Military history of Australia during the War in Afghanistan

Last updated

Operation Slipper and Operation Highroad
Part of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
3RAR Afghanistan 2008.jpg
Infantry from 3 RAR patrol Tarin Kowt in August 2008 as part of Reconstruction Task Force 4
Location
Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf and Diego Garcia
Date2001 – 2021
Casualties41 killed, 261 wounded [1]

The Australian contribution to the war in Afghanistan has been known as Operation Slipper (2001–2014) and Operation Highroad (2015–2021).

Contents

Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations and the size of the forces deployed have varied and ADF involvement has included two major areas of activity: Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf. These activities have seen the deployment of naval, air and land forces that have taken part in combat and combat support operations as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

In mid-2014, the naval and logistic support operations in the Persian Gulf were re-designated as Operation Manitou and Operation Accordion respectively.

Operation Slipper

Operation Slipper began in late 2001 and ended on 31 December 2014.

First phase

A No. 33 Squadron Boeing 707 refuelling a US Navy F/A-18 in 2002 RAAF EB-707 (33 Sqn) refuelling a US Navy F-A-18 Hornet (VFA-131).jpg
A No. 33 Squadron Boeing 707 refuelling a US Navy F/A-18 in 2002

During the first phase of Operation Slipper, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) commitment to Afghanistan consisted of a Special Forces Task Group and two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing 707 air-to-air refuelling aircraft from No. 33 Squadron. These aircraft and associated support personnel operated from Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan and provided support to coalition aircraft operating in Afghan airspace. Two RAAF AP-3C Orion aircraft flew maritime patrol missions in support of maritime interdiction operations in the Persian Gulf. [2] These aircraft were temporarily retasked to Operations Falconer and Catalyst in 2003.[ citation needed ]

RAAF C-130 Hercules transport aircraft were also involved in providing logistic support for deployed forces. The Special Forces were involved with the establishment of the US-led coalition's first Forward Operating Base (Camp Rhino) southwest of Kandahar in November 2001, followed by the capture of Kandahar International Airport in December 2001. The initial ADF commitment in Afghanistan concluded in December 2002 when the Special Air Service Task Group was withdrawn. [3] Following this date until 2005 Australia's total contribution to efforts in Afghanistan were two officers attached to the United Nations and the Coalition land mine clearing force. [4]

All three squadrons of the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) were deployed to Afghanistan in 2001 and 2002. The dates of these deployments were: [5]

Second phase

An Australian Special Forces Task Group was re-deployed to Afghanistan in August or September 2005. This Task Group consisted of elements from the SASR, 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), the Incident Response Regiment and logistic support personnel. [3] As well as heavily modified Land Rovers, the Special Forces Task Group was also equipped with some Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicles. A detachment of two CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the 5th Aviation Regiment was deployed to Afghanistan in March 2006 to support the Special Forces Task Group. The Australian Special Forces Task Group was withdrawn from Afghanistan in September 2006 and the helicopter detachment returned to Australia in April 2007. [6] [7] [8] [9]

Third phase

Australian and US Army engineers working on a bridge in Afghanistan in August 2008 Aust US engineers Moqur Bridge.jpg
Australian and US Army engineers working on a bridge in Afghanistan in August 2008
Australian Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan's Uruzgan Province in January 2010 Bushmaster Afghanistan snow Jan 2010.jpg
Australian Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan's Uruzgan Province in January 2010

A Reconstruction Taskforce-based around the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment with protective elements from the 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and 2nd Cavalry Regiment began arriving in Uruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan in early September 2006. The Australian Reconstruction Taskforce formed part of a Dutch-led Provincial Reconstruction Team, operating as part of the Dutch-led Task Force Uruzgan and based at Forward Operating Base Ripley, outside of Tarin Kowt. [10]

A 300-strong Special Operations Task Group was deployed to support the Reconstruction Taskforce in April 2007, including a Commando company-group, elements of the SASR, and an integral combat service support team. [7] In addition to radar crews, logistics and intelligence officers, and security personnel, this brought the number of Australian personnel in Afghanistan to 950 by mid-2007, with further small increases to 1,000 in mid-2008, 1,100 in early 2009 [11] and 1,550 in mid-2009. [12] These increases occurred in spite of opinion polls indicating that public support for the deployment was decreasing, with a poll released in September 2008 finding that a majority of those surveyed were opposed to Australia's continued military involvement in the country. [13]

In early 2009, a number of Operational Mentoring and Liaison Teams (OMLTs) were embedded into the Afghan National Army battalions serving in the 4th (ANA) Brigade, 205th Hero Corps, in Uruzgan as part of the Australian mission to mentor and partner the ANA within the province. Consequently, the RTF was renamed the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force. [12] On 16 January 2009, Trooper Mark Donaldson, a member of the SASR, was awarded Australia's highest gallantry medal, the Victoria Cross for Australia. Donaldson was awarded the medal for exposing himself to enemy fire to protect injured Australian troops and then rescuing an Afghan interpreter under heavy enemy fire during a contact on 2 September 2008. [14]

A modest Australian force remained in Afghanistan over this period and was involved in counter-insurgency operations in Uruzgan province in conjunction with Dutch, US and other coalition forces. MRTF was again renamed to the Mentoring Task Force in early 2010. Based around a combined arms battalion-sized battle group, it consisted of motorised infantry and cavalry force elements supported by engineers, as well as coalition enablers including artillery and aviation assets. The Rotary Wing Group flying CH-47D Chinooks, the Force Logistics Asset and an RAAF air surveillance radar unit were also based in Kandahar. [15] [16] A further 800 Australian logistic personnel were also based outside of Afghanistan, in locations in the Middle East. [12] Meanwhile, detachments of maritime patrol and transport aircraft continued to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, based out of Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. [17]

Order of battle

A Special Operations Task Group patrol in October 2009 Australian SOTG patrol Oct 2009.jpg
A Special Operations Task Group patrol in October 2009

Over the course of the operation, as the size of Australia's contribution has fluctuated and the scope of operations undertaken has evolved, the number and type of units deployed has also changed. A snapshot of the order of battle from March 2011, when approximately 1,550 Australians were deployed to Afghanistan, is as follows: [18]

Departure of Australian combat forces

Commandos from 2nd Commando Regiment boarding a U.S. Army Chinook helicopter with Afghan National Army in 2012 580162 2nd Commando Regiment Afghanistan 2012 boarding US Army Chinook.jpg
Commandos from 2nd Commando Regiment boarding a U.S. Army Chinook helicopter with Afghan National Army in 2012

At the end of October 2013, Prime Minister Tony Abbott traveled to Afghanistan with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten for a special ceremony at the Australian base in Tarin Kowt in Uruzgan. He told a gathering of troops and Afghan leaders that "Australia's longest war is ending. Not with victory, not with defeat, but with, we hope, an Afghanistan that is better for our presence here." Afghan forces were scheduled to take over running of the camp in mid-December. The last combat troops were withdrawn on 15 December 2013; however, approximately 400 personnel remained in Afghanistan as trainers and advisers, and were stationed in Kandahar and Kabul. [19] [20]

On 1 July 2014, as part of the restructuring of Australian operations in the Middle East, Operation Slipper was split into three different operations: ongoing operations in Afghanistan as part of ISAF under Operation Slipper; maritime security operations in the Middle East and counter piracy in the Gulf of Aden under Operation Manitou; and support operations to Slipper and Manitou from a number of locations in the Gulf States, primarily the United Arab Emirates, under Operation Accordion. Approximately 400 personnel were deployed on Operation Slipper, another 550 as part of Accordion, and 250 on Manitou. Australian operations in Afghanistan were scheduled to continue until the ISAF mission concluded in December 2014, while its contribution to the NATO-led "train, advise, assist" mission post-2014 was still to be confirmed at that time. [21] The final Heron UAV detachment left Afghanistan in December 2014. [22]

Operation Slipper concluded on 31 December 2014, with Australia's "train, advise and assist" mission in Afghanistan as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission being conducted under the code-name Operation Highroad after this date. Approximately 400 Australian personnel were deployed as part of the new mission, including personnel in mentoring and advisory roles, as well as medical personnel, force protection and logistic support. [23] Over 26,000 Australian personnel have served in Afghanistan. [24]

In June 2018, ABC News published photographs depicting Australian soldiers flying Nazi swastikas on their vehicles in Afghanistan. Their actions were subsequently denounced by then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. [25]

War crimes inquiry

In May 2016 the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, Major General Paul Brereton, launched an inquiry into allegations that some Australian special forces personnel committed war crimes in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016. [26] In February 2020 it was announced that 55 incidents were being investigated and, in November 2020, the inspector-general concluded that 36 incidents ought to be referred to the Australian Federal Police for criminal investigation [27] and possible prosecution by the Department of Home Affairs' Office of the Special Investigator and Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. [28] [29]

According to Brereton's report, there is credible information that 25 Australian Defence Force personnel were involved in serious crimes in Afghanistan. [27] Of the soldiers, 19 were directly implicated in the murder of 39 prisoners and civilians, and cruel treatment of 2 others, while the other military personnel were believed to be accessories to the incidents. [27] Brereton noted that some of the soldiers were ordered by their patrol commanders to kill prisoners. [27] Some soldiers are also believed to have planted evidence next to civilian corpses to imply that the civilians were armed, and thus could be classified as legitimate targets in post-incident investigations. [27] The report describes a 2012 incident as having been "possibly the most disgraceful episode in Australia's military history", but the specifics were redacted in the version released to the public. [30]

Upon the report's release, Chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, apologised for "any wrongdoing by Australian soldiers". [27] He announced that the 2nd Squadron of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) would be disbanded as a result of the investigation, citing a "distorted culture" that undermined the moral authority of the Australian Defence Force, [27] through all three SASR squadrons were implicated in poor conduct. [28] ) According to one reporter's correspondence with a former patrol commander, "EVERYONE KNEW [emphasis in the original]" that war crimes had been committed, but when it was reported regiment leadership decided to handle the matter internally. [28] General Campbell also explained that he and the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, [28] would take further action with respect to the commanders of units apparently involved in war crimes. [27]

Journalist Mark Willacy estimates that prosecutions related to these findings may not be concluded until approximately the year 2030. [28]

Final withdrawal

A contingent of around 80 ADF personnel remained in Afghanistan as late as 2021 to train and advise Afghan forces. [31] The Australian embassy in Kabul was closed on 28 May that year. [32] The last ADF personnel and diplomats in Afghanistan departed on 18 June 2021. This formed part of the withdrawal of international forces from the country. [31] [33]

Following the fall of Kabul in August 2021, ADF personnel were used to evacuate Australians and Afghans who had assisted the Australian forces from Afghanistan. Three RAAF aircraft and 250 personnel were deployed from Australia to the Middle East as part of this effort. [34] The first evacuation flight from Kabul took place on the night of 17/18 August. [35] Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated that it would not be possible to evacuate all the Afghans who had assisted the Australian forces due to the situation in the country. [36]

Persian Gulf

HMAS Kanimbla preparing to launch a US Navy rigid hull inflatable boat in January 2002 Kanimbla RHIB USN.jpg
HMAS Kanimbla preparing to launch a US Navy rigid hull inflatable boat in January 2002

Since October 2001 the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has maintained a continuous presence in and around Iraqi territorial waters as part of Operation Slipper and subsequent operations. There were four major rotations of RAN ships to this area of operations between December 2001 and March 2003. The primary focus of these rotations was to conduct Maritime Interception Operations as part of a US, Australian and British force enforcing United Nations Security Council resolutions against Iraq. The first rotation consisted of Her Majesty's Australian Ships (HMAS) Sydney , Adelaide and Kanimbla. These ships were followed in February 2002 by HMA Ships Canberra, Newcastle and Manoora and again in July 2002 by HMAS Arunta and Melbourne. [37]

HMAS Kanimbla departed from Sydney, Australia on 20 January 2003 again bound for the Persian Gulf under the mission objectives of Operation Bastille. On arriving in Bahrain on 16 February she reverted to the original mission objects of Operation Slipper (that of enforcing UN sanctions against Iraq). On 20 March 2003, HMA Ships Kanimbla, Anzac and Darwin participated in the combat phase of the 2003 Iraq War, codenamed Operation Falconer; in April Kanimbla supported Operation Baghdad Assist, delivering medical supplies that were transported to Baghdad. [37] During these operations the Australian ships pioneered a number of techniques that increased the effectiveness of Maritime Interception Force operations leading to them intercepting and boarding about 1,700 vessels in this period. Four Australian naval officers commanded the multinational force at various times during the course of the operation.[ citation needed ] Detachments from the Army's 16th Air Defence Regiment provided point defence to the Kanimbla and Manoora during their deployments. [38]

From 2009 Australian warships and aircraft in the Middle East have also been involved in counter-piracy operations and maritime interdiction off the Horn of Africa as part of Combined Task Force 151. [39]

Diego Garcia

A detachment of four Australian F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft provided air defence for the US military base on the island of Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory during the campaign against the Taliban. The initial detachment was provided by No. 77 Squadron RAAF between December 2001 and 10 February 2002. This was replaced by a detachment from No. 3 Squadron RAAF which was deployed between 10 February 2002 and 20 May 2002. No further Australian units were deployed to Diego Garcia. [40]

Casualties

The repatriation ceremony held for Private Sher on 7 January 2009 Gregory Sher ramp ceremony.jpg
The repatriation ceremony held for Private Sher on 7 January 2009

Operation Slipper is notable for the first Australian combat deaths since the Vietnam War, and to date all casualties have occurred during operations in Afghanistan. [41] 41 Australian soldiers have been killed and 261 wounded, the majority since October 2007. [1] [42] [43] Another Australian was killed while serving with the British Army. [42] [44]

Timeline

From March 2011, the ADF in Afghanistan has exclusive rights to a leased Mi-26 Halo heavy lift helicopter provided by PME International-Vertical T, enabling deployed forces to be less reliant on road transport. Mil Mi-26T helicopter from Russia.jpg
From March 2011, the ADF in Afghanistan has exclusive rights to a leased Mi-26 Halo heavy lift helicopter provided by PME International-Vertical T, enabling deployed forces to be less reliant on road transport.
Australian and British gunners, March 2009 Australian gunners Afghanistan March 2009.jpg
Australian and British gunners, March 2009
2001
  • 11 September: Islamist terrorists attack New York City and Washington, killing nearly 3,000 people.
  • November: The first Australian forces are committed.
2002
  • 16 February: Sergeant Andrew Russell (SASR) becomes the first Australian killed in Afghanistan after his patrol vehicle struck a land mine.
  • March: Australian and coalition forces conduct a major offensive to clear the Paktia region along the border with Pakistan in Operation Anaconda. More than 500 Taliban were reported killed. [46]
2006
  • July: During Operation Perth Australian special forces troops, working together with Netherlands Korps Commandotroepen, killed 150 Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters in nine days of fierce fighting in the Chora district, 40 kilometres (25 mi) north-east of Tarin Kowt in southern Afghanistan. The fighting was the heaviest experienced by Australian forces since the Vietnam War and saw six Australians wounded in action. [47]
2007
2008
  • 2 September: Nine Australian Special Forces soldiers are wounded, including three seriously, during a major ambush on their patrol by insurgents. [48]
2009
  • 16 January: Trooper Mark Donaldson (SASR) was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia for gallantry under heavy enemy fire during a contact on 2 September 2008.
  • March/April: Australian troops from the Special Operations Task Group and the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force killed at least 80 Taliban fighters in a major four-week operation in Helmand province. An Australian bomb disposal expert was killed and four others wounded. [49]
  • 12 April: Heavy fighting during Operation Shak Hawel in the Chora Valley north of Tarin Kowt resulted in the Battle of Kakarak during which a large Taliban force unsuccessfully attempted to ambush an Australian combined arms platoon from MRTF-1. Insurgent casualties were heavy and believed to include 20 killed and 20 wounded, while there were no Australian casualties. [49]
  • Early May: A senior insurgent commander, Mullah Noorullah, was killed in a joint Australian operation after he and one other insurgent were tracked moving into a tunnel system by Special Forces in Oruzgan province. Noorullah was also understood to have been involved in the major battle with Afghan and Australian forces on 12 April. [50]
  • October: Sabi, an Australian special forces explosives detection dog which was declared missing in action after 2 September 2008 ambush, is recovered safe and well. [51] [52]
2010
  • 21–23 April: Australian Special Forces soldiers responding to a call for help from elders in Gizab in northern Uruzgan become involved in heavy fighting over several days, after local nationals staged an uprising against the shadow Taliban government. During the uprising residents of Gizab captured several Taliban fighters, and were then attacked by nearly a dozen insurgents in retaliation, with the town's local defence force, supported by the Australians and coalition aircraft, repelling the attack. The operation resulted in the clearance of the town and a number of insurgent casualties. [53] [54]
  • 10–14 June: Australian Special Forces and Afghan troops conduct an offensive in the Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar province, resulting in very heavy insurgent casualties, including up to 100 killed in action. [55] The operation occurred in preparation for the coalition clearance of Kandahar and significantly disrupted a major insurgent safe haven. One Australian soldier and one Afghan were wounded in the action. [56] Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith of the Special Air Service Regiment was awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia for his actions during the offensive. [57]
  • 21 June: Three Australian soldiers of the 2nd Commando Regiment were killed when the US UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter carrying them crashed in northern Kandahar Province. [58] The helicopter's US pilot was also killed, while a US crewman and the other seven Australian commandos aboard were also injured. [59] [60] [61]
  • 24 August: Australian forces from 1st Mentoring Task Force and Afghan National Army soldiers are involved in intense fighting during a three-hour close quarters battle with Taliban forces in Deh Rahwood, in western Uruzgan during the Battle of Derapet. AH-64 Apache attack helicopters provided close air support before the combined Australian and Afghan patrol broke contact after inflicting heavy casualties on the Taliban who were forced to retreat into the mountains. One Australian, Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney, 28, was killed in the fighting, while a large number of insurgents were known to have been killed. [62]
2011
  • 30 May: An Australian Army CH-47D Chinook helicopter crashed during a resupply operation in Zabul Province, killing one Australian and injuring five others. The Chinook was unable to be recovered, and was subsequently destroyed in place. [63]
  • 9 September: Australian forces from MTF-3 are heavily engaged during the Battle of Doan. [64]
  • 30 October: incident in which three Australians were killed as well as an Afghan interpreter and seven injured after an ANA soldier turned his gun against the Australians. This event marked the bloodiest incident for Australian forces in the Afghanistan War, and the worst for the ADF since Vietnam. [65]
2016
  • The Brereton Report is initiated, which set out to investigate accusations of Australian war crimes in Afghanistan.
2018
  • 13 June: Photographs are leaked to the press depicting Australian soldiers in Afghanistan flying Nazi swastikas on their vehicles. Their actions were subsequently denounced by then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. [25]
2019
  • Sergeant Kevin Frost, an Australian commando who had told ABC News that he had taken part in covering up Australian military war crimes in Afghanistan, was found dead. He had allegedly committed suicide. [66]

Cost

The cost of operations in Afghanistan has represented the largest operational expenditure by the ADF in most financial years since 2001/02. The yearly expenditure on Afghanistan by the ADF includes the figures below.

Year200720082009201020112012201320142015 1 2016 1 Total 2007–2016 (A$)
Cost (A$ million)$575.3 [67] $661 [68] $1381.1 [68] $1100 [69] $1221.8 [69] $1700 [70] $1800 [71] $122 [72] = $8.561 billion
^1 While Operation Slipper ceased on 31 December 2014, funds have been allocated to repair equipment returned to Australia and to contribute to the sustainment of the Afghan National Security Forces.

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 "Afghan insurgents gaining control of territory around former Australian base in Tarin Kowt". Archived from the original on 11 February 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  2. ↑ "Operation SLIPPER Afghanistan". Department of Defence. Archived from the original on 2 December 2008. Retrieved 6 January 2009.
  3. 1 2 Neville (2008). Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan . p.  30. ISBN   9781846033100.
  4. ↑ Brangwin, Nicole; Rann, Ann (16 July 2010). "Australia's Military Involvement in Afghanistan Since 2001: A Chronology". Parliament of Australia. Archived from the original on 17 September 2014. Retrieved 15 October 2014.
  5. ↑ Neville (2008). Special Operations Forces in Afghanistan . p.  29. ISBN   9781846033100.
  6. ↑ Dennis et al 2008, pp. 7–9.
  7. 1 2 Boer, Cpl Corinne (19 April 2007). "Back into fray". Army: The Soldiers' Newspaper (1164 ed.). Canberra, Australia: Department of Defence. ISSN   0729-5685. Archived from the original on 21 March 2011.
  8. ↑ Major General Michael Hindmarsh (27 September 2006). "Special Operations Command Briefing" (Press release). Department of Defence. Archived from the original on 23 March 2012.
  9. ↑ Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, Chief of Defence Force; Major General Michael Hindmarsh (27 September 2006). "SOCAUST Media Briefing Post OP Slipper Transcript (MECC 60927/06)" (Press release). Department of Defence. Archived from the original on 2 August 2014.
  10. ↑ Dennis et al 2008, pp. 7–8.
  11. ↑ Australia to double Afghan force Archived 8 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine . bbc.co.uk. Date: 2007-4-10. Accessed: 2007-4-12.
  12. 1 2 3 "Global Operations – Department of Defence". Australian Department of Defence. Archived from the original on 10 April 2009. Retrieved 15 April 2009.
  13. ↑ "Government losing support for Afghanistan campaign". ABC News. 29 September 2008. Archived from the original on 1 October 2008. Retrieved 30 September 2008.
  14. ↑ "Australian SAS soldier Mark Donaldson awarded Victoria Cross". The Australian . 16 January 2009. Archived from the original on 19 January 2009. Retrieved 16 January 2009.
  15. ↑ Dennis et al 2008, p. 9.
  16. ↑ Connery, Cran and Evered 2012, pp. 9–17.
  17. ↑ "Al Minhad Air Base – Global Collaborative". Australian Bases Abroad. Nautilus Institute. 2009. Archived from the original on 4 December 2008. Retrieved 13 January 2010.
  18. ↑ "Global Operations". Department of Defence. Archived from the original on 10 April 2009. Retrieved 20 September 2009.
  19. ↑ "Under heavy security, PM Tony Abbott visits Afghanistan and declares war over". News Corp Australia Network. 29 October 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
  20. ↑ "Tony Abbott makes first visit to Afghanistan as PM, says Australia's longest war is ending". ABC News. 28 October 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 28 October 2013.
  21. ↑ "Changes to Middle East Operations now in place" (Press release). Department of Defence. 30 June 2014. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  22. ↑ McLaughlin, Andrew (3 December 2014). "RAAF Heron detachment completes Afghan mission". Australian Aviation. Archived from the original on 16 December 2014. Retrieved 11 December 2014.
  23. ↑ "Australia supports new mission in Afghanistan" (Press release). Department of Defence. 31 December 2014. Archived from the original on 9 March 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2015.
  24. ↑ O'Neill, Clare (24 April 2015). "Dichotomy of hope". Australian Army. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
  25. 1 2 Oakes, Dan (13 June 2018). "Australian soldiers flew Nazi swastika flag from vehicle in Afghanistan; PM says diggers' actions 'absolutely wrong'". ABC News. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
  26. ↑ Doran, Matthew (25 February 2020). "Secret Defence probe into alleged unlawful killings by Australian special forces in Afghanistan enters final stages". ABC News. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  27. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Doran, Matthew (19 November 2020). "Afghanistan war crimes report released by Defence Chief Angus Campbell includes evidence of 39 murders by special forces". ABC News. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  28. 1 2 3 4 5 Willacy, Mark (18 November 2020). "The inquiry into Australian soldiers in Afghanistan is finally over. The reckoning is about to begin". ABC News. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  29. ↑ Greene, Andrew (12 November 2020). "Special investigator appointed to prosecute Australian soldiers accused of Afghanistan war crimes". ABC News. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  30. ↑ Hitch, Georgia (19 November 2020). "What war crimes did Australian soldiers commit in Afghanistan and will anyone go to jail?". ABC News. Retrieved 19 November 2020.
  31. 1 2 Greene, Andrew (30 June 2021). "Final Australian troops leave Afghanistan as 20-year mission draws to a close". ABC News. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  32. ↑ "Statement on the Australian Embassy in Afghanistan". Media statement. Prime Minister of Australia. 25 May 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  33. ↑ Norman, Jane (21 July 2021). "Repatriation flights considered for Afghans who worked with Australian troops". ABC News. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  34. ↑ "Statement on Afghanistan". Department of Defence. 16 August 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  35. ↑ Dowling, Hannah (18 August 2021). "RAAF Hercules evacuates just 26 Aussies from Afghanistan". Australian Aviation. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  36. ↑ Young, Evan (18 August 2021). "Scott Morrison concedes Australia won't be able to help all former Afghan interpreters". SBS News. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  37. 1 2 "Database of Royal Australian Navy Operations, 1990–2005" (PDF). Working Paper No. 18. Sea Power Centre. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 February 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  38. ↑ "16 Air Defence Regiment History". Australian Air Defence Artillery Association. Archived from the original on 10 July 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
  39. ↑ McPhedran, Ian (29 May 2009). "Navy warship and RAAF spy planes join fight against Somali pirates". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. p. 11. ISSN   1836-0203. Archived from the original on 6 January 2016.
  40. ↑ "Australia's military involvement in Afghanistan since 2001: A Chronology". aph.gov.au. Archived from the original on 7 April 2012. Retrieved 14 December 2012.
  41. ↑ "Tributes flow for fallen SAS sergeant". The Age . Melbourne. 25 October 2007. Archived from the original on 8 March 2008. Retrieved 28 October 2007.
  42. 1 2 "Combat casualties". Australian Operation in Afghanistan. Australian Department of Defence. Archived from the original on 28 February 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2016.
  43. ↑ "Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan". Department of Defence. 10 July 2010. Archived from the original on 13 July 2010. Retrieved 10 July 2010.
  44. ↑ "Rifleman Stuart Nash killed fighting with British Forces". The Australian . 19 December 2008. Archived from the original on 12 September 2012. Retrieved 26 December 2008.
  45. ↑ Garibay, Spc Edward (19 March 2011). "Australia contracts new gigantic helicopter for Afghanistan". 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. Defense Video and Imagery Distribution (DVIDS). Archived from the original on 17 May 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2012.
  46. ↑ Dennis et al (2008), p. 8.
  47. ↑ "Diggers 'killed 150 in Afghanistan'". news.com.au . 12 September 2006. Archived from the original on 28 July 2007. Retrieved 11 January 2009.
  48. ↑ "Special Operations Task Group Soldiers Wounded in Afghanistan – Update". Australian Department of Defence. 4 September 2008. Archived from the original on 22 November 2008. Retrieved 9 May 2009.
  49. 1 2 McPhedran, Ian (25 April 2009). "Australian soldiers have killed more than 100 Taliban". news.com.au. Archived from the original on 31 July 2013. Retrieved 10 November 2010.
  50. ↑ "Pressure Mounts as another Taliban Leader is Killed". Australian Department of Defence. 6 May 2009. Archived from the original on 1 June 2009. Retrieved 14 May 2010.
  51. ↑ "Australian Dog Returns Home After A Year in the Wilderness" (Press release). Department of Defence. 12 November 2009. Archived from the original on 27 November 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
  52. ↑ "Handler never gave up on lost army dog". ABC News. 12 November 2009. Archived from the original on 15 November 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2009.
  53. ↑ "Anzac Day in Gizab" (Press release). Department of Defence. 24 April 2010. Archived from the original on 24 June 2015. Retrieved 16 June 2010.
  54. ↑ "Afghan Civilians Help Police Repel Taliban Attack". defense.gov. American Forces Press Service. 16 June 2010. Archived from the original on 11 July 2010. Retrieved 18 July 2010.
  55. ↑ "Combat Operations: Afghanistan". Australian and New Zealand Defender. Brisbane: Fullbore Magazines (71): 36. Spring 2010. ISSN   1322-039X.
  56. ↑ Insurgents driven out of Shah Wali Kot. Department of Defence. 16 June 2010. Archived from the original on 19 June 2010. Retrieved 16 June 2010.
  57. ↑ "Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith, VC, MG". Citation – Victoria Cross for Australia. Department of Defence, Commonwealth of Australia. 23 January 2011. Archived from the original on 26 January 2011. Retrieved 23 January 2011.
  58. ↑ Australian Associated Press (21 June 2010). "Three Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan". The Age. Melbourne. Archived from the original on 23 June 2010. Retrieved 21 June 2010.
  59. ↑ Nicholson, Brendan (22 June 2010). "Crash kills three Diggers in Afghanistan". The Australian. Retrieved 22 June 2010.
  60. ↑ Australian Associated Press (21 June 2010). "Three Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan". The Age.
  61. ↑ "3 Aussie soldiers killed in Afghanistan". 3AW Radio. 21 June 2010. Archived from the original on 23 June 2010. Retrieved 22 June 2010.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  62. ↑ Department of Defence (17 September 2010). "Battle of Derapet footage released" (Press release). Australian Government. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
  63. ↑ "Australian Chinook crashes in Afghanistan". Australian Aviation. 1 June 2011. Archived from the original on 22 August 2011. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  64. ↑ Gary Ramage (9 September 2009). "Video: Battle of Doan". Herald Sun. Retrieved 15 December 2011..
  65. ↑ ABC (30 October 2011). "3 Australians killed". ABC. Archived from the original on 1 February 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2011.
  66. ↑ Greene, Andrew (16 December 2019). "Australian commando who raised Afghanistan war crime allegations found dead". ABC News . Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  67. ↑ 2007–08 Budget Summary: Chapter Two: Resourcing (PDF). Department of Defence. 2007. p. 23. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 April 2014.
  68. 1 2 "Department of Defence PBS 2009–2010" (PDF). defence.gov.au. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 February 2014. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  69. 1 2 "Australian Government, Department of Defence – Senator the Hon John Faulkner Minister for Defence". defence.gov.au. Archived from the original on 14 February 2014. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  70. ↑ "Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations". aph.gov.au. Archived from the original on 11 November 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  71. ↑ "Defence Ministers: Minister for Defence – Budget 2012–13 Defence Operations Funding". defence.gov.au. Archived from the original on 21 October 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  72. ↑ Harper, Aaron (May 2015). "Defence Budget 2015–16" (PDF). Defence. Department of Defence. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2016.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australian Defence Force</span> National military force of Australia

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the military organisation responsible for the defence of the Commonwealth of Australia and its national interests. It has three branches: the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The ADF has a strength of just over 89,000 personnel and is supported by the Department of Defence and several other civilian agencies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Special Air Service Regiment</span> Special forces unit of the Australian Army

The Special Air Service Regiment, officially abbreviated SASR though commonly known as the SAS, is a special forces unit of the Australian Army. Formed in 1957 as a company, it was modelled on the British SAS with which it shares the motto, "Who Dares Wins". Expanded to a regiment in August 1964, it is based at Campbell Barracks, in Swanbourne, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, and is a direct command unit of the Special Operations Command.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australian involvement in the Iraq War</span>

Australia joined a U.S.-led coalition in the Iraq War. Declassified documents reveal that the decision to go to war was taken primarily with a view to enhancing its alliance with the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Airfield Defence Guards</span> Military unit

Airfield Defence Guards (ADG) are a mustering of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) that are dedicated to the security and ground defence of airbases and other military aviation assets. Other duties include training other RAAF personnel, in skills such as the handling of small arms and infantry tactics. They do not, however, operate anti-aircraft artillery or missiles.

The Meritorious Unit Citation is a collective group decoration awarded to members of Australian military units. It recognises sustained outstanding service in warlike operations. The Meritorious Unit Citation was created in 1991, along with the Unit Citation for Gallantry.

The military history of Australia spans the nation's 230-year modern history, from the early Australian frontier wars between Aboriginals and Europeans to the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan in the early 21st century. Although this history is short when compared to that of many other nations, Australia has been involved in numerous conflicts and wars, and war and military service have been significant influences on Australian society and national identity, including the Anzac spirit. The relationship between war and Australian society has also been shaped by the enduring themes of Australian strategic culture and the unique security challenges it faces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">5th Aviation Regiment (Australia)</span> Australian Army unit

The 5th Aviation Regiment is an Australian Army aviation unit. Formed in 1987 after the Army took over responsibility for operating helicopters from the Royal Australian Air Force, the regiment is based at RAAF Base Townsville, in Queensland. It currently forms part of the 16th (Aviation) Brigade and it operates the majority of the Army's transport helicopters. Throughout its existence, the regiment has been deployed overseas numerous times, supporting both peacekeeping and warlike operations. Since its formation elements of the regiment have made operational deployments to Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, Iraq, Indonesia and Pakistan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australian contribution to the 1991 Gulf War</span>

Australia was a member of the international coalition which contributed military forces to the 1991 Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm. More than 1,800 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel were deployed to the Persian Gulf from August 1990 to September 1991, while contingents from the Royal Australian Navy circulated through the region in support of the sanctions against Iraq until November 2001. In August 1990, two frigates HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Darwin and the replenishment ship HMAS Success left for the Persian Gulf. HMAS Success had no air defences, so the Army 16th Air Defence Regiment was embarked. On 3 December 1990, HMAS Brisbane and HMAS Sydney (IV) relieved HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Darwin. On 26 January 1991, HMAS Westralia replaced HMAS Success. A Navy clearance diving team was also deployed for explosive ordnance disposal and demolition tasks. Australian ships were in danger of sea mines and possible air attacks. In a number of recorded incidents, HMAS Brisbane encountered free floating mines, on one occasion narrowly avoiding a collision. Both HMA Ships Brisbane and Sydney encountered significant air threat warnings from Iran and Iraq throughout the initial period of the commencement of the Desert Storm Campaign. The detection of land based Silkworm anti-ship missiles from Iran throughout the campaign also added to the challenges for both crews as well as the multi-national Naval Forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery</span> Australian Army unit

The 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery is the Australian Army's only ground-based air defence (GBAD) unit. It also provides sense, warn and locate, ground liaison, and joint terminal attack control capabilities. Part of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery (RAA), the regiment is responsible for protecting a wide range of military assets during wartime, ranging from Army units in the field to providing point defence to the Royal Australian Navy's support ships and air defence to Royal Australian Air Force air bases. Prior to being equipped with the currently in-service RBS-70 surface-to-air missile system, the regiment was equipped with the Rapier systems for 25 years. The regiment is based at Woodside, South Australia, but frequently deploys with other Australian and allied units on operations and defence exercises. It is part of the 6th Brigade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Astute</span> Australian military operation

Operation Astute was an Australian-led military deployment to East Timor to quell unrest and return stability in the 2006 East Timor crisis. It was headed by Brigadier Bill Sowry, and commenced on 25 May 2006 under the command of Brigadier Michael Slater. The operation was established at the request of East Timor's government, and continued under an understanding reached between Australia, East Timor, and the United Nations, with the United Nations Integrated Mission in East Timor supporting and helping to develop East Timor's police force. Other countries deploying soldiers to East Timor include Malaysia, New Zealand and East Timor's former colonial power Portugal, operating under independent command.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Special forces of Australia</span>

The special forces of the Australian Defence Force are units of Special Operations Command and associated units of the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force that conduct and or support special operations to advance and protect the national security of the Commonwealth of Australia. The special forces of Australia have a lineage to a variety of units raised in the Second World War such as the Independent and Commando Companies, Z Special Unit, Navy Beach Commandos, and the Coastwatchers. Australian special forces have most recently been deployed to Iraq in Operation Okra as the Special Operations Task Group, as the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan, in Afghanistan in support of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service and regularly for counter-terrorism pre-deploy to locations of major domestic events throughout Australia in readiness to support law enforcement such as the 2014 G20 Brisbane summit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australian Army Aviation</span> Administrative corps of the Australian Army

The Australian Army Aviation (AAAvn) is an administrative corps of the Australian Army. It was formed on 1 July 1968. The motto of the Australian Army Aviation corps is Vigilance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tim McOwan</span> Australian Army officer

Major General Timothy Joseph McOwan, is a retired senior officer of the Australian Army. He served as Special Operations Commander Australia from February 2008 until January 2011, and the Australian Defence Attaché and Head Australian Defence Staff in Washington, D.C. He retired from the army in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Donaldson</span> Recipient of the Victoria Cross

Mark Gregor Strang Donaldson, is an Australian soldier and a recipient of the Victoria Cross for Australia, the highest award in the Australian honours system. Then Trooper Donaldson was a member of the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) when he exposed himself to enemy fire to protect injured troops and then rescued an interpreter under heavy enemy fire in the Battle of Khaz Oruzgan during Operation Slipper, the Australian contribution to the War in Afghanistan. He was presented with the decoration by the Governor-General of Australia, Quentin Bryce, in a ceremony in Canberra on 16 January 2009. On 25 January 2010, Donaldson was named the 2010 Young Australian of the Year. He was promoted to corporal in June 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2nd Commando Regiment (Australia)</span> Unit of the Australian Army

The 2nd Commando Regiment is a special forces unit of the Australian Army and is part of Special Operations Command. The regiment was established on 19 June 2009 when the 4th Battalion RAR (Commando) was renamed. It is based at Holsworthy, New South Wales. The 2nd Commando Regiment trains and has served with coalition special forces units, and is highly regarded by these units. The regiment has been involved in operations in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, where it was used in a direct action warfighting role. It has also been involved in domestic security operations including the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2014 G20 Leaders Summit. The regiment is the Command's capability lead for strike and recovery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shah Wali Kot Offensive</span>

The Shah Wali Kot Offensive was a five-day joint operation during the War in Afghanistan, conducted by Australian special forces and the Afghan National Army with US air support, between 10 and 14 June 2010. The operation took place in the Shah Wali Kot District of Kandahar Province, occurring in preparation for the coalition clearance of the province and resulting in heavy insurgent casualties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gus Gilmore</span>

Major General Peter Warwick "Gus" Gilmore, is a retired senior officer of the Australian Army. A graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon, he was commissioned into the Royal Australian Infantry Corps in 1983 and spent much of his career in special forces. He commanded the Special Air Service Regiment (2001–02), led the first contingent of the Australian Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan (2001–02), was responsible for the Coalition Advisory Support Team in Iraq (2005–06), and commanded International Security Assistance Force Special Operations Forces (2009–10). Following promotion to major general he held a succession of senior appointments, including Special Operations Commander Australia (2011–13), Deputy Chief of Army (2013–15), and Commander Forces Command (2015–16). His final appointment was as Head Military Strategic Commitments Division from 2016 to 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Okra</span> Australian contribution to the military intervention against ISIL

Operation Okra is the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the military intervention against the Islamic State. The force is part of Joint Task Force 633 in the Middle East. The operation commenced on 31 August 2014, and its initial stated aim was to combat ISIL threats in Iraq. In September 2015, the Australian airstrikes were extended to Syria. In June 2017, flights in Syria were temporarily halted in response to American forces shooting down a Syrian Air Force jet, before later being resumed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Airborne forces of Australia</span>

Airborne forces raised by Australia have included a number of conventional and special forces units. During the Second World War the Australian Army formed the 1st Parachute Battalion; however, it did not see action. In the post-war period Australia's parachute capability was primarily maintained by special forces units. In the early 1980s a parachute infantry capability was revived which led to the Parachute Battalion Group forming in 1983 based on the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. In 1997, a full time commando regiment was raised that was able to conduct large-scale operations which matured during the 2000s. In 2011, 3 RAR relinquished the parachute role with the Army deciding to opt out of a conventional parachute capability in preference to a special forces large-scale parachute capability.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing CH-47 Chinook in Australian service</span> Australian military heavy-lift helicopters

The Australian Defence Force has operated Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for most of the period since 1974. Thirty four of the type have entered Australian service, comprising twelve CH-47C variants, eight CH-47Ds and fourteen CH-47Fs. The helicopters have been operated by both the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Australian Army.

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