The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, has welcomed the release of a new documentary Long Tan to Afghanistan, to be launched at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane tomorrow.

The documentary is a powerful, insightful journey into the lives of the soldiers of Delta Company 6RAR ahead of their deployment to the Mentoring Taskforce in Afghanistan, their families at home and the heart-wrenching impact of war.

The documentary makes comparisons between the battle of Long Tan in 1966 and contemporary warfare in Afghanistan, through the eyes of veterans, young soldiers, and the families who support our troops from back home.

Mr Snowdon said Long Tan to Afghanistan gives Australians an insight into the motivations and emotions felt by our Australian Defence Force members in the lead up to deployment to Afghanistan.

“Most Australians will never know exactly what it feels like to wear an ADF uniform and prepare to enter a conflict zone, but this film gives us some insight into the challenges our serving men and women and their families face.”

Michael Callan, Director General of the Defence Community Organisation which provides support services to Defence families, said the documentary examines the emotional investment of partners, family and friends.

“It also looks at how the Defence Community Organisation prepares partners and families for an operational deployment and how it supports the families when their loved one is away.”

“This documentary is a celebration of the strength and courage of the families supporting the men and women who serve Australia’s national interests,” Mr Callan said.

Media contacts:

Alice Plate (Minister Snowdon) 02 6277 7820 or 0400 045 999

Defence Media Operations: 02 6127 1999