Our People in VIC
Private Kevin Cochrane - PROUDLY DOING HIS DUTY
Private Cochrane recently deployed with the Overwatch Battle Group (West) 3 to Tallil Air Base, in Dhi Qar province, which is about 350 km south of Baghdad.
Private Cochrane, 38 , is two months into his six month deployment, which marks his first operational deployment overseas.
The veteran soldier lives in Darwin , where he is posted with the Army, but comes from Willow Grove , Victoria.
Private Cochrane said the 4,000 year old Ziggurat which is clearly visible from Camp Terendak "has certainly put our deployment into historical perspective."
Private Cochrane is a member of the Battle Group Reserve which serves as the Quick Response Force (QRF) and consists of a dozen Australian Light Armoured Vehicles as well as Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles.
"I am happy to be helping the Iraqi people but also developing my professional military skills at the same time," he said.
Private Cochrane is confident of doing Australia proud because of the extensive training the Battle Group did in the months before deploying to Iraq and the quality equipment they have been issued.
The young Digger said his family and friends are proud that he has gone to Iraq with the Army to help the Iraqi people with the rehabilitation and reconstruction of their country."
The summer in Darwin is mild compared to summer in Iraq , where the temperature will peak at about 55 degrees celsius in mid August.
Private Cochrane joined the Army in Jun 2006, because he was looking for a challenge, adventure and an opportunity to help people less fortunate.
Although Private Cochrane is enjoying his deployment, he is looking forward to returning to Darwin where he lives to be reunited with his fiancée, Rachel, and their children Mac and Holly.
"I'm enjoying the challenge of the deployment to Iraq but I'm also missing Rachel and the kids a lot" he said.
Private Cochrane is also planning his the day when he returns home to visit where his parents, Arthur and Diane.
"I'm looking forward to catching up with my parents and telling them about my experiences," he said.
Private Cochrane is one of the 515-members of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3 that deployed to southern Iraq in late May, with the mission to provide security overwatch in Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces.
The majority of troops serving in the Battle Group are drawn from the 2 nd Calvary Regiment and the 5th Battalion which are based at Robertson Barracks in Darwin.
OBG(W)-3 is part of the ADF's contribution to Operation Catalyst which is the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.
Working with the Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to contribute to Multi-National Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq , assist national recovery programs and facilitate the transition to Iraqi self-government.
Operation Catalyst currently comprises up to 1575 ADF personnel.