G'day GB
I agree with you, what use is a defense force if you don't use it! The problem with ours is that its small and until recently was fitted for but not with. It has changed, starting with Timor that we actually got the kit and the money and the political will to use our ADF in conflicts. I'm sure the FJ boys would love to go on more ops. I fear however we will go back to a 2nd hand, cheapest bidder and 40 year old F111 force very shortly with no political will for its use, time will tell.
Boldface, it was our Hornets that went to Iraq. Not for too long but when you only have 71 minus your trainers, minus the HUG up grade, etc etc, we can't really sustain operations unless the hordes are coming over the motherland.