Our People in VIC
PTE Michael Davison - KEEPING THE PEACE IN THE CRADLE OF CIVILISATION
Private Davison is a Quarter-Master with OBG(W)-3, which has deployed to Iraq for the next six months to contribute to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the country.
He said there is great significance in being a soldier from such a young country as Australia and keeping the peace in such an ancient civilisation as Iraq.
"Keeping the peace in the 'cradle of civilisation is really amazing experience," he said.
Private Davison said he is reminded daily of the ancient land in which he serves when he passes the Ziggurat of Ur, a three-storey stepped pyramid which was built more than 4000 years ago.
His job in Iraq is an important one providing logistic support to the combat teams that patrol an area of 75,000 square km in southern Iraq.
"I'm really enjoying my time here and the people I work with," he said with a smile.
His daily routine sees him rise at 05.30 for PT, gulp down some breaky, and then go to work, with one of his main responsibilities being the issue of weapons and ammunition for soldiers going on patrol.
One of the things Private Davison is coping well with is not only the Battle Group's high operational but the high temperature of the Iraqi summer which will peak at 50+ degrees celsius by mid August.
"I'll be looking forward to a few cold ones when I get home," he said with a smile.
Private Davison said he misses Darwin , where he is based with 1 Combat Service Support Battalion, and the little country Victorian town of Tatura , where he grew up.
Private Davison said he has experienced so much since leaving Shepparton High School in 2004.
"Joining the Army has really given me a lot of opportunities to explore life," he said.
But doing his duty for the country is not without sacrifice.
"I often think of home and one of the things I miss most is watching my local AFL team Tatura play, even though they haven't been going all that well the last couple of seasons," he said.
Iraq is Private Davison's first deployment since he joined the army in April 2005 to find direction in his life.
Private Davison is among the 550 soldiers based at Camp Terendak at Ali Air Base in Tallil. The soldiers are drawn from more than 51 units from across Australia including Darwin 's 1 st Brigade.
The battle group consists of a headquarters, a cavalry squadron and an infantry company equipped with Light Armoured Vehicles and Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles.
OBG(W)-3 is contributing to a tri-service, whole of government approach to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.
The Defence contribution to Iraq is named Operation Catalyst. It currently comprises approximately 1575 Australian Defence Force personnel. The battle group is playing a significant and constructive role as part of this commitment.