Image Gallery 2010

10 March 2010
Combat support to SOTG at the cutting edge of Army trades

COMBAT Service Support Teams (CSST) keep Australia’s Special Forces fed, armed, on the road, and paid.

In Afghanistan, approximately one quarter of Australia’s Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) belong to the CSST or to sub unit force elements. These members come from a wide variety of military trades across Army, and are drawn from units across Special Operations Command, and are required to perform to high standards to meet the unique demands that come with being a part of the SOTG.

Many CSST personnel deployed with the SOTG regularly gain the opportunity to hone their core soldier skills outside the wire, filling a number of vital Special Operations support roles in the field. And when circumstances require it, CSST members are expected to respond appropriately in combat situations.

To prepare them for the extra danger and demands of working with Special Forces, CSST members undertake a Special Operations Forces Induction Course (SOFIC), which raises their standard of basic infantry skills and qualifies some for Special Forces specific weapons such as the M4 carbine.

The Officer Commanding the SOTG CSST, Captain M, said that working in support of Australia’s Special Forces on operations was a vital and rewarding job.

“We are the logistic heart and soul of the operation. We are the behind the scenes personnel; conducting all the maintenance, all the stores requirements, supplying all the food, water, medical support and administration, and basically all the grease to make the wheels go around,” Captain M said.

To be part of Special Operations Command, CSST personnel must be volunteers, and must undertake extra training beyond what is normally required for their respective trade employment within Army.

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A vehicle mechanic from the Special Operations Task Group’s (SOTG’s) Combat Service Support Team (CSST) undertakes repairs on an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) required by Special Forces soldiers.

(Date taken: 05 March 2010)
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A caterer from the Special Operations Task Group’s (SOTG’s) Combat Service Support Team (CSST) ensures Australia’s Special Forces soldiers eat their greens.

(Date taken: 05 March 2010)
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Vehicle mechanics from the Special Operations Task Group’s (SOTG’s) Combat Service Support Team (CSST) pull the power pack from a Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle for repairs

(Date taken: 05 March 2010)
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A member of the Special Operations Task Group’s (SOTG’s) Combat Service Support Team (CSST) does some welding as part of the CSST’s mission to keep Australia’s Special Forces in Afghanistan fully operational.

(Date taken: 05 March 2010)
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Combat Service Support Team (CSST) personnel undertake maintenance on one of the Special Operations Task Group’s (SOTG’s) Long Range Patrol Vehicles (LRPVs)

(Date taken: 05 March 2010)
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The Special Operations Task Group’s (SOTG’s) Combat Service Support Team (CSST) has female soldiers working in a number of trades.

(Date taken: 05 March 2010)
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Members of the Special Operations Task Group’s (SOTG’s) Combat Service Support Team (CSST) attach vital supplies to a US CH-47 helicopter for deliver to Australian Special Forces soldiers in the field.

(Date taken: 05 March 2010)
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