Army - The Soldiers' Newspaper

ACM Angus
Houston, CDF
Volume 11, No. 58, December 14, 2006

THIS year has undoubtedly been a busy time operationally for the ADF. In early June our commitment peaked with around 5200 people deployed on operations overseas, as well as another 300 people undertaking security tasks in our Maritime protection zone.

Of course, when our operational tempo is busy there is a flow-on effect to the rest of the organisation. Our people on operations have received marvellous support here at home this year from the entire Defence organisation. I want to pay tribute to everyone in Defence for their outstanding service this year. Once again, you have shown the nation that our people stand ready to defend Australia and its national interests.

To those of you who will be deployed during the festive season and to those who will be supporting them back here at home, I thank you for your continued hard work and commitment. Your efforts are very much appreciated and I hope you are able to spend some time with your loved ones at a later date.

To those of you who will be on well deserved leave, I hope you enjoy your time off with your family and friends.

My very best wishes to you and your family for a happy and safe Christmas and New Year. I look forward to working with you again in 2007 when I am sure we will be presented with many new and exciting opportunities and challenges.

Lt-Gen Peter Leahy, CA

BUSY and demanding – that sums up 2006. The Australian Army is now maintaining an operational tempo not seen since World War II. As part of the joint ADF we are engaged in 14 different concurrent activities spanning the globe.

Army continues to play a key role in the stabilisation and reconstruction of both Iraq and Afghanistan. Closer to home, we have again shown our support for the world’s newest nation, Timor-Leste, and our near neighbour the Solomon Islands.

We supported the evacuation of Australian citizens from Lebanon and lent our support to the New Zealand deployment to assist the Tongan Security Forces. We have also had people on standby in case of a need to evacuate our citizens from Fiji.

We are active on many UN deployments and our Special Forces are alert for terrorist activities both at home and abroad. Again we have assisted our fellow citizens in time of natural disaster in North Queensland and, as Christmas approaches, we are carefully watching and waiting to see how we might be called upon to assist during the bushfire season.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the work we undertake. You all know the work required to raise, train and sustain an Army like ours. Each one of you makes an important contribution. The success of the Army in 2006 is your success.

2006 has also been a year in which the Australian Government has reinforced its support for the ADF and, in particular, the Army.

Under the Hardened and Networked Army and the Enhanced Land Force initiatives, the Army will grow by two infantry battalions and their supporting arms and services, as well as introduce structural changes to make us more survivable, deployable and sustainable.

I am very proud to say that you continue to make the Australian Army a success and an institution worthy of our nation’s pride. Your professionalism, humility and dedication generates the utmost of respect from our allies, and even our enemies.

The loss of our mates on operations and training during the year reminds us of the dangers of serving the nation. The work you are doing is noble.

On operations, you are helping the people of many countries re-establish themselves and help them build their countries so they and their children can look forward to the future with confidence, just as we in Australia do. We can see our successes in the way these communities work with our soldiers deployed on operations.

Over Christmas I want you to take every opportunity that presents itself to enjoy yourselves and to take a break to refresh your batteries. You deserve a rest and I will need your continued support in 2007. Enjoy your time with family and friends.

No matter where you are in the world be assured that our thoughts are with you. I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

WO Kevin Woods, RSM-A

IT’S been a challenging year for all of us. I’ve continued to visit units and operations and I remain impressed with your professionalism and commitment.

The high operational tempo is likely to continue for some time. The quality of your work at home and overseas continues to win praise and international support.

My observations from visiting some of these operations are that our people are living our values of courage, initiative and teamwork and continue to display, at all levels, outstanding leadership, command and tactical skills. This reinforces my view that the training we do here in Australia, both collective and individual, prepares our people well for operations.

We can still do better. We need to work together as a team to stop unacceptable behaviour, alcohol and drug abuse. All I ask is for you to look after your mates; when any look like overstepping the mark, have the moral courage to do what’s right. The chain of command is an important and powerful tool, and I ask you to give it a chance as it does work.
I know very well that the support of our families, friends and loved ones is critical to our success. Your continued support for our people overseas and here at home working very long hours has been nothing short of outstanding. Well done and thank you.

For those being promoted or moving on to a new posting, congratulations and best wishes. Thank you and best wishes for those who have or are about to separate from the Army – your contribution is very much valued

As you now take a well-earned break I wish you and your families a safe and merry Christmas and I ask you to spare a thought for those that remain on operations around the world. I thank you for all your hard work this year.

Brendan Nelson, Defence Minister

MATESHIP counts for a lot in life and you, the men and women who wear our uniform, have really defined it.

It’s my honour and privilege to be the Defence Minister because of what you do on our behalf and I wish you the best possible Christmas that you can have serving our country – whether on Australia’s borders, in our region or in more distant parts of the world. We are very proud people as Australians and there is no group of people we are more proud of than you.

All of you who wear our uniform, no matter what your rank or what you do, whether you be at the most senior positions of leadership or whether you be working as a loggie, a clerk, a loadmaster or any other position, we are proud of every single one of you.

You are foremost in our thoughts, particularly my thoughts, at Christmas time. At this time, especially when we think about what’s important to us in life – our beliefs, our Aussie values, and giving a hand to other people throughout the world – you must understand that every one of us in this country is proud of you.
I look forward to seeing you soon in the New Year as I visit deployments.

Maj-Gen Michael Jeffery, Governor-General

AS Commander-in-Chief of the ADF I extend season’s greetings and congratulations to all Army personnel on a job well done during 2006.

This year, whether defending our national interests at home or on operations abroad, you have consistently demonstrated dedication, professionalism and compassion in an increasingly demanding period of high operational tempo.

While many of you will spend Christmas at home with family and friends, others will be on operational duty in locations throughout Australia and as far abroad as Iraq, Afghanistan, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, Middle East, Sinai and Sudan. I trust that those on duty will find some time to share in the festive season, bolstered by the knowledge that at home, their commitment is especially valued.

The Australian Army has much to be proud of, as it is recognised around the world for its adaptability, enthusiasm and compassion in support of our democratic rights and freedom and for its significant humanitarian work. Keep up the good work. Have a joyous Christmas and New Year and a safe return home for those overseas.