Our People in QLD
Rory Marshall - On the move in East Timor
Bundaberg soldier Rory Marshall, 25, appreciates the importance of vehicles to get a job done, and he should know. He is managing a fleet of them in East Timor.
Now a corporal, Rory (25) is a vehicle mechanic and section commander in the International Stabilisation Force, which is assisting the East Timorese and UN maintain stability and security in the country.
“My role is essentially to manage the workshop floor, which means that I organise parts and jobs for the guys, as well as prioritising the work,” he said.
“Vehicles are really important in a place like this, and a lot of people rely on them to do their work, so it’s important that they are well maintained and serviceable.”
Rory has been in the Army for six years, and said he thought it was a good opportunity to get a trade while being able to travel at the same time.
“I thought Defence was the best way to make something of myself, and I’m the first in my family to join,” he said.
While he’s been on lots of exercises, this is his first overseas operational deployment
“The traffic is the first thing you notice, and then the countryside, which is beautiful. I’ve gained an appreciation for what we have at home, and it’s also been good to really learn on your feet the importance of your job,” he said.
As well as catching up with his girlfriend when he returns home, Rory is also a member of the Australian Army Rugby Union development squad so he is looking forward to getting back into it.
“It will be nice to have some down-time away from Army – and the weekends off!”
Rory is one of 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 East Timorese.