Our People in the NT
Les ‘Tex’ Cottle - DARWIN MP PLAYS PART IN TIMOR PEACE
These days Les, a Corporal with the 1st Military Police Battalion, has a patrol beat with a difference. He’s now working in the military police section of the International Stabilisation Force in Dili.
Les first joined the Army in 1982, discharged in 1988, and then re-enlisted in 2000. He’s already served in Malaysia, but this is his first tour of duty to Timor Leste. Being able to deploy on operations has been a significant event in Les’s life and a real highlight in his military career.
“I am particularly enjoying being part of such a close section of people who enjoy what they do and are happy to work hard together. It’s also great putting into practice all the skills and training that we learnt in Australia.
“Helping to provide stability and security for the people of Timor Leste and knowing that I am helping others — it is pretty feel-good,” Les said.
“Meeting and interacting with the local people has been interesting. I have travelled extensively throughout South-East Asia at various stages in my life so Timor Leste wasn’t too different to what I expected it to be,” Les said.
Les continues a long family tradition of military service. “My mother and father served in RAAF in the 50s and 60s. My father served in Malaya and both my parents served at East-Sale in Victoria, Les said.
With still several months left of his deployment, Les continues to work hard. “But I miss my wife, Sharon, my son, Brent, and my dog, Sam. I’m looking forward to returning home to relax!”
Les is one of about 850 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving in Timor Leste as part of Operation Astute, the Australian Government response to the Timorese Government request for assistance in restoring peace to their country.
As part of the International Stabilisation Force the Australians are assisting the Government of Timor Leste and the United Nations Police to provide a secure environment for all East Timorese.