Our People in SA
Ben Bardsley-Jones - RAPID DEPLOYMENT
Six months after joining the army Private Bardsley-Jones has been deployed to Timor-Leste as part of Operation Astute, the Australian Government’s effort to help restore peace in our northern neighbour.
“I finished my initial training at Singleton at the end of last year and within a few weeks found myself in Timor. I consider myself pretty lucky to be deployed so soon,” Ben said.
Normally based in Townsville with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, Ben, 20, is serving with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Timor-Leste for the next few months.
The ISF’s primary role is to assist the Timor-Leste and UN police to maintain security and stability in the fledgling democracy.
For Ben, that will translate into a lot of infantry patrolling of Dili and the wider East Timorese countryside in sweltering tropical heat in order to maintain a visible presence and build the confidence of the people.
“Our first few days have mostly been acclimatisation and familiarisation with the geography. I’m looking forward to spending a fair bit of time mixing with the local population though,” Ben said.
Following a gap year immediately after high school, Ben joined the Army wanting to broaden his horizons and soak up as much military and cultural experience as possible.
“The self-discipline and specialist skills were also good reasons to join. Dad’s in the Army as well so I had a good idea of what to expect.”
Ben is looking forward to passing on his Timor experiences to dad, Colonel Peter Jones, Director of the Army Personnel Agency, Sydney, his mum Linda Bardsley and sisters Anna and Estelle in Clarence Park on his return.
Ben is one of about 750 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving in Timor-Leste.
The operation is part of the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste to assist in bringing stability, security and confidence to the Timorese to allow them to resolve their differences democratically and peacefully.