Troops to spend Christmas far from home

(AAP) More than 3,000 Australian Defence Force personnel are set to spend Christmas far from home, some in snow and sub-zero temperatures and others in tropical heat.

Australian troops are currently serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Persian Gulf,
Sudan, East Timor, the Solomon Islands and on the high seas conducting border
protection off the northern coastline.
In Afghanistan, now in the depths of winter, Australian soldiers in Oruzgan province
can look forward to a traditional Christmas roast lunch, church service and concert.
"The Christmas parcels have been flooding in and the telephones and internet will be
well used on the day to offer best wishes to family and friends back home," said
Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force regimental sergeant major Warrant Officer
Darren Murch.
For members of the Special Operations Task Group it will be business as usual.
However, those not out on operations will celebrate with a traditional Christmas
lunch in their mess at the Australian base at Tarin Kowt.
Australian personnel in Kandahar will celebrate Christmas lunch with their British
counterparts, followed by an Aussie barbecue dinner.
On Boxing Day, Australian soldiers will play cricket against the British troops in
the Afghan version of The Ashes Test match.
In neighbouring Helmand Province, Australian gunners attached to the British Army
will celebrate Christmas with their British hosts, poised to provide immediate
artillery support if needed.
In Baghdad, members of the Australian Security Detachment (SECDET) protecting the
Australian Embassy in Baghdad will spend Christmas Day on duty.
However, Australia's Ambassador Robert Tyson and his staff will join SECDET
commander Major Nigel Earnshaw in cooking a barbecue lunch for the diggers as come
off duty.
Commander of Australian troops in the Middle East Major General Mark Kelly thanked
the Australian public for their ongoing support.
"This time of year is especially difficult for all deployed personnel - separated
from their families and loved ones. However, we can all be comforted by the
knowledge that our people are working hard, for a good cause," he said in a
statement.
In Khartoum, Sudan, most of the 17 Australian personnel serving with the United
Nations Mission will have a barbecue Christmas lunch.
In the Solomon Islands, about 80 Australian soldiers and police will share Carols by
Candlelight with the local community.
Commander of the Combined Task Force Lieutenant Colonel David Thompson said
Christmas in the Solomon Islands, like in Australia, was traditionally a time for
celebrating with family and close friends.
"But for those of us on mission while celebrating together we will, of course, be
with our loved ones in spirit," he said.
In East Timor, International Stabilisation Force (ISF) commander Commodore Stuart
Mayer said personnel at the three bases around Dili would conduct sporting
activities on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
"We wanted to make sure that no one missed out on hitting a cricket ball or playing
some footy before eating a big lunch, so we have spread Christmas festivities over
two days", he said.