Operation TOWER
Since first deploying in 1999 as part of the UN Assistance Mission to East Timor and subsequently leading the United Nations mandated International Force in East Timor (INTERFET), the ADF has maintained a constant commitment to the government and people of East Timor.
In addition to Operation ASTUTE, the ADF currently contributes to East Timor by providing support to the on-going United Nations (UN) mission and through the provision of direct support to the Timorese Defence Force under the ADF's regional Defence Cooperation Program (DCP).
With the establishment of the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) on 25 August 2006, Australia continued its contribution of military personnel to the new mission. The ADF currently contributes three ADF personnel who are deployed as military liaison officers in districts outside Dili and one officer with the HQ UNMIT in Dili.
The operational name for this ADF support is Operation TOWER.
Previous ADF contributions to UN missions in East Timor include:
- Operation Faber
- Operation Warden
- Operation Tanager
- Operation Citadel
- Operation Spire
- Operation Chiron
Defence Cooperation
The Defence Cooperation Program has been operating since early 2001 and is an Australian regional engagement initiative to assist the development of the East Timor Defence Force through military training, advice and support. The Defence Cooperation Program is conducted independently of the ADF military commitment to the UN's mission in East Timor.
The Defence Cooperation Program conducts a range of activities and projects with the East Timor Defence Force, embracing training and advisory roles such as:
- English language instruction to prepare military personnel for further military education and training opportunities;
- Leadership training, development and skills enhancement for junior military personnel;
- Higher-level staff training in the areas of command, leadership and discipline and military planning, logistics and administration;
- Communications, equipment and management training to support the military command network;
- Senior level Ministry of Defence and military advice, including capability and force development, military doctrine, financial, communications and finance and budget coordination advice.
This level of expenditure is expected to continue again over the next five-year period. A major Australian contribution under the Program is the $7.5 million construction of a training centre for the East Timor Defence Force at Metinaro.
Currently, about seventeen Defence personnel are deployed to East Timor to support this Program. These personnel are located in Dili, Metinaro and Baucau.