Our People in WA
PRIVATE TARLI GILLAM - KEEPING THE PEACE IN THE CRADLE OF CIVILISATION
Private Gillam will spend the next six months in Iraq helping with the Australian Defence Force contribute to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.
Private Gillam, 21, of Leeming, in Perth , 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 a really amazing experience," she said.
Private Gillam said she 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.
As a member of the Darwin-based 1 Combat Service Support Battalion, Private Gillam's job in Iraq is to help keep the combat teams of the Australian battle group supplied with equipment and stores so they can achieve their objectives.
Private Gillam is one of 14 females serving with the Australian Battle Group and is enjoying her first operational deployment.
"I'm really enjoying my time here and the people I work with," she said with a smile.
One of the things Private Gillam is coping well with is not only the high operational tempo of the battle group but the high temperature of the Iraqi summer which will peak at 50+ degrees celsius by mid August.
Private Gillam said she joined the Army in 2005, soon after leaving Leeming Senior High School, because she was looking for a challenge.
"I wanted an action-packed job that was both physically and mentally challenging," she said with a smile.
Her daily routine sees her rise at 05.30 for a gym session, grab some breaky, and then rock up to the Quarter-master store room, where her main responsibilities include issuing weapons and ammunition to the soldiers going on patrol.
While Private Gillman is enjoying the deployment, she is also looking forward to the day when he returns to WA to enjoy a "cold one" with her father, Ken and mother, Sue.
Private Gillam is one of 515 Australian 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.