By BRIDGET COOK
THOSE who think they’ve got it tough crawling along in peak hour traffic or negotiating drivers in a hurry through the busy streets of Melbourne should consider what it’s like on the mean streets of Kabul?
They should spare a thought for Cranbourne man Michael Hartnett, 26, whose role is to protect the lives of others and his own each time he gets behind the wheel.
The former Cranbourne Football Club player is currently deployed in Afghanistan, leading a team of soldiers who transport Australians through the country’s dangerous streets in up-armoured sports utility vehicles.
The Australian Army corporal, from the Brisbane based 9th Force Support Battalion, said the job can be risky.
“The role of the team leader of the drive team involves many challenges,” he said.
“There’s lots of preparation, planning and the unpredictability of the threat levels and traffic conditions in Kabul.”
Corporal Hartnett said the operation was the first time he had been deployed to Afghanistan and the experience has been a unique opportunity.
“I joined the Army in 2008 for a great challenge,” he said.
“I’ve worked very hard to get here. I’m definitely making the most of it while I’m here and doing the best job I can.”
Corporal Hartnett is one of about 400 Australian Defence Force personnel in Kabul and Kandahar.
Soldiers are supporting the International Security Assistance Force mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces.
Australia will continue to support Afghanistan’s security, development and governance throughout 2014.
