Description
Physical description
An assault vest made of nylon, the facing side being made of five-colour Australian 1986 pattern ('Ozcam'). The item comprises of a multi-pouch system, each permanently fixed, mounted on detachable side-panels and buckled to a spine-pad with shoulder support straps. The 'vest' features a black plastic press and clip buckle, fitted at the abdomen. All pouches are closed by green Velcro.
Attached to the rear of vest is a metal caribina that has a length of green cord neatly tied.
History note
This Assault Vest was used by Corporal A W McClelland of 5/7th (Mechanised) Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment whilst serving in East Timor (1999-2000).
Following a popular vote in East Timor for independence from Indonesia, armed militias carried out reprisal violence against the civil population, and in September 1999 the United Nations authorised the deployment of a multi-national peacekeeping force to bring stability and humanitarian aid to the region. The International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) was largely led by Australia who provided the bulk of military personnel and equipment, and deployed from October until the situation had become more favourable the following year.
5/7 (Mechanised) Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment were primarily used in an Internal Security role, searching buildings, locating and disarming militia, and gathering intelligence, as well as distributing supplies to the local populace. Unfortunately part of their task, post-discovery of massacres, was to recover and bury bodies, often in isolated areas. As militia violence decreased 5/7 RAR's role became more passive and in late February of 2000 the situation was stabilized enough to finally be handed over to the United Nations Transition Assistance East Timor (UNTAET). At its height INTERFET had military contingents from 22 nations, with a combined strength of over 11,000 men.