AN AUSTRALIAN soldier in Afghanistan injured by a mine has become the first military casualty of the nation's involvement with the war on terrorism.

The soldier was on patrol in southern Afghanistan when he stood on an anti-personnel mine, which severed his big toe and damaged his foot and ankle.

CA Lt-Gen Peter Cosgrove said the soldier received immediate first aid from Australian soldiers in his patrol before being evacuated by a US Black Hawk to a medical facility in Kandahar.

"His big toe was blown off in the accident and his next toe, the second toe, was subsequently amputated," Lt-Gen Cosgrove said.

"He's got multiple fractures of the foot and right ankle and has sustained some superficial laceration."

He was evacuated by a USAF Hercules, accompanied by an Australian medical officer, to an American Air Force base in Germany where he will be in a military hospital for further treatment.

The CA said he had spoken to the soldier's family and that they were reacting stoically and were relieved that the soldier's condition was stable.

"They've been notified of the accident. They are shocked but relieved to know his condition is not life threatening.

"The system will take care of them all in terms of offering them counselling, any kind of assistance that's within the gift of the Commonwealth and the Department of Defence.

"I regret that a rotten land mine has injured one of our soldiers and I hope he makes the fullest possible recovery."

Lt-Gen Cosgrove said the morale of Australian troops in Afghanistan was very high.

"I spoke to them last week when I visited them and I found them to be in great heart. They know they are doing an important job and they know that they are making a big contribution.

"So I think, if I can predict their morale, they'll be very sorry for their comrade and for his family but they'll be getting on with the job."

By Cpl Jonathan Garland