Military support to RAMSI
The main task of the military component of RAMSI is to provide security and support for the Participating Police Force (PPF) [0]. The Combined Task Force works closely with the police and civilian elements of RAMSI to assist the Solomon Islands Government and the Solomon Islands Police Force in maintaining law and order.
RAMSI’s military component was initially required to provide protection for the PPF and other parts of the mission, necessary due to the serious law and order situation and the large number of illegally-held weapons present in the Solomon Islands community at the time.
RAMSI military personnel help the police secure key points and support the police-patrolling program.
During their time in Solomon Islands, personnel aboard naval patrol boats have conducted patrols throughout the country in support of police efforts. Military medical personnel have undertaken airborne operations to support police operations and provided an airborne medical evacuation role in support of RAMSI personnel safety.
Military personnel have previously provided other logistical support, including engineering and medical detachments, which have now largely been assumed by civilian contractors.
Four nations currently contribute troops to the military component of RAMSI: Australia [0], New Zealand [0], Papua New Guinea [0] and Tonga [0]. Troops from these countries are deployed to Solomon Islands on a rotating basis. Troops from Fiji [0] were also previously deployed to RAMSI.
The Combined Task Force is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ian Upjohn, CSC, from the Australian Defence Force. The Deputy Commander is Major Grant McMillan, from the New Zealand Defence Force. Headquarters and support staff based in Honiara coordinate the military support effort.
The deployment of RAMSI military personnel from contributing regional defence forces, at the invitation of the Solomon Islands Government, aims to ensure the ongoing success of RAMSI in improving law and order in the Solomon Islands and helping the people of Solomon Islands rebuild their country.
Web site links
- Australian Defence Force [1]
- New Zealand Defence Force [2]