Augmentation to Australian Forces in Iraq

[big bad john]

More help for "Wes".

http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1152/topstories/story05.htm

Additional troops for Iraq
Volume 11, No. 52, September 21, 2006

FIFTY-EIGHT extra troops and four Bushmasters will join the Overwatch Battle Group-West (OBG-W) in Iraq.

Defence Minister Brendan Nelson said the decision to increase the size of the force was based on an assessment made by Defence after the battle group’s first month of operations. The extra troops and equipment will increase the force protection element for our troops already based in Tallil.

The Minister said the decision would not change the role of troops in OBG-W. “The extra contingent will enhance logistics and intelligence support as well as providing increased protected mobility to the Australian troops based in Tallil,” he said.

After the transfer of security responsibility in Al Muthanna to the Iraqi Government, about 450 Australian troops were redeployed to the Tallil air base.

 

 

[big bad john]

http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1152/topstories/story06.htm

Off to Oruzgan
Volume 11, No. 52, September 21, 2006
By Maj John McPherson and Cpl Mike McSweeney


Good luck: Defence Minister Brendan Nelson wishes LBdr Shaun O’Conner, 8/12 Mdm Regt, a safe journey. Photo by Cpl Michael Davis


Goodbye: CDF ACM Angus Houston chats to an RTF soldier following a farewell parade at Robertson Barracks.
Photo by Cpl Michael Davis


THE main body of soldiers assigned to the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) have left Australia and are now starting to make themselves at home in Camp Russell in southern Afghanistan.

The first chalk departed on September 8 and the last on September 19.

Capt Markus Ludwig, 1CER, said although the personnel would miss home, they were looking forward to helping the Afghan people.

“Leaving home and friends is always the hardest part of any deployment,” he said. “But we’ve spent considerable time training for this mission and we’re well equipped to assist the people of Afghanistan in rebuilding their country.”

The main body joins the advanced party that left for Afghanistan in August. The Australians will work as part of the Netherlands-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in the Oruzgan province under the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.

The RTF has already begun the planning of reconstruction activities, however works are not expected to begin until late November.

The task force is comprised primarily of members from 1 Bde, including 1CER, 1CSR, 1CSSB, 2 Cav Regt, 5/7RAR and 8/12 Mdm Regt.

Commander 1 Bde Brig Craig Orme farewelled the troops at Darwin Airport.

“You have spent most of this year preparing and training for what you are about to do,” he said. “You are now heading off to put into practice the skills you have been honing with the team you have built.

“It is now up to you to get on with the job of reconstruction in Afghanistan and doing what Australian soldiers do best - helping other people.

“Australia is proud of you and we all wish you well for what will be a demanding tour of duty.

“Look after yourselves, look after your mates, and come back home having helped a nation grow.”

Prime Minister John Howard announced an increase of 150 personnel to the RTF numbers on August 9, including an infantry company group of 120 soldiers.

The Australian contribution also include the provision of skills training for the local population to ensure the benefits of the deployment continue long after the RTF has returned home.