Australians in the War in Afghanistan 2001 to 2021

Australia's involvement

After the 2001 terrorist attacks in the US, Australia committed to military action. Australia's main objective was to support the US-led coalition's efforts to combat terrorism and help stabilise and reconstruct Afghanistan.

The ADF deployed a contingent of personnel on 1 October 2001 from all 3 of its services (Navy, Army and Air Force). The Australian contingent formed part of the International Security Assistance Force, a multinational mission in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014.

These operations aimed to help stabilise Afghanistan and combat terrorism by preventing the country from becoming a training ground for terrorist organisations, such as al Qaeda.

Australians served in the International Coalition against Terrorism, a military operation in Afghanistan that included:

• Operation Slipper from 1 October 2001 to 31 December 2014
• Operation Palate from 18 April 2003 to 5 July 2004
• Operation Palate II from 27 June 2005 to 1 January 2017.

Initially, Australia deployed special forces units, including the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), to participate in counterterrorism operations and help local Afghan forces. Over time, the Australian contingent expanded to include infantry units, engineers, aviation assets and other support personnel.

Australian forces were mainly stationed in Uruzgan province, where they worked alongside other Coalition forces to disrupt Taliban operations, build the capacity of Afghan security forces, and support development projects. The Australian contingent aimed to enhance security, governance and development in Uruzgan to create conditions for sustainable stability.

ADF personnel also served in Operation Highroad from 2015 to 2021. This operation supported the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. The Australians worked alongside the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces as they built their own defence, security and counterterrorism forces.

Withdrawal from Afghanistan

After more than 10 years of deployments to Afghanistan, Australia gradually reduced its military presence in Afghanistan.

In 2013, Australian troops transitioned from combat to advisory and training roles. They focused on mentoring the Afghan National Army's 4th Brigade.

Australia ended its military contribution to the war under Operation Slipper on 31 December 2014. This meant Australians were no longer involved in combat operations. From 2015 to 2021, the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces were mainly responsible for fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

By 2020, most ADF personnel had been withdrawn from Afghanistan, marking the end of Australia's military involvement in the conflict. However, some personnel remained until 2021. They continued to support Afghanistan through diplomatic and development efforts, with a focus on:

• humanitarian aid
• capacity building
• promoting women's rights and education.

The War in Afghanistan significantly impacted Australia's military and broader society, leading to discussions and assessments of the country's foreign policy, defence strategy and lessons learned from the conflict. As with the Gulf War and the Iraq War, many veterans continue to suffer as a result of their service in Afghanistan.

The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force Afghanistan Inquiry Report (the Brereton Report) was released in 2020. The inquiry found credible information that members of the Australian Special Forces had committed war crimes during their operations in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016. The Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) is investigating these accusations.

Experiences of some Australians

I joined when I was 19 years old and trying to work out what I wanted to do in the world. I saw the military as a great option for providing service to the nation and something a lot bigger than myself as an individual. A big highlight was my deployment to Afghanistan, working in a patrol base and working very closely with the Afghan National Army and helping those guys to form their teams and learn from a world-class army on how to conduct operations to provide security and protection within their own valleys and regions. I found that an absolutely fascinating experience and learnt a lot from those gentlemen.

[Afghanistan veteran Jason Johnson, 'Thank You For Your Service' photographic exhibition at Sydney Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park, 2019]

Throughout the war, Australian personnel faced significant challenges, including:

• combat operations against Taliban insurgents
• improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
• insider attacks.

Many Australian personnel were killed in Afghanistan, and more than 200 were wounded.

Afghanistan veteran Chris May spoke about his experiences. He returned from Afghanistan wounded after an IED explosion on his second deployment.

Afghanistan veteran Phillip Thompson was named Young Queenslander of the Year in 2017. He overcame severe injuries from an IED to become a champion for veteran's employment, health and wellbeing. On receiving the award, Phillip said:

I want to show the world and other young veterans that we're not defined by our injuries. We're defined by our actions.

The Australian War Memorial has held exhibitions relating to service in Afghanistan, including:

• Framing Conflict: Iraq and Afghanistan - Lyndell Brown and Charles Green in 2010
• Afghanistan: the Australian story in 2013
• Shaun Gladwell: Afghanistan in 2014
• Ben Quilty: After Afghanistan from 2014 to 2015.

In 2010, Australian service personnel Tim Aplin, Ben Chuck and Scott Palmer were killed while serving in Afghanistan. In 2021, Scott's father, Ray Palmer – also a veteran – reflected on the sacrifices of Scott and all those who have died in the service of Australia.

Commemoration

Some 34,000 Australians have been issued the Afghanistan Medal for their service in military operations in Afghanistan and other prescribed areas within Operation Slipper. We remember their service and recognise their sacrifice and that of their families during a long and challenging conflict.

Tragically, over 40 Australians lost their lives as a result of their service in the War in Afghanistan. Their names are inscribed on the Australian War Memorial's Roll of Honour[Australian War Memorial].

The 42 for 42 Afghanistan War Memorial Garden opened in Brisbane in 2021. It was designed to remember the veterans who died in Afghanistan. The number 42 represents all those who continue to suffer the impacts of the conflict.

On 25 April each year, we observe Anzac Day. A day when Australians come together to honour those who served in all wars and conflicts, humanitarian and peace operations, and all who serve in the uniform of Australia's armed forces.

On 11 November, we observe Remembrance Day to honour Australians who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts, and humanitarian and peace operations.