Operation ANODE
Operation ANODE is the name of the ADF contribution to the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). RAMSI's assistance is known as Operation HELPEM FREN (Pidgin English for 'Helping Friend'). RAMSI's mission is to assist the Solomon Islands' Government in restoring law and order, economic governance, and improving the machinery of government.
The military component of RAMSI is comprised of personnel from four troop-contributing nations - Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga. The main task for the military component is to provide security for RAMSI's multinational Participating Police Force (PPF) who work alongside the Solomon Islands Police Force in maintaining law and order.
The ADF contribution to RAMSI
Since the introduction of RAMSI in 2003, the number of Australian troops in support has varied depending on the degree of unrest being experienced. After the rioting that followed the April 2006 general elections, RAMSI military personnel have continued their contribution to maintaining a calming effect on the situation in the Solomon Islands.
LTCOL Glenn Weir is the Commander of the Combined Task Force. Approximately 140 ADF troops, drawn from the NSW-based 5th and 8th Brigades, are deployed in the Solomon Islands and are involved in roles including:
- Soldiers who support the PPF by accompanying them on patrols throughout various areas of the Solomon Islands, and
- Specialist military staff in RAMSI headquarters whose role is to coordinate the multi-national military effort with the PPF.
In December Army Reservists from the South Australian and Tasmanian 9th Brigade and the Western Australian-based 13th Brigade will deploy to the Solomon Islands, representing the 17th Australian Rotation.
Since 2006, the ADF has deployed five Army Reserve Company groups accounting for more than 700 part-time soldiers. The deployment of these ADF personnel, at the invitation of the Solomon Islands Government, aims to ensure the ongoing success of RAMSI in improving law and order in the Solomon Islands. Australia remains determined to ensure that the law and order established in the Solomon Islands is maintained.