Aussies hard at work in Iraq

When Navy Reserve Nursing Officer LEUT Diana Kumnick decided to respond to a call for volunteers to deploy to Iraq as part of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) medical team, she didn’t think she had a hope of being chosen.

Imagine her surprise when, after only 24 hours after applying, her position as part of the medical team was confirmed.

She is now one of the 19 specialists in the medical team that works alongside Australia’s coalition partners at the 332 Expeditionary Medical Group located at major US air base north of Baghdad in Iraq.

Operating at well over half its bed capacity, the majority of patients primarily suffer from battle related injuries many of which are quite serious. Often arriving by helicopter, any warning that new patients are inbound is frequently limited to the distinct sound of the helicopter itself.

LEUT Kumnick said working in the team has enabled strong bonds to be formed through the experiences had with the other Australians and American’s.

“We learn to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of each individual, and to work as a team,” LEUT Kumnick said.

This is LEUT Kumnick’s second deployment to the Middle East, the first time being as an Army Nursing Officer posted aboard the US hospital ship Comfort in the Persian Gulf during the first Gulf War in 1991.

After leaving the Army, LEUT Kumnick re-joined the Services, this time as a Navy Reserve Officer to continue her military nursing career.

LEUT Kumnick said the challenges of her job keep her focused on the important things in life.

“It’s important to remember that you never stop growing and its good to extend yourself as it is very easy to get into a bit of a rut at home.

You need to be reminded sometimes not to take things too much for granted, and being here has certainly reminded us all of that”

–LEUT Kumnick

The ADF currently has about 920 personnel working in Iraq, many of whom are reservists and bring with them highly valued skills such as medical expertise.

Together these people are making their contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.

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