Media Room: Media Releases

AUSSIE RECONSTRUCTION TASK FORCE ON THE GROUND

The first of around 400 Australian soldiers have arrived in Afghanistan and have begun setting up their base in the Oruzgan Province.  The Australian commitment is in partnership with the Netherlands and forms part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force’s Stage III expansion. 

Around 100 Aussie soldiers have spent the past two weeks getting to know their Dutch counterparts and have been busy constructing their camp. Commander of the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) Lieutenant Colonel Mick Ryan said, “This is a good mission. It’s all about us working with our Dutch partners to ensure the local Afghan people get a fair go.”

The Australian contribution will also include skills training for the local population to ensure the benefits of the deployment continue long after our personnel have returned home. Construction of the Trade Training School has already begun. Training courses for the locals will begin in around 10 weeks.

In addition to its almost 400 personnel, the RTF has a number of IMV Bushmaster Vehicles and several Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs).  The RTF is comprised of command, engineer, security and support elements.

Lieutenant Colonel Mick Ryan said, “My soldiers are highly capable, professional, well trained and well equipped for this task.”

Another 100 RTF soldiers that deployed from Australia last week are expected to join those already in Afghanistan soon.

As part of Australia’s commitment to the reconstruction and stabilisation of Afghanistan, Australian Defence Force operations in the Oruzgan Province will help bring stability and security for the Afghan people, through projects that support good governance and stable communities.

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