Reserve soldiers, belonging to Rifle Company Butterworth and set to be deployed to Malaysia as part of Australia's Five Power Defence Agreement, farewelled their loved ones at a barbecue at Holsworthy Barracks this month. ``It's always been a dream of mine to be in the defence forces and I'm very proud to be going overseas to defend Australia,'' Private Jabbori said. ``I've been a reserve for almost five years now and have now made an application to join the army full-time.

``It was wonderful to say goodbye to family and friends at the barracks. They had a tour of the place so now they know what it's like and can see the lifestyle we lead.

``My girlfriend is worried about me going away but I know that it'll be reasonably safe and I'm sure I'll enjoy the challenges.''

During the three-month deployment, the soldiers will participate in security operations with soldiers from Malaysia, Singapore, Britain and New Zealand.

Private Jabbori recently completed a training course at Holsworthy.