Our People in VIC
Russell Parish - Mulwala soldier provides key link for Diggers in the Middle East and Afghanistan
As the senior ranked soldier in Australia’s deployed forces in the Middle East and Afghanistan, Warrant Officer Class One Russell Parish provides a critical link between the Diggers on the ground and their senior commanders.
And it’s a job this Mulwala soldier is extremely proud to undertake.
This is his first operational deployment as the Task Force Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of Joint Task Force 633, based in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO).
His role as senior soldier in the MEAO operational theatre is to provide advice to other RSMs, Navy Ships Warrant Officers and Air Force Warrant Officers, on the management of their people while they are deployed in the MEAO.
His job is to also work closely with the commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, Major General Mark Kelly.
“I get out and travel in the MEAO and talk to all of the sailors, soldiers and airmen,” Russell said.
“This is the great part of the job. I get great satisfaction in talking to an airman, a sailor or a soldier.”
Another highlight for Russell has been working with all three services – Navy, Army and Air Force. "This was one of the highlights of the job, my focus is mentoring the three services into one, working here as a combined force.”
For his extensive career Russell said being Task Force RSM in the Middle East was the highlight.
"This is the icing on the cake for me.”
The 56 year-old senior soldier is in his 36th year of his Army service. Born and bred in Mulwala in Victoria, he went to Yanco agricultural college at Leeton in the Murrumbidgee region.
"My father was in the military as a transport driver during the Second World War," Russell said.
"After the war my father worked on the family farm growing cereal crops, running a dairy, and a piggery, and established the Mulwala RSL club. He was the president for about 26 years."
Russell said he joined the Army because he saw it was a challenging career.
"My father never pushed me, he did suggest it though," Russell said.
"I joined as an engineer in 1974 and my first posting was to the 3rd Field Engineer Regiment working in demolitions, combat engineering and as a driver."
He currently has more than two more months to go in his current job in the MEAO and when he returns to Australia he plans to reunite with his family and continue with his hobbies.
"My wife Mariette, who is a teacher, and I collect and restore antique furniture, enjoy gardening and are in the process of developing our property on the south coast of New South Wales," Russell said.
"We also go to the beach and go camping to relax.
"We have between us six children, who range in age from 32 down to 21."
For this job and deployment Russell said he has gained a lot of experience.
"This deployment as an RSM broadens your horizon on your future of what you [can] do in the Army," he said.
"I find I am still learning, with the processes and procedures and working with the other services. There is always something new [to learn]."