Article

2008-05-26 Down Under

Australian Troops 'ashamed' to wear Aussie uniform

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Posted by Oztralian 2008-05-26 19:22|| || Front Page|| [3 views ] Top

#1 I call bullshit.

The US infantry holds the Aussies and the Brits in hight regard. The Germans and Eastern Europeans right behind them, and everyone else... not so much.

Posted by DarthVader">DarthVader 2008-05-26 19:36|| 2008-05-26 19:36|| Front Page Top

#2 There are tons of videos of Aussies doing their thing on the battlefield. What clown wrote this crap? And who saw fit to publish it?

Posted by gorb 2008-05-26 20:36|| 2008-05-26 20:36|| Front Page Top

#3 With all due respect Darth and Gorb, consider the audience and quoted officials - I think you're looking at this from an American angle. I read it to be a critique of the Oz policy of leading with the special forces, and treating the "regular" army akin to continental Euro forces.

Knowing nothing of Oz military structure (is it volunteer. mandatory, draft, etc.), I hear this article as a complaint from the troops, particularly the officer corps, that they should assume a role similar to the US Army, regardless of their special forces.

But, is it accurate? I thought PM Howard would have been using all forces, so perhaps this is a jab at the current administrations more adamant change in policy.

Posted by Goober Jineting3229 2008-05-26 20:48|| 2008-05-26 20:48|| Front Page Top

#4 Australian army fills its ranks by recruitment.

Reportedly this is what the Australians are doing in Iraq:

Operation Catalyst - Australia's commitment to the Coalition forces in Iraq. The army's contribution includes:

* Overwatch Battle Group (West); this is a battlegroup consisting of a headquarters, infantry company, armoured squadron and training team, with a total of 450 personnel. This has two tasks:
o Provide support to local Iraqi security forces
o Assist in the training of local Iraqi Army units so that they are able to take over the internal and external defence of their country

* Australian Army Training Team; this encompasses 55 personnel providing logistic training to the new Iraqi Army.

* Embassy security detachment; this provides security protection and escort for staff at the Australian Embassy in Baghdad, and consists of 100 personnel.

Posted by Pappy 2008-05-26 21:12|| 2008-05-26 21:12|| Front Page Top

#5 NEWS OP-ED > THE US MILITARY'S WORLD ROLE IS STILL EVOLVING, espec vv NATURAL DISASTER + HUMANITARIAN RAPID RESPONSE. Despite a highly world-regarded sttae of professionalism and competency, the Aussies newfound REGIONAL-INTERNAT STRATEGIC RESPONSIBILITIES-AGENDA = DESIRED "REACH" STILL IS NOT MATCHED BY THE SIZE AND CAPABS OF ITS CURR ARMED FORCES + NAT ECON, vv CHINA, RADICAL ISLAMISM, + NATURAL DISASTER(S).
For sure, they want things to change to Australia's benefit, and are working towards same much like CANADA, but its not gonna occur overnite.

Posted by JosephMendiola 2008-05-26 22:44|| 2008-05-26 22:44|| Front Page Top

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