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Private Chris Sinclair cleans his equipment to tough MAF standards

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Private Ray Meki water blasts his pack before coming home

New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa

Media Release
29 August 2006

Timor troops get ready to come home

Dili is alive with the sound of high pressure hoses as 44 New Zealand Defence Force personnel prepare to return to New Zealand on Thursday 31 August.

The troops are returning after the New Zealand Government’s announcement that the force in Timor Leste is to reduce as the country finds some stability after months of turmoil.

In preparing the troops for home, the New Zealand Army has deployed a small force extraction team to Timor Leste.

The team assists with returning stores and equipment, conducting robust medical checks and psychological debriefs to ensure a smooth transition back to New Zealand.

Each soldier is responsible for cleaning their own equipment to strict MAF standards, and with months of dirt picked up patrolling the streets, it is no small task.

An area of the Dili Port has been sectioned off with buckets of soapy water and high pressure hoses to allow the troops to get their equipment clean, with the hot Timor sun shining overhead to make sure everything gets dry.

Everyone returning gets a medical review to make sure they have no injuries and that they haven’t been exposed to malaria, dengue fever or any other tropical illnesses prevalent in the region. The Doctor ensures they complete their course of anti-malarial medication and issues any further meds required to ensure a healthy return to New Zealand.

Two New Zealand Army Psychologists have also deployed to Dili. They will conduct group and individual debriefs allowing returning personnel the opportunity to talk through their time Timor Leste.

ENDS

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