14 September 2001

Prime Minister, John Howard, announced that the Government was invoking Article IV of the ANZUS Treaty in response to the terrorist attacks against the US.

J Howard (Prime Minister), Application of ANZUS Treaty to terrorist attacks on the United States, media release, 14 September 2001.

4 October 2001

The Government directed the Chief of the Defence Force to have a range of military assets, including Special Forces, available to support the US under the ANZUS Treaty.

J Howard (Prime Minister), Australia’s involvement in a US led response; defence; leadership; APEC, press conference transcript, Canberra, 4 October 2001.

22 October 2001

The first contingent of the Special Forces Task Group was officially farewelled in Perth as they departed to assist the US-led International Coalition Against Terrorism.

P Reith (Minister for Defence), Australia farewells Special Forces soldiers, media release, 22 October 2001.

25 October  2001

The Government announced the deployment of Royal Australian Navy, Army and Air Force assets and personnel in support of Coalition operations.

16^th Air Defence Regiment (16AD Regt) was officially farewelled from Adelaide to support the Australian maritime element in the war against terrorism.

J Howard (Prime Minister), Address to the Australian Defence Association, speech, 25 October 2001.

Department of Defence, Defence Minister farewells Adelaide Air Defence soldiers, media release 25 October 2001.

9 November 2001

A contingent of four F/A-18 Hornets was officially farewelled from RAAF Base Williamtown as part of Australia’s contribution to the fight against terrorism. While it was not disclosed at that time, the detachment was based at Diego Garcia.

Department of Defence, Coalition F/A-18 fighter pilots and crew farewelled, media release, 9 November 2001.

27 November 2001

The remaining soldiers from the Special Forces Task Group, making a total of 150 personnel, departed Perth to assist the Coalition in Afghanistan.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Australia deploys remaining Special Forces soldiers, media release, 27 November 2001.

3 December 2001

The Australian Defence Forces (ADF) advance party arrived in Afghanistan and were operating under Australian command in theatre.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Australian Defence Forces in Afghanistan, media release, 3 December 2001.

5 December 2001

Additional ADF personnel arrived in Afghanistan to assist the advance party.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), More Australian Defence Force personnel arrive in Afghanistan, media release, 5 December 2001.

15 January 2002

Minister for Defence, Robert Hill, confirmed that around 150 Special Forces personnel were in Afghanistan.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Australian High Commission, London, press conference transcript, 15 January 2002.

24 January  2002

The Australian Government announced that Brigadier Gary Bornholt would replace Brigadier Ken Gillespie (now Chief of Army) as Australian Force Commander of Australia’s contribution to the Coalition in March 2002.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Defence Minister announces new Australian Force Commander in international coalition against terrorism, media release, 24 January 2002.

February 2002

The second contingent of approximately 80 personnel, forming the RAAF F/A-18 Hornet detachment, was officially farewelled for operations in support of the Coalition in mid-February.

On 17 February 2002, the first contingent of RAAF F/A-18 Hornet personnel was officially welcomed home to RAAF Base Williamtown following a 3½ month deployment.

G Bornholt (Department of Defence spokesperson), Update briefing: Australia’s commitment to the coalition against terrorism, press conference transcript, 19 February 2002.

1 March 2002 – 17 March 2002

Australian Special Forces Task Group soldiers took part in Operation Anaconda involving United States, Afghan and coalition forces.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Coalition against terrorism update, media release, 5 March 2002.

15 March 2002

The first contingent of B-707 Tanker Transport aircraft, aircrew and support personnel from RAAF 84 Wing prepared to depart for Manas, Kyrgyzstan. The aircraft would provide air-to-air refuelling support for operations in Afghanistan.

D Vale (Minister for Veterans’ Affairs), B707 crews farewelled as they prepare to join the international coalition against terrorism, media release, 15 March 2002.

28 March 2002

The second contingent of the Special Forces Task Group was officially farewelled in Perth.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Special Forces Task Group farewelled, media release, 28 March 2002.

March – April 2002

On 28 March, the first RAAF B-707 aircraft arrived at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, and was shortly followed by a second RAAF tanker. A small team of RAAF mechanics and technicians and a team of logistics experts were deployed as part of the detachment.

After six months in theatre, the first contingent of the Special Forces Task Group in Afghanistan was replaced by the second contingent.

D Tyler (Department of Defence spokesperson), Australian Defence Force’s commitment to the coalition against terrorism, press conference transcript, 3 April 2002.

D Tyler and K Gillespie (Department of Defence spokespersons), Australian Defence Force’s commitment to the coalition against terrorism, press conference transcript, 16 April 2002.

3 April 2002

The first contingent of the Special Forces Task Group was officially welcomed home from Afghanistan at Campbell Barracks, Swanbourne, WA, following their six-month deployment. One member was presented with the Distinguished Service Cross.

Department of Defence, Warm welcome for Special Forces Task Group, media release, 3 April 2002.

19 April 2002

Australia’s continued military commitment to the war against terrorism was assured by the Minister for Defence, Robert Hill, who pledged:

Australia is in for the long haul ... After careful consideration and in close consultation with the coalition forces leadership, we have decided that from mid-year Australia’s military commitment to the coalition against terrorism will continue primarily through our Special Forces, deployment of 707 air-to-air refuellers and the Navy’s contribution to the Multinational Interception Taskforce.

A new rotation of Special Forces Task Group personnel have deployed to Afghanistan and are preparing for operations … The RAAF F/A-18 fighter aircraft currently providing air defence will complete their deployment in the middle of this year having done a great job in assisting the coalition from Diego Garcia.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Australian Defence Force contribution to the war against terrorism, media release, 19 April 2002.

7 May 2002

It was announced that the RAAF F/A-18 Hornet detachment deployed to Diego Garcia had completed their mission and would return to Australia. This was the second air combat contingent under Operation Slipper and it was not replaced.

M Hannan (Defence spokesperson), Australian Defence Force’s commitment to the coalition against terrorism, press conference transcript, 7 May 2002.

21 May 2002

The F/A-18 Hornet detachment deployed to Diego Garcia as part of Australia’s commitment to the Coalition, was officially welcomed home to RAAF Base Williamtown following a 3½ month deployment.

T Bloomfield (Defence spokesperson), Australia’s coalition against terrorism update, press conference transcript, 21 May 2002.

16 June 2002

Minister for Defence, Robert Hill, announced:

... [a] third rotation of Special Forces Task Group soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan in August as part of Australia’s ongoing contribution to the international coalition against terrorism.

The authorised strength of Special Forces personnel operating in Afghanistan at that time was 150.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Rotation of SAS troops to Afghanistan, media release, 16 June 2002.

18 June 2002

A second RAAF B-707 contingent was officially farewelled from RAAF Base Richmond, NSW, to support air-to-air refuelling operations in Afghanistan from neighbouring country Kyrgyzstan.

Department of Defence, 707 crews depart to support the coalition against terrorism, media release, 18 June 2002.

3 July 2002

The first contingent of B-707 aircrew and support personnel officially returned to RAAF Base Richmond following a 3½ month deployment in support of the Coalition.

Department of Defence, Air Force personnel welcomed home following Kyrgyzstan deployment, media release, 3 July 2002.

22 July 2002

ADF personnel deployed to Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and the Gulf, in support of Coalition operations, had reached around 850 to 1300.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Hill in mission over Southern Afghanistan, media release, 22 July 2002.

30 August 2002

Six months after departing Australia, the second contingent of the Special Forces Task Group was officially welcomed home from Afghanistan at Campbell Barracks, Swanbourne, WA.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Special Forces Task Group welcomed home, media release, 30 August 2002.

29 September 2002

Approximately 80 RAAF personnel returned to RAAF Base Richmond following a 3½ month deployment to Kyrgyzstan. This was the final deployment of the RAAF’s B-707 aircraft to Kyrgyzstan as the fleet of B-707’s were progressively retired from service (the last B-707 Tanker Transport was retired in June 2008).

Responsibility for air-to-air refuelling operations was transferred to Australia’s European coalition partners.

The RAAF prepared to deploy two AP-3C Orion aircraft for maritime operations in the Gulf.

Department of Defence, Air force personnel home safely from Kyrgyzstan deployment, media release, 29 September 2002.

20 November 2002

As the focus of Coalition operations in Afghanistan moved towards reconstruction efforts, the Government announced:

... that the third rotation to Afghanistan will complete Australia’s special forces contribution. The SASR Task Group will begin withdrawing from Afghanistan in late November …

The Minister noted that operational tasking for Australia’s Special Forces elements in Afghanistan was insufficient to justify their continued deployment.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Australian Special Forces to return from Afghanistan, media release, 20 November 2002.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), US coalition against Iraq; SAS; weapons of mass destruction; Afghanistan; North Korea; counter-terrorism capability; Special Forces, press conference transcript, 21 November 2002.

17 December 2002

The third contingent of the Special Forces Task Group, which deployed to Afghanistan in August 2002, officially returned to Perth. On their return, the Meritorious Unit Citation was awarded to the Special Air Services Regiment.

Department of Defence, Special Forces Task Group home from Afghanistan, media release, 17 December 2002.

21 February 2003

By February 2003, approximately 2000 ADF personnel were reportedly involved in two operations in the Middle East: Operation Slipper and Operation Bastille (the latter involved the forward deployment of ADF elements to the Middle East).

Australia’s military commitment in the Middle East at that time comprised an Australian command team ‘in tactical control of the multinational interception force in the Persian Gulf’ to support the enforcement of United Nations sanctions against Iraq.’

Australia maintained tactical control of six coalition vessels, including HMA Ships Anzac, Darwin and Kanimbla. In addition, a RAAF AP-3C Orion aircraft detachment had been deployed to the Middle East in January 2003 and continued to conduct maritime patrols in the Gulf.

M Hannan (Defence spokesperson), Brigadier Mike Hannan provides an overview and update on the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to global operations, press conference transcript, 21 February 2003.

18 April 2003

Following the withdrawal of Special Forces elements at the end of November 2002, it would appear that Australia’s military contribution to Afghanistan had been reduced to an Army officer deployed to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) under Operation Palate.

Department of Defence, Army officer to work with UN mission in Afghanistan, media release, 18 April 2003.

November 2003

An Army engineering officer was deployed to Afghanistan to contribute to the coalition Mine Action Co-ordination Centre. Australia reportedly contributed to mine clearance operations previously in Afghanistan between 1989 and 1993.

P Cosgrove (Chief of the Defence Force), Rebuilding communities post-war, speech, 12 December 2003.

13 July 2005

The Government announced Australia’s renewed military commitment to Afghanistan with a deployment of 150 Special Forces personnel to conduct similar tasks undertaken during the 2001–02 deployment. The Special Forces deployment was approved for a 12 month period.

J Howard (Prime Minister), Troop deployment to Afghanistan, Telstra, Rau family, press conference transcript, 13 July 2005.

24 August 2005

The first contingent of the Special Forces Task Group was deployed to Afghanistan; the first since Australian forces withdrew in September 2002.

The Task Group comprised approximately 190 personnel from Special Air Services Regiment, 4^th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, Incident Response Regiment and logistics support.

The Task Group’s mission was to conduct combat patrols in remote areas as well as reconnaissance and surveillance operations in collaboration with other contributing countries. The mission was scheduled to run until September 2006.

J Howard (Prime Minister), Deployment of Special Air Services Regiment to Afghanistan, speech, 24 August 2005.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Special Forces task group deploy to Afghanistan, media release, 24 August 2005.

P Lindsay (Member for Herbert), Townsville troops to be deployed to Afghanistan, media release, 24 August 2005.

16 September 2005

The ADF flagged that a military provincial reconstruction team might be deployed to Afghanistan around mid 2006.

It was also noted that Army mine clearance specialists had been deployed to Afghanistan since 2003 and continued to assist in the removal of unexploded ordnance under Operation Slipper.

An Army officer role, deployed to the United Nations in Afghanistan under Operation Palate, has also remained in place since 2003.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Talks on Afghanistan with NATO chief, media release, 16 September 2005.

K Gillespie (Vice Chief of the Defence Force) and R Moffitt (Deputy Chief of Joint Operations), Presentation to Defence Watch, speech, 16 September 2005.

10 January 2006

The Government announced that an Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter detachment would be deployed to Afghanistan in March 2006. The detachment was expected to remain in Afghanistan for the duration of the Special Forces Task Group deployment (until September 2006). However, should Australia deploy a reconstruction task force, the detachment’s mission could be extended.

R Hill (Minister for Defence), Chinooks to deploy to Afghanistan, media release, 10 January 2006.

21 February 2006

The Government announced that Australia would contribute a 200-strong reconstruction task force to Afghanistan for a period of two years.

J Howard (Prime Minister), Australian contribution to a provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan, media release, 21 February 2006.

25 February 2006

After arriving back in Australia from Afghanistan in January 2006, west coast-based Special Forces Task Group members were officially welcomed home.

Two members of the Special Air Services Regiment received the Medal for Gallantry.

The second contingent of the Special Forces Task Group took over from the first contingent sometime in early 2006 (no specific date was provided and there does not appear to be any official media release or statement about the contingent’s farewell ceremony in Australia).

The Special Forces Task Group mission was expected to remain in Afghanistan until September 2006.

J Howard (Prime Minister), Address at the Special Forces Task Force welcome home, speech, 25 February 2006.

Department of Defence, Afghan veterans welcomed home: soldiers’ gallantry honoured, media release, 25 February 2006.

4 March 2006

East coast-based Special Forces Task Group members were officially welcomed home from Afghanistan.

Department of Defence, Afghan veterans welcomed home, media release, 4 March 2006.

13 March 2006

110 members of the 5^th Aviation Regiment were deployed to Afghanistan with two CH-47 Chinook helicopters. The contingent was to provide heavy troop and medical evacuation airlift support to the 200-strong Special Forces Task Group already operating in Afghanistan.

B Nelson (Minister for Defence), Defence Minister Dr Brendan Nelson farewells Army aviation troops bound for Afghanistan, media release, 13 March 2006.

Department of Defence, Australian Chinooks fly in Afghanistan, media release, 6 April 2006.

8 May 2006

The first Australian reconstruction task force for Afghanistan was announced—expected to comprise a 240 personnel deployment in July 2006.

The CH-47 Chinook helicopter mission was extended until April 2007 to support the insertion of the reconstruction force.

J Howard (Prime Minister) and B Nelson (Minister for Defence), Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan; Budget; Access Card; Private Jacob Kovco; Beaconsfield mine; Richard Carleton, joint press conference transcript, 8 May 2006.

13 June 2006

The Government announced that, from July 2006, the ADF would contribute a reconstruction task force to Uruzgan province in Afghanistan. The first Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) was expected to deploy in July 2006.

Department of Defence, Commander of reconstruction task force to Afghanistan announced, media release, 13 June 2006.

25 July 2006

The first rotation of personnel from the Australian Army’s CH-47 Chinook helicopter 5^th Aviation Regiment departed for Afghanistan.

The Army helicopter commitment was scheduled to cease in July 2007.

Department of Defence, Rotation of troops in Afghanistan, media release, 25 July 2006.

9 August 2006

The Government announced an additional 150 personnel would deploy to reinforce the RTF-1 and provide increased protection. This would bring the total RTF commitment to 400 personnel.

J Howard (Prime Minister), Ministerial statement to Parliament on the Australian Defence Force commitment to Afghanistan, speech, 9 August 2006.

23 August 2006

The first Reconstruction Task Force (RTF-1) advance party departed for Afghanistan.

Department of Defence, Afghanistan deployment begins, media release, 22 August 2006.

18 September 2006

Approximately 400 personnel forming the RTF-1 arrived in Afghanistan.

Department of Defence, Aussie reconstruction task force on the ground, media release, 18 September 2006.

26 November 2006

East coast-based members from the 200 strong Special Forces Task Group were officially welcomed home in Sydney.

Two members received gallantry awards (Star of Gallantry and the Medal for Gallantry) and a Unit Citation for Gallantry was awarded to combat elements of the task group. The task group as a whole received the Meritorious Unit Citation.

According to a statement made by the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, the Special Forces Task Group was deployed for a period of 12 months and conducted three rotations (each approximately four months in duration). There do not appear to be any media releases or ministerial statements announcing the dates for the departure and arrival of the second contingent nor the departure date of the third contingent, so the exact timeframe for their deployment cannot be accurately traced.

J Howard (Prime Minister), Address at the Special Forces Task Group welcome home ceremony and award presentation, speech, 26 November 2006.

Department of Defence, Australian Commandos receive decorations for gallantry, media release, 26 November 2006.

A Houston (Chief of the Defence Force), evidence to Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Supplementary budget estimates, Hansard, 1 November 2006, p. 12.

2 December 2006

West coast-based members from the Special Forces Task Group were officially welcomed home.

Four members received gallantry awards and a unit citation for Gallantry was awarded to combat elements of the Task Group. As a whole, the Task Group received the Meritorious Unit Citation.

Department of Defence, Afghanistan veterans welcomed home: soldiers’ gallantry honoured, media release, 2 December 2006.

22 February 2007

Minister for Defence, Brendan Nelson, noted that the Special Forces Task Group had returned to Australia in September 2006 and Australia’s military commitment to Afghanistan in February 2007 was approximately 400 personnel, including trade, engineer and infantry personnel.

A small scoping group had been sent to Afghanistan to determine the appropriate level of Australia’s military contribution in theatre.

D Koch, [Interview with Brendan Nelson], Sunrise, transcript, Defence Direct, 22 February 2007.

8 April 2007

Members from the 5^th Aviation Regiment, comprising 110 Australian Army personnel and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters, returned to Australia following their deployment to Afghanistan.

The Army’s CH-47 Chinook helicopters were not deployed again to Afghanistan until 8 February 2008 following an upgrade of all six aircraft.

P Lindsay (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence), Return of CH-47 Detachment, media release, 8 April 2007.

10 April 2007

The Prime Minister, John Howard, announced that another Special Operations Task Group of around 300 personnel were to deploy to Uruzgan province, this time for a two-year mission.

The role of the Reconstruction Task Force Protection Company Group, around 120 personnel, was extended until August 2008.

75 RAAF personnel were to deploy to Kandahar airfield to provide an air surveillance radar capability and ‘assume control of a portion of Afghan operational air space from mid-2007’.

The overall military commitment to Afghanistan was expected to reach 950 personnel by mid 2007, eventually peaking at around 1000 personnel in mid 2008.

J Howard (Prime Minister), More troops for Afghanistan, media release, 10 April 2007.

15 May 2007

Special Operations Task Force deployed to Afghanistan in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations in Uruzgan province.

The Task Force was made up of personnel from the Special Air Services Regiment, 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) Incident Response Regiment and logistics support.

B Nelson (Minister for Defence), Special operations task group deploy to Afghanistan, media release, 15 May 2007.

29 May 2007

The main RAAF contingent, including members from Darwin based 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit (114 MCRU) and the RAAF’s Combat Support Group, was farewelled from Darwin shortly after a small advance party from RAAF 41 Wing (Williamtown) had arrived in Afghanistan.

B Nelson (Minister for Defence), Farewell of Air Force personnel to Afghanistan, media release, 29 May 2007.

3 September 2007

The Government announced the addition of a 10-man mortar section, to support RTF operations in Afghanistan. Personnel were to be drawn from the 2^nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.

B Nelson (Minister for Defence), Mortar section to enhance Reconstruction Task Force capability, media release, 3 September 2007.

4 October 2007

By October 2007 approximately 900 ADF personnel had been deployed to Afghanistan (predominantly in Uruzgan and Kandahar) and another 110 were expected to deploy in February 2008 with two CH‑47 Chinook helicopters.

B Nelson (Minister for Defence), Signing of contracts to build three Air Warfare Destroyers; Afghanistan deployment, press conference transcript, 4 October 2007.

Federal election held on 24 November 2007—Change of Government

8 February 2008

Two of the 5^th Aviation Regiment’s recently upgraded CH-47 Chinook helicopters were deployed to Afghanistan.

The last CH-47 Chinook helicopter deployment to Afghanistan was completed in April 2007 as the aircraft underwent engine upgrades.

M Kelly (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence), CH-47 detachment departs for Afghanistan, media release, 8 February 2008.

19 February 2008

Minister for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon, announced that the Government would maintain its current commitment in Afghanistan but would place a new emphasis on training Afghan national army members.

Mr Fitzgibbon announced that an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) would soon be embedded within an Afghan army battalion (known as a Kandak).

J Fitzgibbon, ‘Ministerial statements: Afghanistan’, House of Representatives, Debates, 19 February 2008, pp. 692–3.

20 February 2008

During the February 2008 Senate Additional Estimates hearing, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, noted that Australia’s contribution to Operation Slipper included, at that time:

... 125 national command, liaison and embedded personnel; a reconstruction task force of almost 400; a special operations task group of 300; a 75-personnel-strong mobile control and reporting unit at Kandahar Airfield; and a force level logistic asset of approximately 60 personnel in Kandahar. In addition, Operation Slipper receives support from the RAAF AP-3C aircraft and the C-130 Hercules aircraft which are dual assigned to both Operation Slipper and Operation Catalyst. This month we also redeployed two CH-47 Chinook medium-lift helicopters with associated flight crew and support staff, which totals 93 personnel.

...The government yesterday announced that further adjustment to the reconstruction task force is warranted to increase emphasis on the training of Afghani security forces. The provision of an operational mentoring and liaison team, or OMLT, will see us developing and mentoring an Afghan Kandak, or infantry battalion. This adjustment will be achieved within our existing force capability; that is an authorised establishment of 1,078.

A Houston (Chief of the Defence Force), evidence to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Additional Budget Estimates, Hansard, 20 February 2008, p. 8.

13 March 2008

15 soldiers from Darwin’s 8/12 Medium Regiment, who spent six months in the United Kingdom as part of a bilateral program, were deployed in support of United Kingdom operations in Helmand province.

J Fitzgibbon (Minister for Defence), Australian artillerymen deploy to Afghanistan in support of UK operations, media release, 13 March 2008.

April – May 2008

In April 2008, Reconstruction Task Force Three (RFT-3) completed its six-month tour of Afghanistan and was replaced by RTF-4 comprising 400 combat engineers, infantry, cavalry and support staff.

J Fitzgibbon (Minister for Defence), New reconstruction task force takes reins in Afghanistan, media release, 18 April 2008.

4 June 2008

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, announced that Army operational tours would be extended from six to eight months, beginning with the first Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-1) to be deployed to Afghanistan in October 2008.

Department of Defence, Eight month operational tours, media release, 4 June 2008.

29 June 2008

The Army’s CH-47 Chinook helicopter detachment was officially welcomed home after being replaced by elements from Townsville’s 5^th Aviation Regiment.

J Fitzgibbon (Minister for Defence), Rotary wing group welcomed home from Afghanistan, media release, 29 June 2008.

10 July 2008

RAAF personnel deployed to Afghanistan’s Control and Reporting Centre in Kandahar for six months were officially welcomed home. The RAAF had provided personnel to this theatre of operations since April 2007. A third RAAF contingent had already deployed to Afghanistan with a fourth contingent commencing force preparation training.

G Combet (Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement), 41 Wing’s outstanding achievements in Afghanistan acknowledged, media release, 10 July 2008.

15 July 2008

In his speech to the Brookings Institution, the Minister for Defence, Joel Fitzgibbon, summarised Australia’s contribution and rationale for operations in Afghanistan:

Australia’s contribution in Afghanistan is a substantial one. It includes a Reconstruction Task Force of some 400 personnel, a Special Operations Task Group of around 300 Special Forces soldiers, an Air Force Control and Reporting Centre, a Rotary Wing Group, logistics support and a national Command Element. More than 1000 personnel in all. This makes us the ninth largest troop contributor and the largest non-NATO force in Afghanistan ...

J Fitzgibbon (Minister for Defence), Speech by the Minister for Defence to the Brookings Institution Washington DC, transcript, 15 July 2008.

8 September 2008

Darwin-based troops from the Army’s 1^st Brigade (Light Armored Brigade) deployed to Afghanistan as part of the MRTF-1.

J Fitzgibbon (Minister for Defence), Darwin farewells 1400 soldiers, media release, 8 September 2008.

21 October 2008

The MRTF-1 took over from RTF-4 on 16 October 2008.

In addition to reconstruction efforts in Uruzgan province, the new rotation’s role also included capacity building and mentoring of the Afghan National Army.

The RTF mission ran for over two years with the first deployment commencing in August/September 2006. Four rotations took place during this time. However, there do not appear to be any available media releases or ministerial statements announcing the departure and arrival dates for some of these deployments. As such, the exact timeframe for each deployment is not identified in this chronology.

J Fitzgibbon (Minister for Defence), New role for diggers in Afghanistan, media release, 21 October 2008.

23 October 2008

Members of the RTF-4 were officially welcomed home following their six-month deployment in Afghanistan.

J Fitzgibbon (Minister for Defence), Diggers return home from Afghanistan, media release, 23 October 2008.

2 November 2008

Two Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters and 65 personnel were officially welcomed home following their eight-month deployment to Afghanistan.

A third rotation was expected to deploy in February 2009 and begin flying operations in March.

J Fitzgibbon (Minister for Defence), Army Chinooks return to Australia, media release, 2 November 2008.

16 January 2009

Trooper Mark Donaldson was awarded the Victoria Cross:

For most conspicuous acts of gallantry in action in a circumstance of great peril in Afghanistan, as part of the Special Operations Task Group during Operation SLIPPER, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

Department of Defence (DoD), Awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia: Trooper Mark Gregor Donaldson, Department of Defence website.

23 January 2009

The first Force Support Unit (FSU-1) deployed to the MEAO to provide logistic support for all Australian military operations in the Middle East Area of Operations and Afghanistan.

W Snowdon (Minister for Defence Science and Personnel), Force Support Unit off to the Middle East, media release, 23 January 2009.

29 April 2009

The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, announced that Australia would increase its troop commitment in Afghanistan to 1,550 personnel. The increased troop level aimed to enhance the ADF’s training mission so that the Afghan National Army could take responsibility for security in the Uruzgan Province sooner. This announcement was the first statement made about Australia’s future military draw down.  

120 additional personnel would be deployed as part of the Election Support Force.

K Rudd (Prime Minister), Troop deployment in Afghanistan; COAG; welfare; tax bonus payments, press conference transcript, 29 April 2009

Department of Defence, Government announces increase in ADF forces in Afghanistan, media release, 29 April 2009.

5 May 2009

Australian Army officer, Brigadier Damian Cantwell, was announced as the commander of the ISAF Election Task Force.

J Fitzgibbon (Minister for Defence), Australian face for military support to Afghan elections, media release, 5 May 2009.

15 May 2009

Around 600 military personnel, predominantly from the 1^st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, were deployed to Afghanistan as part of the second MRTF contingent.

J Fitzgibbon (Minister for Defence), Minister farewells troops, media release, 15 May 2009.

9 July 2009

The RAAF’s two-year mission commanding the Control and Reporting Centre at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan was officially completed. The command role was transferred to the United States Air Force.

Department of Defence, Air Force completes ‘eye on the sky’ mission, media release, 13 July 2009.

8 August 2009

Personnel from the MRTF-1 were officially welcomed home to Australia after their eight-month deployment to Afghanistan.

G Combet (Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science), The 1^st Brigade welcome home parade, speech, 8 August 2009.

12 August 2009

The contingent of 120 personnel, who had arrived in Afghanistan on 24 July 2009, commenced operations in support of Afghan national elections.

J Faulkner (Minister for Defence), Afghan election support force commences operations, media release, 12 August 2009.

20 August 2009

Afghanistan’s second presidential election was held along with provincial council elections. The first presidential election was held on 9 October 2004.

J Faulkner (Minister for Defence), Afghanistan election, media release, 21 August 2009.

11 October 2009

Members of the RAAF’s 41 Wing were officially welcomed home and acknowledged for completing the ADF’s two-year commitment commanding the Control and Reporting Centre in Kandahar.

G Combet (Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science) 41 Wing’s outstanding achievements in Afghanistan, media release, 11 October 2009.

23 October 2009

The 4^th CH-47 Chinook helicopter detachment prepared to return home to Australia following their eight-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Department of Defence, Army helicopters return to Australia after a successful deployment to Afghanistan, media release, 23 October 2009.

4 December 2009

The ADF’s Force Communications Unit 3 (FCU-3) was officially farewelled as part of Operation Slipper. FCU-3 is a joint deployment with elements located in the MEAO and Afghanistan.

J Faulkner (Minister for Defence), Defence Minister farewells communication contingent and visits 2^nd Command Regiment, media release, 4 December 2009.

13 January 2010

Australia’s first leased Heron Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle (UAV) commenced initial operations in Afghanistan. Five months prior to this announcement, an Australian contingent of predominantly RAAF personnel had commenced working with the Canadian UAV detachment in Afghanistan to gain familiarity with the system.

Department of Defence, Heron UAV to support Australian troops in Afghanistan, media release, 13 January 2010.

20 January 2010

Members of the first Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1) contingent, mostly made up from the Army’s 7^th Battalion, deployed to Afghanistan at the same time as communication and logistic support elements were deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations.

While the term reconstruction has been removed from the title, the MTF-1 continues the same reconstruction activities that were previously conducted by MRTF’s 1 and 2.

G Combet (Minister for Personnel, Materiel and Science), 1000 troops farewelled in Brisbane, media release, 20 January 2010.

11 February 2010

Members of MRTF-2 were officially welcomed home from Afghanistan following their eight-month deployment.

J Faulkner (Minister for Defence), Australian troops return home after successful Afghanistan tour, media release, 11 February 2010.

Department of Defence, Changing of the guard for Australian soldiers– mission continues, media release, 16 February 2010.

26 February 2010

Major General Ash Power was appointed as the first Australian officer to serve as the Senior Military Advisor to Afghanistan’s Defence Minister, General Abdul Rahim Wardak.

J Faulkner (Minister for Defence), Australian appointed as the Senior Military Advisor to the Afghanistan Defence Minister, media release, 26 February 2010.

3 March 2010

The first Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1) trains the Afghan National Army’s 2^nd and 4^th Kandaks:

MTF-1 works closely with officers from other Australian government agencies, including the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as part of a programme to provide comprehensive support and assistance to the ISAF campaign and the people of Uruzgan Province.

Department of Defence, First Mentoring Task Force proves mission readiness, media release, 3 March 2010.

18 March 2010

The Minister for Defence, John Faulkner, announced that the personnel strength currently deployed to Afghanistan will remain at 1550 for the year.

The Government announced that ten personnel will be drawn from within Defence’s embedded Afghanistan staff ‘to develop a training concept for Afghanistan’s Combat Arms Artillery School …’ located in Kandahar.

J Faulkner (Minister for Defence), Ministerial statement on Afghanistan, speech, 18 March 2010.

30 March 2010

The 5^th helicopter detachment comprising two CH-47 Chinook helicopters commenced operations in Afghanistan and is expected to remain for eight months.

Department of Defence, Army Chinooks commence summer operations in Afghanistan, media release, 30 March 2010.

17 April 2010

The second contingent of the Second Force Support Unit returned to Australia from the MEAO and Afghanistan after being replaced by the Third Force Support Unit, which commenced operations on 11 April 2010.

Department of Defence, The Second Force Support Unit completes operations in Afghanistan and returns to Australia, media release, 17 April 2010.

31 May 2010

The ADF’s mentoring role training elements of the Afghan military was expanded when MTF-1 assumed responsibility for mentoring the Afghan National Army’s 4^th Brigade and a Kandak previously mentored by the Netherlands.

The Dutch are expected to transition further Kandak elements to the ADF as they withdraw from Afghanistan by August 2010.

A French mentored Kandak will also transition to Australian responsibility later in the year.

Department of Defence, Australian Forces continue mentoring expansion in Afghanistan, media release, 31 May 2010.

23 June 2010

Minister for Defence, John Faulkner, announced that with the Dutch withdrawing in August 2010, ISAF have agreed to new arrangements establishing a US-led multi-national command structure in Uruzgan province, which will comprise military and civilian elements. He also revealed the potential for Australia’s military presence in Afghanistan to be drawn down within the next two to four years:

After the Netherlands starts drawing down after August 1, a new multinational International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) structure will take command in Uruzgan. Under the new arrangements, the United States will lead a multi-national “Combined Team – Uruzgan” (CTU) under an ISAF flag... Australia will provide a civilian leader for the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) ... On the basis of solid progress in our training efforts to date, CDF has recently advised me that within two to four years we should be able to transition the main security responsibility for the province to the Afghan National Army. Following a successful transition of this responsibility, I expect consideration would be given for the ADF to move into an overwatch role.

J Faulkner (Minister for Defence), Ministerial statement on Afghanistan, transcript, 23 June 2010.

9 July 2010

A RAAF C-130 Hercules detachment was officially welcomed home following a deployment to the MEAO in support of Operations Slipper and Kruger. Their replacements had already commenced flying operations in the Middle East.

Department of Defence, C-130 Hercules rotation returns home after successful deployment, media release, 9 July 2010.

Budget ($ million)

Financial Year

Strength summary

Estimate

Revised

Actual

Difference

Net additional cost for all ADF operations

2010–11

1551^b

1125.70^c

Not available

Not available

Not available

1366.6d 

2009–10

1550e

1381.10f

1398.70g

Not available

17.6h

2008–09

1200

619

661

702

40

1,195i

2007–08

1080

575.3

623.2

394.9

-228.3

1149.10j

2006–07

840

124.5

243.2

223.3

-19.9

842.5k

2005–06

550

111.8

94.6

91

-3.6

516.7l

2004–05

1^a

0.0

0

0

0

278.40m

2003–04

2

0

0

0

-5

910.9n

2002–03

2

199

199

176

-23

710.6o

2001–02

1100

-

-

Unknown

Unknown

 807p

ADF element

Deployment timeframe

Special Forces Task Group

October 2001 – November 2002 (three rotations)

August/September 2005 – September 2006 (three rotations)

May 2007 – present

CH-47 Chinook helicopter (Rotary Wing Group) (two aircraft)

March 2006 – present (seasonal rotations usually conducted between February/March to November)

Reconstruction Task Force

August/September 2006 – October 2008 (four rotations)

Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force

September 2008 – February 2010 (two rotations, each eight months in length)

Mentoring Task Force

February 2010 – present

Control and Reporting Centre Kandahar Airport

April/May 2007 – July 2009 (four rotations)

C-130 Hercules detachment (three aircraft dual assigned MEAO/Operation Slipper)

February 2003 – present

AP-3C Orion detachment (two aircraft dual assigned MEAO/Operation Slipper)

January 2003 – present

C-17 Globemaster (strategic airlift dual assigned MEAO/Operation Slipper)

October 2008 – present

Sergeant Andrew Russell (Special Air Service Regiment)

Killed on 16 February 2002 when his patrol vehicle hit a land mine.

• Condolence motion
• Public tribute
• No inquiry details
• Australian War Memorial (AWM) Roll of Honour

Trooper David Pearce (2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment)

Killed on 8 October 2007 as a result of a roadside improvised explosive device attack on the vehicle in which he was travelling.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• Inquiry findings
• AWM Roll of Honour

Sergeant Matthew Locke (Special Air Service Regiment)

Killed by Taliban insurgent small arms fire on 25 October 2007.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• Inquiry findings
• AWM Roll of Honour

Private Luke Worsley (4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando))

Killed during an attack on a Taliban bomb-making factory on 23 November 2007.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public Tribute
• Inquiry findings
• AWM Roll of Honour

Lance Corporal Jason Marks (4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando))

Killed by insurgent small arms fire on 27 April 2008.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• Inquiry findings
• AWM Roll of Honour

Signaller Sean McCarthy (Special Air Service Regiment)

Killed when the vehicle in which he was travelling in was struck by an improvised explosive device on 8 July 2008.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• Inquiry findings
• AWM Roll of Honour

Lieutenant Michael Fussell (4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando))

Killed by an improvised explosive device while conducting a dismounted patrol on 27 November 2008.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• Inquiry findings
• AWM Roll of Honour

Private Gregory Sher (1st Commando Regiment)

Killed during a rocket attack on a military compound on 4 January 2009.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• Inquiry findings
• AWM Roll of Honour

Corporal Mathew Hopkins (7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment)

Killed during an engagement with Taliban insurgents near Tarin Kowt on 16 March 2009.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• Inquiry findings
• AWM Roll of Honour

Sergeant Brett Till (Incidents Response Regiment)

Killed while attempting to diffuse a bomb on 19 March 2009.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• No inquiry details
• AWM Roll of Honour

Private Benjamin Ranaudo (1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment)

Killed by an improvised explosive device on 18 July 2009.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• Inquiry findings
• AWM Roll of Honour

Sapper Jacob Moerland (2nd Combat Engineer Regiment)

Killed by an improvised explosive device on 7 June 2010.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• No inquiry details
• AWM Roll of Honour

Sapper Darren Smith (2nd Combat Engineer Regiment)

Killed by an improvised explosive device on 7 June 2010.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• No inquiry details
• AWM Roll of Honour

Private Timothy Aplin (2nd Commando Regiment)

Killed in a helicopter crash on 21 June 2010.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• No inquiry details
• AWM Roll of Honour

Private Benjamin Chuck (2nd Commando Regiment)

Killed in a helicopter crash on 21 June 2010.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• No inquiry details
• AWM Roll of Honour

Private Scott Palmer (2nd Commando Regiment)

Killed in a helicopter crash on 21 June 2010.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• No inquiry details
• AWM Roll of Honour

Private Nathan Bewes (6^th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment)

Killed by an improvised explosive device on 9 July 2010.

• Condolence motions (House of Representatives and Senate)
• Public tribute
• No inquiry details
• AWM Roll of Honour