Our People in TAS
Todd Dickson - From Port Arthur to the Middle East
Port Arthur’s Corporal Todd Dickson, 35, is finally realising a dream. He’s deployed to the Middle East.
Todd, who has specialised as a quartermaster (supply manager) is part of the Force Support Unit at the Australian contingent compound, affectionately known as Billabong Flats.
“Our main role is to help Australians coming into the area of operations and going back home,” Todd said.
“We kit them up and make sure that they’ve got everything that they need as painlessly as possible and then, when they come back for leave or return to Australia, we take all that kit off them and make that part of the trip easy as well.”
Todd spent his childhood living in one of the historic houses at Port Arthur. After completing school, Todd studied horticulture and moved with his wife, Tanya, a fellow horticulturalist, to Hobart, where the couple operated a landscaping business.
Several years later, with his wife’s encouragement, he joined the Army.
“My grandfather was in the Army and I always had that fascination with World War One and the ANZAC legend, so I went into recruiting at the age of 29 and did it,” Todd said.
After postings to Brisbane, Puckapunyal, and Townsville, Todd deployed to the Middle East in early September.
Todd said it had been extremely hot, dry, windy and dusty since his arrival, but he had now adjusted to the conditions and settled into his new role.
“A big reason I joined was to go overseas and do my job for real,” Todd said. “We train and train and train, but this is what it’s all about for me and it’s probably the highlight of my career so far and I’m glad to finally get a trip over.”
Meanwhile Tanya and their three children, Alora, aged 11, Oliver, 9, and Poppy, 2, can’t wait until his return.
Australia's military contribution to Afghanistan is part of the nation’s broader commitment to Coalition efforts against international terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security.
The Australian deployment, comprising around 1550 personnel in Afghanistan and a further 850 across the Middle East, is know as Operations SLIPPER.