Operation ANODE
Operation ANODE is the name of the ADF contribution to the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). RAMSI's assistance is known as Operation HELPEM FREN (Pidgin English for 'Helping Friend'). RAMSI's mission is to assist the Solomon Islands Government in restoring law and order, economic governance, and improving the machinery of government.
The Combined Task Force deployed in support of Operation ANODE is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel David Thompson.
The military component of RAMSI is comprised of personnel from four troop-contributing nations - Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.
The main task for the military component is to provide security for RAMSI's multinational Participating Police Force (PPF) that works alongside the Royal Solomon Islands Police in maintaining law and order.
Specialist military staff in RAMSI headquarters are also deployed to coordinate the multi-national military effort with the PPF.
The ADF contribution to RAMSI
Since the introduction of RAMSI in 2003, the number of Australian troops in support has varied depending on the degree of unrest experienced. After the rioting that followed the April 2006 general elections, RAMSI military personnel have continued their contribution to maintaining a calming effect on the situation in the Solomon Islands.
In April 2009 Government agreed to the extension of Operation ANODE until June 2010.
Lieutenant Colonel Dave Thompson is the current Commander of the 160-strong Combined Task Force. The ADF contributes around 80 troops to this Task Force; drawn primarily from the New South Wales based 8th Brigade.
The Combined Task Force includes:
- A Multinational Headquarters.
- One platoon from the ADF.
- One platoon from the NZDF.
- One platoon from Pacific Island nations.
- The second platoon will rotate between the NZDF and the ADF every eight months. This means in early 2010 Australia will provide two platoons (an extra 30 personnel).
Since 2007, the ADF has deployed eight Army Reserve Company groups accounting for more than 800 part-time soldiers. The deployment of these ADF personnel, at the invitation of the Solomon Islands Government, aims to ensure the ongoing success of RAMSI in improving law and order in the Solomon Islands. Australia remains determined to ensure that the law and order established in the Solomon Islands is maintained.