Our People in QLD
Paul Fidler - It's a dogs life for Forest Lake Aircraftsman
Just spending time with his four year old German Shepherd Aisha is the best part of the job for Forest Lake man Paul Fidler.
Paul (36) is a Leading Aircraftsman and military dog handler currently serving in East Timor with the Timor-Leste Aviation Group 11, which is part of the International Stabilisation Force assisting the East Timor and UN police maintain stability and security in the country.
He’s on his first deployment, and acknowledges that it’s Aisha who is the one with the role here.
“The handlers have to be ready to deploy, but it is actually the dog who gets the job, and the handler then goes with them,” he said.
“Our role is mainly in detection work, and much of our work is at night. We are involved in physical security and protecting defence assets,” he said.
Paul says he enjoys that Aisha is always happy to see him.
“Even if you’re having a down day, when you go to see the dogs, they’re always happy to see you,” he said.
Paul chose a career in the Royal Australian Air Force because dog handling is a specific trade, and it was something he always wanted to do.
He has been struck by the difference in climate from Brisbane, and the culture.
“I am amazed at how happy people in East Timor seem, even with the hardships they face,” he said.
Paul is looking forward to catching up with his wife and children when he returns to Australia.
“My kids play soccer for the Centenary Stormers, and I’m looking forward to watching them play,” he said.
Paul is one of some 650 Australian Defence Force personnel now serving in Timor-Leste 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 East Timorese to allow them to resolve their differences democratically and peacefully.