Defence: Australian Special Forces

Mr Edwards asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 11 March 2002:

Are Australian special forces on active service in Afghanistan (a) being tasked appropriately with those military operations they are specifically trained to performed, (b) operating with like special forces and (c) being resourced and supported to the same levels as those special force counterparts.

Mrs Vale - The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

1. Yes, Australian Special Forces personnel are performing in a Special Forces role. These tasks typically include:
• Operating in small teams for extended periods in extremely rugged terrain;
• Accessing remote locations to observe al Qaeda and Taliban activities, which in this operation is beyond the scope of conventional Australian forces; and
• Conducting long-range patrols, beyond the range and scope of conventional Australian forces.
2. Other coalition members do have Special Forces deployed within Afghanistan and Australian Special Forces are at times required to operate closely with them.
3. Yes, Australian Special Forces personnel are being resourced and supported in line with their coalition counterparts. Prior to their deployment, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) procured a significant amount of special equipment to kit out the Australian Special Forces detachment for operations within Afghanistan. This included extreme cold weather equipment (special sleeping bags, tents, boots and other personal equipment), numerous all terrain vehicles, and special weapons and munitions. To maintain an appropriate level of support to the Special Forces detachment the ADF conducts a weekly sustainment flight to the Middle East. In addition, coalition members provide the Australian Special Forces detachment with aeromedical evacuation and health support as well as fuel, water and fresh food.

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