Birthday boy: Pte Jock Nicholson, who turns 18 the day he deploys to Timor-Leste, and TLBG 3 CO Lt-Col Ben James during the MRE at High Range before their deployment. Photo by Lt Bill Heck
PERSONNEL involved in the Timor-Leste Battle Group’s Mission Rehearsal Exercise came together at Townsville’s High Range Training Area in early September – and for 2RAR’s Pte Jock Nicholson things couldn’t have gone any better.
The rifleman from 4 Pl B Coy will celebrate his 18th birthday on the same day he is deployed to Timor-Leste as a part of TLBG 3.
Pte Nicholson said he didn’t know what to expect when he joined the Army last October, but to be deployed almost immediately was unbelievable.
“I joined 2RAR in May and since then been on a major exercise with the Americans and now I’m going overseas,” he said.
“I expect Timor-Leste to be hot and humid, but I’m looking forward to experiencing another culture. I want to help the people of Timor-Leste in any way possible.
“My parents are as proud and excited as I am; I love this job.”
More than 30 units Australia-wide have contributed troops to the mission, with the core drawn from the Townsville-based 3 Bde.
TLBG 3 CO Lt-Col Ben James said young soldiers such as Pte Nicholson were a great asset for the Army.
“It’s a young Battle Group with all the energy and enthusiasm that young soldiers bring to a deployment and that has an effect across the whole Battle Group,” Lt-Col James said.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the work they have done so far to prepare for the deployment and represent Australia. Twenty-five per cent of the Battle Group are on their first deployment, but it’s our experience and knowledge that will stand us in good stead.”
The Battle Group deploys in late September, and will be joined by elements of the New Zealand Defence Force in Timor-Leste, where it will become the next rotation of the Anzac Battle Group.
