Our People in NSW
Harry Tibben - Epping Man Assists Solomon Islanders
Harry Tibben has temporarily left the comfort of his Epping home, and his university studies to help maintain law and order in the Solomon Islands.
Harry is a Private in the Army Reserve and is currently serving as part of the Combined Task Force 635.
Starting both his studies and Army Reserve career later in life has allowed him to ensure he was doing things when they were right for Private Tibben.
He said the Army was always something he wanted to do.
“I wasn’t ready to make a full-time commitment so joined the reserve a few years after leaving school,” he said. “I’m thinking of transferring to the regular Army after I complete my studies.”
With the Solomon Islands enjoying stability the Army has refocused its security role and been concentrating more on training.
Private Tibben said he has been doing a lot of training in conventional warfighting skills.
“It’s similar in what we’d do back in Australia but in the local jungle instead,”
“We’ve had to learn to adapt certain skills, technology such as night vision doesn’t work very well out in the jungle with basically no vision at night.”
With the refocus of tasks many soldiers have taken the opportunity to explore the island learning about the culture but Private Tibben has used this time to continue his studies.
“It’s been good to use that time to complete more of my studies,” he said.
“Work can be intensive but is balanced well.”
Spending time at the range is part of every infantryman’s career and Private Tibben has had the opportunity to take part in some training not normally available.
“Doing the close quarter battle shoots is something we as reservists don’t get much exposure too,” he said.
“It was really good learning the transition drills used to switch between different weapons.”