In an initiative aimed at fostering cooperation and empowering women in military roles, the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment (1CER) recently hosted a contingent of 11 women from The Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL).
The visit was part of the F-FDTL Gender Development Program, intended to provide the Timorese women with insights and hands-on experiences crucial to their roles within the military.
Led by 1CER Troop Commander Lieutenant Darielle Corpuz, the program comprised a series of events designed to bolster the F-FDTL women’s confidence and skills in combat-related roles.
“The program was geared at displaying the operational capabilities and responsibilities of female soldiers within the Australian Army,” Lieutenant Corpuz said.
“Collaboration with our partners from Timor-Leste is hugely important, and it’s a great opportunity for ADF and F-FDTL women to share skills, gain confidence and empower each other.”
The F-FDTL soldiers were provided with demonstrations depicting the direct support provided by women in combat roles, ranging from watercraft safety protocols, and simulated and live-fire combat shooting techniques.
The contingent also received comprehensive capability briefs, gaining firsthand insights into the Australian Army’s operations and methodologies, including a cultural engagement and capability brief provided by NORFORCE (North-West Mobile Force).
The team was also given hands-on instruction in the Army Combatives Program, enhancing their proficiency in close-quarters combat, equipping them with valuable skills necessary for their roles within the F-FDTL.
First Secretary Defence – Timor-Leste, Jemma Malcolm, who accompanied the contingent, said Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program had played a pivotal role supporting the development of the F-FDTL since 2002.
“The bilateral Defence relationship between Australia and Timor-Leste holds immense significance,” Ms Malcolm said.
“This ongoing collaboration is pivotal in strengthening the capabilities and expertise of the F-FDTL. Such programs not only foster cooperation but also underline the commitment to the shared Defence objectives between our nations.”
She said the engagement between 1CER and the F-FDTL women served as a testament to the commitment in supporting each other’s defence capabilities, while advancing gender inclusion and empowerment within the military domain.
