Like everyone from Wagga, Brent Thompson understands weather extremes. However, this summer just gone was something to write home about; he felt the searing hot and harsh cold of the Hindu Kush Mountains of southern Afghanistan.

Brent has just returned from a six month tour in war-torn Oruzgan Province, where he formed part of the security element. His job was to help protect the Army Engineers as they strove to build a better future for the people of Afghanistan .

“This is my third overseas operation now, and I have to say it has been the most rewarding,” Brent said.

Brent has experienced a lot in his six years as an infantry soldier: a tour of East Timor in 2002 saw him sweat through the wet season; then the heat was turned up to 57 degrees when he went to Iraq in 2005; and finally the temperature dropped around 70 degrees for the harsh winter of his latest deployment to Afghanistan.

“The Afghan winter took the cake; Wagga is cold, but not that cold,” Brent said.

Known as the Reconstruction Task Force, Brent and his mates have made an enormous contribution to Afghanistan's ongoing quest for stability.

The engineering projects that he was helping protect are all aimed at developing the Province's health, education, security and other essential services. Australian-managed and funded, they attract significant local employment, fuelling the economy in the process.

As part of the first Australian deployment to conduct such operations in the country, Brent saw first hand the progress the Aussies have made. His Task force, having now set the conditions for follow-on forces, is heading home to loved ones and some well-earned rest.

“I am really looking forward to catching up with a few friends and sharing a cold one,” Brent said.

Brent has been one of some 480 Australian Defence Force personnel in Afghanistan as part of the international coalition against terrorism. The Australian contribution, known as Operation Slipper, currently includes a Reconstruction Task Force working with the Netherlands in support of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The Australians are focused on reconstruction and community-based projects as part of Australia's commitment to assisting Afghanistan achieve a stable and secure future.

MORE: Operation Slipper website