To the men and women of the Battalion,
–
No doubt our leadership will post something soon regarding the situation in Afghanistan, however in readiness for that message I would like to offer the following:
Whilst we are all shocked at the speed in which the ANA and the Afghan government capitulated as evidenced in the Taliban taking Kabul, we must not be down-heartened or entertain any thought that we have been defeated and that the sacrifice made by our mates was for nothing. We all went into that conflict under the hope that our efforts were in the best interest of the Afghani people. We all hoped that we would be creating a strong democratic government that would represent the best interests of the collective ethnic communities within Afghanistan that was supported by a strong and corrupt free ANP and ANA. We did it to stop the horrific acts of ethnic cleansing as well as provide opportunities to all Afghani people regardless of their gender. We did it to disrupt Islamic terrorism freedom of manoeuvre. We did it out of hope, and whilst we were there, I personally saw that ‘we were making a difference’. We also did it to demonstrate what the Australian people stand for… and that’s worth fighting for.
It was not for nothing!
Team – lets get around and support each other.
The thoughts of the RSM and I are with you all.
LTCOL Dave Gandy | Commanding Officer | 31st/42nd Royal Queensland Regiment
Semper Paratus Defendere / Cede Nulius