Our People in the NT
LCPL Rouven Rohler - KEEPING THE PEACE IN THE CRADLE OF CIVILISATION
Lance Corporal Rohler recently deployed with the Overwatch Battle Group (West) 3 to Tallil Air Base, in Dhi Qar province, which is about 350 km south of Baghdad.
Lance Corporal Rohler, 25, is two months into his six month deployment, which marks his second tour of Iraq since 2005.
The veteran soldier lives in Darwin , where he is posted with the Army, but comes from Joondalup in Western Australia.
Lance Corporal Rohler said "ther surroundings certainly gives our deployment a historical flavour."
Lance Corporal Rohler is a member of the Battle Group Reserve which serves as the Quick Response Force (QRF) and consists of a dozen Australian Light Armoured Vehicles as well as Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles.
"I am very proud to be doing such an important job," he said.
The Westralian is confident of doing Australia proud because of the extensive training the Battle Group did in the months before deploying to Iraq and because of the leadership skills of the officers.
His impressive service history includes a tour of the Solomon Islands in 2004 and Iraq in 2005 and 2007.
"What I will remember about Iraq is how very hot and dusty the place is," said Lance Corporal Rohler, who is based in Darwin with the 5 th Royal Australian Regiment.
"Summer in Darwin is mild compared to summer in Iraq , where the temperature will peak at about 55 degrees celsius by late August."
Lance Corporal Rohler joined the Army in June 2002, because he was looking for adventure, a rewarding career and an opportunity to help people less fortunate.
Although Lance Corporal Rohler is enjoying his deployment, he is looking forward to the day when he returns to Joondalup, to visit his parents.
"I'm looking forward to catching up with my parents and talking with them about my latest experiences," he said.
Lance Corporal Rohler is one of the 515-members of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3 that deployed to southern Iraq in late May, with the mission to provide security overwatch in Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces.
The majority of troops serving in the Battle Group are drawn from the 2 nd Calvary Regiment and the 5th Battalion which are based at Robertson Barracks in Darwin.
Operation Catalyst is the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.
Working with the Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to contribute to Multi-National Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq , assist national recovery programs and facilitate the transition to Iraqi self-government.
Operation Catalyst currently comprises up to 1575 ADF personnel.