Our People in VIC
John Spencer - Buningyong
When the next Army contingent deploys to East Timor early next year, it will be the first overseas trip ever for some of the younger Victorian reservists.
But for Major John Spencer, Anzac Company’s officer commanding, it’s a very different story.
John served 22 years in the Australian Regular Army, and this is his tenth year in the Reserve. This will be his 14th overseas deployment.
“Because of the current high operational tempo, the Reserve forces are being called upon more to provide personal for deployments overseas. Reserve personal are displaying great dedication and acceptance of responsibility to step up and support the Defence Force during long and at time hazardous operations,” said John. “Reservists are currently deployed in numerous locations through out Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
“Some 30% of the Company have deployed before and it’s great to see how this experience is assisting the remainder of the company to come together as a team so quickly. Morale is very high and the standard of training and the level achieved to date is impressive. The other impressive detail is that all of these reserve members are dedicating a year out of their normal lives to do this job.
“I am extremely proud to command such a group of highly professional and dedicated young Australians”.
“After a long time away, coming home can often be a bigger challenge. It takes a while to get back into the swing of family life. The
Families have been coping without us — and it’s our job to fit back in to life at home.
“My wife Tracey and I have been married 25 years so we have some experience with this! Our plan is to take our two daughters overseas for a well deserved holiday. We’ll get used to being together again and enjoy some time away.”
The Australian-led International Stabilisation Force is in-country at the invitation of the East Timorese government to be prepared to support East Timorese and United Nations security forces to maintain a secure and stable environment.
All reservists are volunteers and have to volunteer again to serve overseas. Reserves can also support security within Australia at major events such as the Commonwealth Games or Heads of Government visits.
If you want to know more about Australian peacekeepers or support the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial Project, please visit: http://www.peacekeepingmemorial.org.au/