Our People in Tasmania

Logica’s Andrew Smith and his boss Andrew Cross recently had an unusual lunch. They were sharing an Army ration-pack in the Solomon Islands.

Boss Andrew Cross was there as part of the Australian Defence Force’s Exercise ‘Boss Lift’ program to visit his employee.

Sergeant Andrew Smith also leads an alternative life in the Army Reserve, and he was nearing the end of a four-month deployment as part of Australia’s military contingent to the 15-nation Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

Mr Cross, a former soldier himself, enjoyed the experience of catching up with his secret sergeant.

“It was good to see how the Army has changed since I was in it, and good to share Andrew’s experiences,” he said.

Sergeant Smith had been involved in the Australian Army’s security operation for the 2000 Olympic Games, but this was his first overseas deployment.

“My job here is second-in-charge of the Civil Military Liaison team,” he said.

“It means meeting and working with people from different social and cultural backgrounds.”

Mr Cross was only there for a long weekend, but soon Sergeant Smith will be returning home to Hobart and spending time with his wife Jenni, also an Army Reservist, and their dog Smudge.

“I’m going to relax for a couple of weeks before returning to my civilian job as an IT consultant, and we’ll visit some of our favourite restaurants,” he said.
“I’ll probably do some cycling too.”

Like Andrew Smith, all reservists are volunteers and have to volunteer again to serve overseas. They can also contribute to security at major events within Australia. Their civilian bosses receive a financial contribution to offset their absence on military duty.

If you want to find out more about Australian Peacekeepers or would like to support the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project, please visit the following website: http://www.peacekeepingmemorial.org.au