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Brad Baker - Barrister Soldier Gets Timor Tour of Duty

Brad Baker has put his career as a barrister in Melbourne on hold to serve with the Australian Defence Force in Timor Leste for three months. As an Army Reserve Brad holds the rank of Major, and he’s now the Legal Officer with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF).

Major Baker grew up in Black Rock and went to school at Mentone Grammar. He has family living in the Glen Waverley/Officer areas.

After Graduating with a BA and Law Degree from Monash University in1994 he worked as a solicitor before going to the Bar and becoming a Barrister.

In 1996 he decided to join the Army Reserve (ARES). “I was walking down Bourke street one day and saw an ARES recruiting Caravan . I asked could I be a Captain due to my professional qualifications and the answer was yes, so that was that and here I am. It compliments my civilian career,” said Major Baker.

This deployment has been the highlight of his military career so far.

“My role is to assist the Commander with legal matters in order to help the operation run smoothly.

“It is a great opportunity to see another part of the world and do my bit for humanity.
This country is quite beautiful and has enormous potential in the decades ahead.”

While this is his first overseas deployment Major Baker has worked on the Defence headquarters for Operation Gold at the Sydney Olympics and Operation Acolyte, the Defence contribution to the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Major Baker is married with two children, a son aged five and a daughter aged three. He plans to enjoy a good holiday with family in Malaysia on completion of his deployment.

He’s one of about 760 Australian Defence Force personnel currently serving in Timor-Leste as part of Operation Astute, the Australian Government response to the Timorese Government’s request for assistance in restoring stability to their country.

The Australians, as part of the ANZAC International Stabilisation Force, are assisting the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations Police to provide a secure  and stable environment for all in Timor Leste.