CDF’s flying visit
Volume 11, No. 54, October 19, 2006
By Maj Andrew Bird

Welcome: CDF ACM Angus Houston is introduced to the commander of Task Force Oruzgan, Col Theo Vleugels, by RTF CO Lt-Col Mick Ryan. Photo by PO Damian Pawlenko

A DAY after NATO assumed control of about 32,000 international troops in Afghanistan, CDF ACM Angus Houston arrived in southern Afghanistan.

The visit provided ACM Houston with an important opportunity to reinforce Australia’s close military relationship with the Dutch coalition partners. It has also allowed him to gain first-hand knowledge of the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF), which has deployed to the troubled region in a bid to provide the people of the Oruzgan province with basic infrastructure and a better future.

The CDF met with the commander of the Netherlands-led Task Force Oruzgan, Col Theo Vleugels, and RTF CO Lt-Col Mick Ryan. He also took time out to speak with about 250 Australian soldiers deployed as part of Australia’s reconstruction effort.

“I am acutely aware of the environment you’re in. It’s going to be high threat and high risk.
That means you have to take a lot of care in what you do. You can’t relax your guard for a moment and I expect all of you to fall back on your training, your very high professional standards and your very high level of teamwork.

At the end of the day, you have to look after yourself and you have to look after your mates,” ACM Angus Houston said.

The CDF said the RTF’s force structure provided the right mix of engineers and force protection. He commended the soldiers on the strong relationship they have developed with their Dutch counterparts.