Our People in VIC
GUNNER ADAM DEFOE - LOCAL SOLDIER MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN EAST TIMOR
"Patrolling out on the streets has been a highlight. It's been good to get out on to the streets and meet the local people who have been very friendly toward us," said Gunner Defoe when asked about his role in this deployment.
Gunner Defoe, an artilleryman with the Adelaide-based 16 th Air Defence Regiment is currently serving with the ANZAC Battle Group in East Timor . For Gunner Defoe and his artillery colleagues, their work in Dili has seen them taking on the role of infantrymen, patrolling the streets to provide a strong security presence through liaison with the local communities.
These presence patrols have been designed to rebuild confidence among the local population by reassuring them that there is security and they can go about their daily business without fear.
"I've really enjoyed getting out and patrolling the streets because you get a sense you are really contributing to this mission here," Gunner Defoe said.
"On a recent patrol we came across an injured local and were able to provide immediate first aid and coordinate his move to the local hospital.
The soldiers also conduct searches for illegal weapons ion an effort to reduce the availability.
"Its great to get weapons off the streets - we can see a difference because of our efforts," he said.
Gunner Defoe, who has been a regular soldier for four years, is on his first operational deployment, something for which he is very grateful.
"There have been some challenges, such as the climate and being away from the comforts of home, but it's great to be a part of something which is important."
And it's also been a great opportunity to do something different for the artillery specialist.
Normally dealing with the Army's air defence missile systems, this deployment has seen the Gunner Defoe and his colleagues conducting basic infantry operations, walking the streets and working with the local population one on one.
Gunner Defoe is one of about 1000 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving in East Timor as part of Operation Astute, the Australian Government response to the Timorese Government request for assistance in restoring peace to their country.
The Australians, as part of the International Stablisation Force, are assisting the Government of Timor Leste and the United Nations Police to provide a secure environment in which the country can conduct its first independent presidential and parliamentary elections since independence.