Our People in QLD
Aaron Jackson - Griffith Asia Institute
Dr Aaron Jackson, a Visiting Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, is now leading a double life. Aaron is also a Platoon Commander in the Army Reserve and will soon be deploying to Timor Leste.
While deployed, Aaron will be responsible for leading a Platoon of 40 soldiers, which will be a key part of the 500-person, Australian-led international force that has been in the country since 2006. They are there at the invitation of the Timor Leste Government to help provide stability while local groups resolve their differences in a peaceful and democratic way.
“In addition to my appointment at Griffith, I also work in the Department of Defence as a civilian, where I contribute to the development of joint military doctrine,” said Aaron. “This work already provides an inspiration for my research, and I am now looking forward to the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge in a very practical way.”
He is under no illusions, however, and is quick to admit that commanding soldiers on the street will be a very different challenge to anything he has experienced as an academic.
“While deployed, we will be supporting the Timor Leste security forces. My Platoon will be expected to conduct patrols, get involved in community projects, and above all to help the people of Timor Leste to feel secure. All of these tasks are designed to contribute to the peaceful economic development of the country.”
Aaron’s forthcoming book, Dissecting Doctrine: The Development of Military-Strategic Level Doctrine in the Australian, Canadian and New Zealand Armed Forces, 1987-2007, will be published by the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre while he is away. Missing his own book launch brings a wry smile to his face, but he is keenly aware of the benefits the experience will yield, both for him personally and for the people of Timor Leste.
Of the 60,000 Australians entitled to wear Army uniform, some 17,000 are Active Reservists. They are all volunteers and have to volunteer again if they want to deploy overseas. Reservists also take part in Australia-based security operations such as the Commonwealth Games, and in disaster relief and rescue operations. Their employers receive financial assistance to offset the costs of their absence.