their shared interest in the band Metallica.Photo by Sgt Katrina Johnson

THE decision to scale down the ADF’s presence in the Solomon Islands underlines how well soldiers deployed with CTF 635 have settled into an efficient routine of patrolling and training.
Defence Minister Brendan Nelson announced on May 24 that the drawdown would begin this week.

A rapid response group was deployed to the Solomons in April after civil unrest. Since the deployment, which boosted troop numbers in the Solomons to 400 at its height, RAMSI has made excellent progress in returning the troubled areas to calm.

Speaking from Townsville, 1RAR 2IC Maj Gary Jiear said the soldiers were working well with the local police force and the population in Honiara.

“The role of the group has remained the same from the beginning of the deployment – to support the police force in controlling any situation that could arise,” Maj Jiear said.

He said the situation in Honiara was calm and the local population had received the soldiers well.

“They have endeared themselves to the local population and the locals are happy to have them in their country.

“The soldiers get one day off in nine where they get a bit of down-time to look after their kit. They have set up a rifle range, where they have been shooting, and they have been doing some physical training.”

The reduced ADF presence in the Solomons will consist of an infantry company from 1RAR and associated support elements, giving a total ADF presence of about 140 personnel, working alongside elements of the New Zealand Defence Force and military forces from Pacific island countries.