Operation Falconer
Messages from the Chiefs

ORDER OF THE DAY TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE OPERATIONS AGAINST IRAQ Men and women of the Australian Defence Force. Yesterday I have received instructions from the Australian Government to commit Australian forces to military operations against Iraq as part of an international coalition of military forces. These operations are to enforce the repeated demands by the United Nations Security Council that Iraq fully declare and dismantle its program of weapons of mass destruction. I have given the necessary orders to our forces in the Middle East. Our men and women have prepared diligently and are ready to do what is asked of them. They will do their duty with courage, wisdom and determination. A danger to the international community will be removed. A tyrant will be deprived of his weapons of mass destruction. New hope will be given to the people of Iraq. To those of us who watch events in the Middle East: as we work in our barracks, bases and ships or in East Timor, Bougainville and those many other parts of the globe where we serve, we pause to reflect on our pride and confidence in our fellow service men and women who stand in harm’s way. To the men and women who embark on operations against Iraq, our thoughts and prayers are with you for your safety and your speedy return to your homes, your families and your loved ones. We will do our best to comfort and support them in every way while you do your duty. You will serve Australia with honour and distinction. Good luck to you all. P. J. Cosgrove General Chief of Defence Force 19 March 2003

CHIEF OF AIR FORCE MESSAGE TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE Yesterday CDF received instruction from the Australian Government to commit Australian forces to military operations against Iraq as part of an international coalition of military forces. These operations are to enforce the repeated demands by the United Nations Security Council that Iraq fully declare and dismantle its program of weapons of mass destruction. CDF has now given the necessary orders for our forces in the Middle East. As you know, my priority for the Air Force is always for our people – the men and women who exemplify our Values. A team of professional, motivated and dedicated people who over recent years have proven equal to any task we have been asked to fulfil. We are yet again to be tested. The challenges about to be faced will be enormous – but success will bring a great relief to the troubled people of Iraq. Our Air Force will stand strong with our coalition partners and our fellow members of the ADF and will undertake the most difficult of tasks knowing those of us at home support them and the role they have been assigned. To those about to embark on operations, remember that you are well trained, you are well prepared and you are well equipped. I know you are up to the task and I know you will do your friends, colleagues and the nation proud. The reputation of the Royal Australian Air Force is as good as it is today because of all the men and women like you who have made a commitment to the nation, to your Service and to the ADF. We are a small team, but we are a close team, and today we face the reality of some of our own being placed in harm’s way. Good luck, be safe, act with courage and compassion. We all await your return. A. G. Houston Air Marshal Chief of Air Force 19 March 2003

MESSAGE FROM DEFENCE MINISTER ROBERT HILL THE mission you have been given is important to the peace and security of Australia. You are contributing to disarming Saddam Hussein, a brutal dictator, of his weapons of mass destruction. You are helping enforce the many United Nations Security Council resolutions that have demanded that he disarm. For 12 years the international community has sought to persuade Saddam Hussein to disarm peacefully. Unfortunately he has not taken this opportunity and left no option but the use of force. You should know that the Australian people are proud of you and profoundly grateful that you are prepared to risk your lives to contribute to their safety. At this time we are also thinking of your families. We realise that this is a difficult and stressful time for those waiting at home. We will do our best to support them during your deployment. On behalf of the Government and the Australian community I wish you a successful mission and an early and safe return.

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