Description
Description: Operation Astute (East Timor) Deployment Patch (JTF-631)
Condition: Mint
Comments: Operation Astute (East Timor) Deployment Patch – with velcro.
Worn by Australian soldiers deployed to Operation Astute.
Operation ASTUTE is the ADF’s continuing contribution to the maintenance of peace and stability in East Timor. The operation commenced in 2006 following a request from the Government of Timor Leste to the Australian Government for the creation of a multi-national security force to assist with stability operations within Timor-Leste.
The force, called the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in East Timor, has evolved over time and currently consists of 475 personnel from the Australian (400 personnel) and New Zealand (75 personnel) Defence Forces.
The ISF consists of a number of sub-groups, including the Timor Leste Air Group, which includes Australian Army Black Hawk helicopters, and the ANZAC Infantry Company, which is comprised of Australian and New Zealand infantry soldiers. This ANZAC force is keeping alive the tradition forged on the shores of Gallipoli when Australians and New Zealand soldiers served as a unified force. Other ISF groups include command, logistic, signals and maintenance/repair teams.
A feature of the latest rotation of Australian soldiers to the ISF’s Anzac Infantry Company is the inclusion of a 160-strong Army Reserve Company group, largely drawn from Queensland’s 11th Brigade. These troops were integrated into the existing force structure of the ISF, assuming the full responsibilities of the Regular Army group they replaced.
The Timor-Leste security forces, supported by the United Nations (including Australian police officers), have primary responsibility for policing and security, however the ISF remains ready to respond to requests from the Government of Timor-Leste and the United Nations for additional assistance.
