Special thanks for election day help

Dustmaster: SOTG soldiers patrol the barren Afghanistan landscape aboard a Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicle. Photo by Cpl Bernard Pearson

AUSTRALIAN Special Forces played a small but vital role in ensuring the success of Afghanistan’s recent historic parliamentary elections.

Joint Afghan National Army (ANA) and Australian Special Forces patrols moved deep into the heart of Afghanistan and provided overwatch to polling centres and Afghan Security Force checkpoints.

The Commander of Australia’s Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan said his patrols reported locals moving into the polling stations unhindered by Anti-Coalition Militia (ACM) elements known to be prevalent in the area.

“These elections were an historic event for all Afghans and we, along with our ANA partners, played a small but important role in the event,” he said.

“Considering that it was less than two months ago that we received the first indication we would be deploying, it is an amazing feat by all those who got us into the country, quickly established and out doing what we do best.”

Since arriving personnel from the SOTG have spent every spare moment ensuring that their operating base provided sufficient security for the force and that the patrols were well prepared for their first foray into the wilds of Southern Afghanistan.

The contingent of 190 Australians brings together a wide array of operational experiences and skill-sets that provide the SOTG with a high-level of organic capability.

“We came over here wanting to be self-sufficient in almost everything, from resupply to mobility and with this force mix we have achieved just that,” the task group commander said.

“The SOTG has spent the past few weeks working hard to integrate itself into a long-established operation and provide a valued capability to the international campaign against terrorism.

“The men and women of the SOTG can be justifiably proud of being part of Afghanistan’s historic day.”