DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
CPA 159/08
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
EIGHT MONTH OPERATIONAL TOURS
The duration of some Army operational deployments will be increased from six
months to eight months. These deployments will commence from October this year,
with the deployment of the first Mentoring Reconstruction Task Force to Afghanistan.
This increase in deployment length will provide a corresponding increase in time
between deployments. This will provide our Army the time to train in the broad range
of capabilities that a modern Army requires to be successful in the contemporary
security environment.
As the Army grows under the Enhanced Land Force initiative, this decision will better
balance operational commitments with the generation of current and future capability.
The initiative will also increase the length of individual respite between operations,
and reduce the potential number of rotations an individual could be deployed on in a
two-year period. This is likely to contribute to better retention of Army personnel.
Eight-month deployments will allow Australian soldiers more time to develop and
maintain cohesive relationships with both the local population, and our coalition
partners, and to better understand the environment they are operating in. This is
designed to ensure they achieve more during their deployments, enhancing the
reputation of the Army and the nation, while at the same time enhancing the force
protection of our deployed soldiers.
No ADF member will deploy on an operation without knowing the intended duration
of their deployment. Consequently, eight-month operational deployments will not
apply to any individuals or force elements currently deployed.
“Army is committed to ensuring the continued welfare of its personnel while at the
same time assuring the long-term health of an organisation that is highly effective in
preparing for operations,” said Chief of Army Lieutenant General Peter Leahy.
“This initiative aims to balance those imperatives. Eight-month tours provide a better
outcome for Army and our people”.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
