Last year, I began my Christmas message by referring to what had been a momentous year for the Australian Defence Force. With our commitment to a very successful Olympic Games and our overseas obligations, most notably in East Timor, we could not have envisaged at the time that life for all of us in Defence could get any more busy. But it has!

This Christmas, a high proportion of our forces will be deployed overseas, or will be preparing to deploy. Our people will be employed in operations in many parts of the world, committed to tasks that will shape a better world. All over Australia as I meet with members of our community, I know that Australians at home are very proud of what each and every person is achieving. They admire the enthusiasm, dedication and commitment of our sailors, soldiers, airmen and women. They also share with me, the belief that there are none better anywhere else in the world.

I would like to pass on to all of you my message personally, and also to your loved ones. But I appreciate to do so is nearly impossible.

So let me begin this Christmas message by congratulating all the men and women of the Navy, Army and Airforce, and the Department, for the magnificent contribution that everyone has made during this very turbulent and emotional year.

The events of September 11 stunned and shocked Australians, who along with most people in the rest of the world fell into a state of disbelief and uncertainty. Within Defence, and especially the ADF, we have felt the impact of these events more keenly than most others, I guess because many of us have friends in the US and other countries directly affected by them. I want you to all know how extremely proud I am of the significant contribution you have given and are continuing to give to the fight against terrorism.

There has been a lot of commentary about "stretch" this year. The tasks we have been involved in have been demanding and some of them have been dangerous. Yet through it all shines the professionalism and dedication of the highly trained personnel we have in our armed forces. Your efforts have been outstanding. But, these efforts are made possible only through the continued support of families and loved ones who give us the confidence to succeed. Our supporters deserve special consideration and a pat on the back at this time of the year as well.

Our operational security environment has been tightened considerably this year and we have imposed a deliberate constraint in releasing operational detail. I understand that this has created some additional pressures in some areas, but I would like to reassure you that these protocols are necessary to avoid inadvertently giving leverage to those who may have ill-intent towards us. Our paramount concern has always been, and continues to be, the welfare and safety of our personnel and their families.

We never quite know what is around the corner; it is this unexpectedness that makes Defence such an extraordinary and interesting place to work. This is also why working in our organisation is so much more than just a job. We have unprecedented support for the work we do - by the community in which we serve, and by the Government.

For those of you fortunate enough to have some leave over the Christmas period, I want you to take the time to enjoy being with your family. Our family and loved ones are our greatest supporters and strength, and these tumultuous times have a very real impact on them as well. Without their support, the work that we do and the success that we enjoy would not be possible. For those of you on deployment, and others not able to take leave, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I expect that 2002 will be yet another exciting and challenging year. We will have more valuable work to do. In the meantime, may I wish you and your families a very safe, happy and enjoyable Christmas.

C. A. Barrie
Admiral, RAN
Chief of the Defence Force