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| Aus Troops (File Photo) |
Almost 900 soldiers about to deploy to Afghanistan were publicly recognised by their family, friends and colleagues during an official farewell parade on Saturday, December 3 2011.
The 7th Brigade parade, held at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, comprised of soldiers preparing to serve with Mentoring Task Force Four (MTF-4), Combined Team Uruzgan (CTU), Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), Artillery Training Team-Kabul (ATTK) and the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG).
Members of the public along with official guests witnessed the parade and wished Australia’s next major rotation into the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) a safe and successful tour of duty.
Chief of Army Lieutenant General David Morrison AO said the parade was an opportunity for the people of Brisbane to thank the soldiers of the 7th Brigade and the wider ADF for their ongoing commitment in Afghanistan.
“I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the professionalism, courage and dedication shown by these men and women as they prepare to serve on overseas operations.
“It was a privilege to personally farewell 900 of our finest soldiers as they embark on an important and demanding mission. I am extremely proud of each soldier that marched today, and I know they will serve our nation with honour and distinction,” General Morrison said.
The primary Australian effort in Afghanistan, MTF-4, will be led by the Brisbane based 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (8/9 RAR).
The majority of the soldiers farewelled today will leave for Afghanistan in January.
Around seventy soldiers from the 7th Brigade will deploy to East Timor.
Federal Member for Ryan, Jane Prentice, State Member for Ashgrove, Kate Jones, Commander 7thBrigade Brigadier Paul McLachlan ADC and Commander 1st Division Major General Rick Burr DSC, AM, MVO were also in attendance.