SERVICE in Sierra Leone from 2001 to 2003 has been reclassified as warlike.

Bruce Billson, Minister Assisting the Defence Minister, said 17 personnel served on Operation Husky, the Australian contribution to the International Military Advisory and Training Team.

“The original decision to classify the operation as non-warlike was taken because ADF personnel were to operate only in Freetown and its environs. As the operation progressed, ADF personnel were required to operate throughout the southern region of Sierra Leone,” Mr Billson said.