SPECIAL OPERATIONS TASK GROUP DEPLOY TO AFGHANISTAN

The Special Operations Task Group to be deployed to Afghanistan has been officially farewelled today at Sydney’s Holsworthy Barracks, home of the 4th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment (Commando).

Prime Minister John Howard and I were joined by Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd and Special Operations Commander Australia Major General Mike Hindmarsh in wishing the Task Group every success as it prepares for its deployment.

In line with the Government decision to increase troop commitment in Afghanistan, approximately 300 personnel will deploy as part of a Special Operations Task Group into Oruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan.

The Task Group will be made up of personnel comprising elements of the SAS Regiment, 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), Incident Response Regiment and logistics support.

Australia’s Special Forces have, through recent deployments, developed a wealth of experience and useful local knowledge for the style of operation now required to support the RTF efforts in Oruzgan.

Military operations of this nature are dangerous and the highly trained soldiers within the Special Operations Task Group are likely to face some significant challenges in the conduct of their duties.

Our Special Forces have performed exceptionally during their three previous deployments into Afghanistan achieving effects well out of proportion to their size.

The Special Operations Task Group will operate in support of ISAF security operations in Oruzgan Province.