Our People in NSW
Ben Braithwaite - Coffs Harbour soldier on learning curve in East Timor
Within months of finishing his employment training as an infantry soldier, Coffs Harbour’s Ben Braithwaite was on his way to East Timor for his first overseas deployment.
“Everything has been a big learning curve, so I’m happy at the moment to sit back and take it all in, in terms of gaining knowledge about what my roles and responsibilities are,” he said.
Private Braithwaite (21) is currently working as a scout in an infantry section with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Dili, which is assisting the Government of East Timor and UN to maintain stability and security in the country.
He’s not the only member of his family in the Australian Defence Force as his twin brother Nick is a combat engineer based in Darwin, and the two were introduced to the outdoors lifestyle while travelling around Australia with their parents during their teenage years.
“I finished Year 12, and took the year off to work and party. I worked concreting for nearly two years after putting university off again and finally decided I didn’t want to sit behind a desk,” he said.
Ben’s time in East Timor has been an eye-opening experience.
“Culturally, there is a big difference between home and here. It has been eye opening to witness children living in a developing country,” he said.
Ben is planning to catch up with his mates back in Coffs Harbour when he returns home, and while he says he tries not to think about what he misses from home, he’s looking forward to running in the park at OzTag.
Ben is one of some 650 Australian Defence Force personnel now serving in East Timor with Operation Astute
The operation is part of the Australian Government's response to a request from the Government of East Timor to assist in bringing stability, security and confidence to the Timorese.