From the ( Acting )
Commander ’ s
DESK
THIS week the 3rd Brigade welcomes the return of BRIG Chris Field from the role of State Disaster Co-ordinator . As I prepare to hand back responsibility of command I would like to personally thank everybody in 3Bde for their professionalism and great support during my short tenure . BRIG Field and his small team have been working tirelessly in recent months to support affected communities recover in the wake of Cyclone Debbie . A great job complete , the focus for the whole 3Bde team is now fully on operational readiness .
❑ ❑ ❑
THIS week we depart on Ex Brolga Strike the final , formation-level hit out prior to Ex Talisman Sabre . A lot of planning has gone into this exercise designed to challenge participants while being conducted in a safe and resource-efficient manner . Many other formations will support us and we welcome their participation .
❑ ❑ ❑
WOULD also like to
I highlight that many 3Bde troops are also poised
A New Zealand Army offi cer from Task Group Taji V ’ s , Training Task Unit , as a part of the task group ’ s mission specifi c training at Lavarack Barracks
to deploy on operations in the Middle East . We recently farewelled Task Group Taji V on its mission to train the Iraqi Army . Preparation and training continues for support to other missions . These include Operation High Road in Afghanistan with advisory staff and force protection elements and Operation Accordion looking after logistics and mission support . The Theatre Communication Group will also provide “ comms ” support across the entire area of operations in the region . All these are vital tasks to help fledgling democracies defend themselves and take on the scourge of insurgent terror on the front lines . We were reminded last week in the face of a cowardly terrorist attack targeting young people just how important it is to fight this evil insurgency at its roots . And these missions exactly achieve that .
❑ ❑ ❑
DURING these troubled times , we also think of families and a big part of the Army family is ‘ Legacy ’. This wonderful organisation has a special place at the forefront of 3Bde charitable efforts with their support to the many widows and families of deceased service people in North Queensland . Last year , $ 60,000 was raised from the very successful Lavarack
Barracks Open Day and King and Queen of Mount Stuart endurance run . Much of the fundraising was made possible by local businesses that provided support , with the biggest contribution coming from RSL Queensland . This event continues in 2017 and is scheduled for September 2 . Planning is underway and details will soon be forthcoming . I ask that everyone get behind this event as a way to help the families of the fallen in a meaningful way .
❑ ❑ ❑
AS I sign off for the last time as acting commander I would like to reiterate my thanks to the team and wish everybody well during a challenging year ahead – good luck everybody .
Soldiers from the Task Group Taji V New Zealand Defence Force contingent perform the Haka before Commander COL Steve D ’ Arcy , during the integration parade
- A / COMD 3Bde COL Damian Hill
6 | JUNE 2017