27 February 2007

Thirty-five crewmen and riflemen from 6 Platoon Victor Company, 1 RNZIR, arrived in Timor-Leste in late November 2006 for a six-month tour of duty. We spend our days patrolling the streets in Santa Cruz and the Taibesi village, both situated southeast of Dili central, while the Australian Army patrol the west.

Both areas have been used as battlegrounds for youth gangs. Fuelled by poverty, unemployment, alcohol, drugs and boredom, youth gang violence causes local Timorese families to flee their homes to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

Our soldiers are tested during patrols, assisting United Nations Police to confiscate homemade weapons such as machetes, darts, swords and spears from youths roaming the Dili streets after dark. Within the Dili CBD, our soldiers also assist UN Police to detain gang suspects, settle gang conflicts, and uphold the peace.

The majority of tasks conducted by the platoon have been at section level, and the performance of our soldiers reflects the professionalism of our junior leaders. The platoon has moved five times since we arrived in Dili and another move is being planned in the near future. The platoon is getting used to making new places home and meeting new people.

Platoon Commander 2nd Lieutenant Sam Smith attends various meetings each week with the UN Police, local village leaders, gang leaders and IDP camp coordinators, to find solutions to the gang problems, and gain information that would enable us to achieve our end mission: to provide a safe and secure environment for the democratic elections in Timor-Leste, scheduled for mid-May.

For many soldiers, this is their first deployment overseas but, led and trained by their section commanders, our soldiers are equipped to tackle the problems arising on patrols, in a professional manner.

For Lance Corporal Samuel Porteous, a highlight of the tour so far was the birth of his daughter, Trelise Anne Elaine Porteous, born on the 17 February at 2.00am NZ time. Private William Randle also became a father to William Te Whetu Marama Randle, born 17 December at 2.29pm NZ time. Both soldiers are currently serving in Timor-Leste.

Now in our 3rd month of constant patrolling, the villages are continuing to return to normal, locals wave at the Kiwi soldiers as the patrols pass, and the kids yell, “Kia ora Kiwi number one”. The children attend schools, play sports and are finally starting to enjoy a secure life with family and friends. Youth gangs remain an issue here and the clashes move from village to village.

As Timor-Leste starts to settle, our soldiers find the time to conduct platoon and section training, physical training, or enjoy company and platoon sports – including the odd match with our Aussie neighbours.

With the democratic elections drawing closer, the soldiers of 6 Pl are now focused on patrolling the troubled areas and, with the last three months of the deployment yet to come, who knows what will happen next!

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