Our People in TAS
Jacob William - Duty First
Xavier William came into the world on December 6 last year as his dad deployed to the Solomon Islands capital.
“He’s now three months old,” Private William said.
“I’m looking forward to holding my son for the first time and taking him to meet the family.” He said, anticipating the end of his tour of duty.
The University of Tasmania student has deployed to the Solomon Islands for 16 weeks with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.
Pte William migrated from Sudan in East Africa in 2001.
“I came with my Aunty who now lives in Melbourne,” he said.
The political science student wanted to join the regular army, but opted for the reserves until he graduates this year.
“My father has been in the army for the last 40 years and it impressed me so much I wanted to join too,” he said.
He joined 12/40 Battalion, the Royal Tasmanian Regiment.
“This is my first deployment but I’ve trained with the New Zealand army in February this year.”
Jacob will now have to balance his life with his new son, his marathon running and playing soccer with local “Tassie” team, Hobart United.
The mission to the Solomons is known in Pidgin English as Operation Helpem Fren, or 'Helping Friend'.
The soldiers assist the Solomon Islands’ Government to restore law and order, economic governance, and improve the machinery of government.
Soldiers deployed to Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) include Australians, New Zealanders, Papua New Guineans and Tongans.
Their main task is to provide security for RAMSI's multinational Participating Police Force.
The Combined Task Force works closely with the police and civilian elements of RAMSI to assist the Solomon Islands Government and the Solomon Islands Police Force in maintaining law and order.