Operation SLIPPER
Operation SLIPPER is Australia's military contribution to coalition efforts against international terrorism, countering piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and maritime security. Under this operation our forces contribute to the efforts of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) - led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, aimed at preventing Afghanistan again becoming a safe haven for international terrorists, and the United States-led International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) efforts in the broader Middle East.
Major General M. A. Kelly, AO commands all ADF units deployed in the Middle East Area of Operations including all elements assigned to Operation CATALYST and Operation SLIPPER.
Brigadier John Caligari is the Deputy Commander of Australian forces in Afghanistan.
OP SLIPPER has an authorised manning of up to 1550 personnel based within Afghanistan. Around 830 additional personnel are deployed across the broader Middle East in support of Operation SLIPPER.
Operation SLIPPER fact sheet
Australia's commitment to Operation SLIPPER currently includes:
National command, liaison and embedded personnel element of approximately 65 Defence Force members as well as approximately 65 staff officers embedded in various headquarters.
Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force. A Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF) of about 440 personnel is engaged in construction and security operations in Oruzgan Province. The MRTF also includes an Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (OMLT) whose mission is to assist in the development of the 4th Brigade of the Afghan National Army.
The MRTF is mainly comprised of infantry, cavalry and engineers from the the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, 2nd Cavalry Regiment and 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment. The Task Force is currently commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Peter Connolly.
Special Operations Task Group (SOTG). The Task Group of up to 330 personnel operates in support of ISAF security operations and provides security and force protection for coalition forces in Oruzgan Province. The SOTG consists of Commandos, members of the Special Air Service Regiment and enabling and support personnel.
Air Force Control and Reporting Centre (CRC). The CRC of up to 70 personnel is operating from Kandahar Airfield. The CRC controls southern Afghan operational airspace. Air space management involves aircraft coordination and de-confliction, in support of Coalition air operations protecting troops on the ground. The CRC will conclude its operation in September 2009.
Force Support Unit. ADF operations in Afghanistan are sustained and supplied by a national logisitics asset located in Kandahar, consisting of approximately 60 personnel.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Detachment. A UAV detachment of 30 personnel from 20th Surveillance Targeting Acquisition Regiment operating the SCANEAGLE UAV.
Rotary Wing Group. Australia’s Rotary Wing Group (RWG) operates two CH47D Medium Lift Helicopters (MLH) from Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. Approximately 65 personnel are deployed in support of ISAF helicopter operations.
The CH47D is a tandem rotor cargo helicopter with a maximum all up weight of 50,000lbs (22,727kg). The aircraft provides significant lift capability in high density-altitude conditions, making it well suited to operations within Afghanistan’s traditionally harsh environment. Australian CH47D’s perform combat support, quick response force and medical/casualty evacuation missions.
Medical Treatment Facility. A ten-person medical team is deployed to support the Dutch Medical Facility in Tarin Kowt.
Other ADF support to Afghanistan
16 soldiers from the Townsville-based 4th Field Regiment have deployed as part of the United Kingdom’s Task Force Helmand. The Australian gunners are with the UK task force under a bilateral arrangement to further enhance the training and experience of the Australian Army’s offensive support capability.
One ADF officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Webbe, is provided to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan to maintain contact and liaison with all military forces throughout Afghanistan under Operation PALATE II.
The following ADF assets support OP SLIPPER but operate outside of the land borders of Afghanistan:
- Australian National Headquarters - approx 90 personnel;
- RAN Major Fleet Unit (MFU) - approx 250 personnel (HMAS TOOWOMBA) serving in the South Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea;
- RAAF AP-3C Orion Detachment with 2 x AP-3C- approx 88 personnel;
- RAAF C-130 Hercules Detachment with 3 x C-130 - approx 65 personnel;
- Force Support Unit - approx 50 personnel;
- Force Communication Unit – approx 110 personnel; and
Additional ADF commitments to Afghanistan
On 29 April 2009, the Government announced the following extra ADF deployments in support of operations in Afghanistan.
Afghan Election Support. The deployment of a Combat Team of about 120 personnel and one extra C-130 airlift airframe, in addition to the three that are currently deployed. The election support is expected to commence operations from mid July until October 2009.
Two Additional Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams. The ADF will deploy an additional two OMLTs which will assist in accelerating efforts to develop the ANA through targeted support to the Afghan Army’s Combat Support Battalion and Brigade Headquarters elements in Oruzgan. The first additional OMLT is expected to deploy in the second half of 2009, followed by the second OMLT in early 2010.
Additional Embedded Personnel in Coalition Headquarters. An additional 70 personnel will be embedded from July 2009 in various coalition headquarters within Afghanistan and the wider MEAO within a range of specialist and support functions at various tactical, operational and strategic headquarters.
Additional Enabling Personnel. The deployment of an additional 73 personnel in July 2009 will enhance combat support to the MRTF which will aim to mitigate the growing risks to ADF personnel undertaking dispersed patrols with the ANA away from secure bases.
ADF Engineering Team. To support the additional ADF force elements in Afghanistan, an ADF engineering team of around 40 personnel will deploy in mid-2009 to address accommodation and infrastructure requirements within Camp Holland at Tarin Kowt.
Countering Piracy off the Horn of Africa.
On 29 May 2009 the Government announced that the ADF would contribute to international efforts to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa.The ADF will formally commence counter-piracy operations in support of Combined Task Force 151 (Counter-Piracy Task Force) in June 2009.
The contribution will consist of;
- 1 x RAAF P3C conducting maritime surveillance activities
- HMAS Toowoomba will commence counter-piracy operations in late June 2009. HMAS Toowoomba will be tasked flexibly across a number of Coalition task forces to allow Defence to support the highest priority activity (hyperlink to the ship’s website)
- Two Naval officers in support of the CTF 151 Headquarters.