Our People in QLD
Blake Simmons - Paradise Point
Blake Simmons is contributing to a secure future for Afghanistan. The 32-year-old Captain from Paradise Point is the Afghan National Army Security Force (ANSF) development chief. He is responsible for the command and management of all aspects of ANSF progress in support of Operation SLIPPER, Australia’s military contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan.
Australia’s contribution includes an annual average of 1,550 Australian Defence Force personnel deployed within Afghanistan. These numbers vary depending on operational requirements and shifting seasonal conditions.
Approximately 800 personnel provide support from locations within the broader Middle East Area of Operations, including our maritime commitment.
In keeping with the ISAF strategy to strengthen civilian engagement in Afghanistan and to better integrate civilian and military efforts, Australia now has around 50 civilians working in Afghanistan, in addition to around ten Defence civilians.
Australia’s substantial military, civilian and development assistance focuses on training and mentoring the Afghan National Army 4th Brigade in Uruzgan province to allow transition of lead security responsibility for the province, building the capacity of the Afghan National Police to assist with civil policing functions in Uruzgan, helping improve the Afghan Government's capacity to deliver core services and generate economic opportunities for its people, and, disruption to insurgent operations.