We (the Aussies) have got a contingent in the Gulf (small by world standards, big by our standards). The media here mentions them a bit ("RAAF F/A-18's today attacked targets in southern Iraq") and we see plenty of stock footage of Hornets taking off, Hercs on NVG's, frigates firing guns and our SAS walking around the desert.
I'm curious to know if we are getting any "airplay" overseas.
The ADF seems to be doing fairly effective
PR on this whole thing. Most of the folks opposed to the war have made a clear delineation between government policy, which they are against, and those carrying out government policy, the sailors, soldiers and airmen of the ADF. There have been a couple of stories going around of members being abused or attaked, but the overall impression seems to be that people are "supporting the troops".
I know some of the lads over there in the sandpit are concerned about receiving a Vietnam War style "welcome", where our soldiers were called "baby killers" and smeared with red paint. Strange how you ask anyone who was alive in the sixties and just about all of them will claim they were against the Vietnam War, but none of them will admit to attacking soldiers.
Anzac Day is coming soon. Hopefully no-one will disgrace themselves by using it to protest.