Our People in QLD
MAJ Mark Armstrong - REBUILDING THE CRADLE OF CIVILISATION
Major Armstrong, 34, of East Brisbane , is an Army Reservist who is serving alongside another 515 Australian soldiers in southern Iraq.
Major Armstrong sees tremendous significance helping to keep the peace in southern Iraq , where 6,000 years earlier the Sumerians established the first known civilisation.
As the leader of the Army's Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) project team, Major Armstrong is playing an important role in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.
"I work with international reconstruction agencies, Iraqi businesses and local government to rebuild and develop civil infrastructure," he said.
"As the leader of the CIMIC team what we do is visit needy villages and towns in southern Iraq to assess their requirements for infrastructure projects and community development projects."
The CIMIC team plans projects that will allow local people to improve their standard of living such as irrigation systems, power generators, transformers roads, and school buildings.
Major Armstrong said he is looking forward to helping the Iraqi people build a new future.
Iraq is Major Armstrong's first operational deployment and he is very proud to be upholding the legend of Anzac.
He said he wants his family and friends back home to know that he is proud to be here helping the Iraqi people rebuilt their country.
"But what I miss most about Australia is spending time with my wife, Leanne, and our nine-month old daughter, Ruby," he said.
In civilian life Major Armstrong is the People and Innovation Manager for Symbion Consumer , Australia 's largest manufacturer and marketer of vitamins and health supplements.
Major Armstrong is based at Camp Terendak at Ali Air Base in Tallil. The Australian soldiers are drawn from more than 51 units from across Australia including Darwin 's 1 st Brigade.
He is one of 1575 members of the Australian Defence Force who are now on duty in the Middle East as part of Operation Catalyst, the Australian Government's contribution to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.
Working with the Iraqi Government and coalition forces, Australian military personnel are continuing to work for a more secure environment and assist with national rehabilitation programs.
As well as supporting Iraqi security forces, the Australian Battle Group is project managing many reconstruction projects. More than 20 Australian projects have been completed, with more under way. These include water and irrigation projects, rural projects to enhance crop and animal production, health clinics, and power supply initiatives.