Australian Troops In Afghanistan: A Lingering Presence Or A Faded Legacy?

Australia's involvement in the war in Afghanistan, known as Operation Slipper (2001-2014) and Operation Highroad (2015-2021), has been extensive. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has deployed naval, air, and land forces to Afghanistan, with operations including combat and combat support. The ADF has also been involved in counter-insurgency operations in Uruzgan province, in conjunction with Dutch, US, and other coalition forces.

Over the course of the conflict, Australia's contribution has fluctuated, with the number and type of units deployed changing as the scope of operations evolved. The ADF's commitment to Afghanistan has included special forces, regular troops, and support personnel.

The last ADF combat troops were withdrawn from Afghanistan in December 2013, but a contingent of around 400 personnel remained in the country as trainers and advisors until June 2021, when they departed as part of the withdrawal of international forces.

In total, over 26,000 Australian personnel have served in Afghanistan since the war began in 2001. Forty-one Australian soldiers have been killed, and 261 wounded.

The number of Australian troops in Afghanistan

In 2002, the Australian government withdrew its Special Forces from Afghanistan, stating that there was an "insufficient" number of tasks to justify their deployment. However, in 2005, amid a resurgent Taliban, former Prime Minister John Howard dispatched Special Forces to the country once again.

In 2007, the Australian government continued its involvement in Afghanistan and put an emphasis on training Afghan National Army members. In 2009, Operational Mentoring and Liaison Teams (OMLTs) were embedded into the Afghan National Army battalions in Uruzgan. This led to the renaming of the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) to the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF).

In mid-2007, there were around 950 Australian personnel in Afghanistan, which increased to 1,000 in mid-2008, 1,100 in early 2009, and 1,550 in mid-2009.

In October 2013, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott travelled to Afghanistan and declared that Australia's war was over, with the last combat troops being withdrawn in December 2013. However, around 400 personnel remained in the country as trainers and advisors, stationed in Kandahar and Kabul.

In July 2014, as part of the restructuring of Australian operations in the Middle East, Operation Slipper was split into three different operations, including ongoing operations in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) under Operation Slipper. Approximately 400 personnel were deployed on Operation Slipper.

In 2016, the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, Major General Paul Brereton, launched an inquiry into allegations that some Australian special forces personnel committed war crimes in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016.

In 2018, photographs emerged depicting Australian soldiers with Nazi swastikas on their vehicles in Afghanistan, leading to condemnation from then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

In 2021, a contingent of around 80 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel remained in Afghanistan to train and advise Afghan forces. The Australian embassy in Kabul was closed on May 28, 2021, and the last ADF personnel and diplomats departed the country on June 18, 2021, marking the end of Australia's involvement in the war.

Throughout the years, over 26,000 Australian personnel have served in Afghanistan, with 41 soldiers killed and 261 wounded.

The role of Australian troops in Afghanistan

Australia's military involvement in Afghanistan began in 2001, following the 9/11 attacks on the United States. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations included two major areas of activity: Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf. The ADF deployed naval, air, and land forces that took part in combat and combat support operations as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

The Australian contribution to the war in Afghanistan was known as Operation Slipper (2001-2014) and Operation Highroad (2015-2021). During the initial phase of Operation Slipper, the ADF deployed a Special Forces Task Group and provided air-to-air refuelling support for coalition aircraft operating in Afghan airspace. The ADF also conducted maritime patrol missions in the Persian Gulf and provided logistic support for deployed forces.

In 2005, Australia redeployed a Special Forces Task Group to Afghanistan, which included elements from the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), the Royal Australian Regiment, the Incident Response Regiment, and logistic support personnel. This task group was equipped with Land Rovers and Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicles, and was supported by a detachment of Chinook helicopters.

In 2006, Australia established a Reconstruction Task Force in Uruzgan province, southern Afghanistan, as part of a Dutch-led Provincial Reconstruction Team. This task force was involved in counter-insurgency operations and worked to uphold democracy in Afghanistan. The task force was supported by a Special Operations Task Group, which included commando and SASR elements.

From 2009 onwards, Australia focused on mentoring and training the Afghan National Army, embedding Operational Mentoring and Liaison Teams (OMLTs) into Afghan National Army battalions. This effort was later renamed the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force, and then the Mentoring Task Force. Australia also contributed to the UK-led training support element at the Afghanistan National Army Officer Academy in Qargha, near Kabul.

In 2013, Prime Minister Tony Abbott declared Australia's combat role in Afghanistan over, and the last combat troops were withdrawn. However, a small contingent of Australian forces remained in the country to continue training and advisory roles.

In 2014, Australia's mission transitioned to the NATO-led "train, advise, and assist" Resolute Support Mission, under Operation Highroad. Approximately 400 Australian personnel remained in Afghanistan as part of this mission.

In 2018, allegations surfaced of Australian soldiers committing war crimes in Afghanistan, including the unlawful killing of civilians. An inquiry found "credible information" that 25 ADF personnel were involved in serious crimes, including the murder of prisoners and civilians. The inquiry led to criminal investigations and potential prosecutions.

In 2021, Australia maintained an operation of around 400 soldiers in Afghanistan as part of ongoing peacekeeping efforts with the US and other allies. However, with the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in August 2021, Australia evacuated its remaining forces and closed its embassy in Kabul.

The impact of Australian troops in Afghanistan

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has been involved in the war in Afghanistan since 2001, with operations known as Operation Slipper (2001-2014) and Operation Highroad (2015-2021). Over this period, Australia has deployed naval, air, and land forces, including special forces, to take part in combat and combat support operations as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Impact on Afghanistan

The presence of Australian troops in Afghanistan has had a mixed impact on the country. On the one hand, Australian forces have contributed to the fight against terrorism and the training of Afghan troops. For example, Australian troops were involved in establishing the US-led coalition's first Forward Operating Base (Camp Rhino) southwest of Kandahar in 2001 and participated in the capture of Kandahar International Airport in the same year. Additionally, Australia has contributed to the training of Afghan National Army battalions and provided support to the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces.

However, the impact of Australian troops has also been marred by allegations of war crimes and unlawful killings of civilians. An inquiry by the Australian military found "credible information" of potential "war crimes" committed by Australian troops, including the unlawful killing of 39 Afghan prisoners and civilians between 2005 and 2016. The inquiry also revealed a "warrior culture" among some soldiers, with allegations that junior soldiers were encouraged to shoot prisoners to achieve their first kill, and that weapons were planted on slain civilians to cover up crimes. These actions have had a detrimental impact on Australia's reputation and relations with Afghanistan.

Impact on Australia

The war in Afghanistan has profoundly impacted the Australian Army and the ADF as a whole. Approximately 30,000 ADF personnel have served in Afghanistan, with 41 losing their lives. The experiences of these personnel have led to significant changes within the ADF, including technological advances to deal with improvised bombs and a greater integration of the war fighter and intelligence functions.

The impact of the war has also been felt by the Australian public, with decreasing public support for the deployment over time. Additionally, the allegations of war crimes by Australian troops have sparked widespread condemnation and calls for justice and accountability. The Australian government has appointed a special investigator to examine the inquiry report's findings and work with Australian police to investigate any new allegations of criminal offenses by ADF personnel in Afghanistan.

In conclusion, the impact of Australian troops in Afghanistan has been far-reaching, with both positive contributions to the fight against terrorism and the stabilization of the country, as well as negative consequences arising from allegations of war crimes and unlawful killings. The war has also led to significant changes within the ADF and has impacted Australia's reputation on the world stage.

The withdrawal of Australian troops from Afghanistan

At the time of the withdrawal, there were around 80 ADF personnel in Afghanistan, involved in training, advising, and assisting local forces as part of NATO's Resolute Support mission. The Australian Embassy in Kabul was also closed on May 28, 2021, marking a full retreat on its foreign presence in the country.

The decision to withdraw came amid reports of escalating violence and territorial gains by the Taliban, who had retaken several districts across Afghanistan. The withdrawal was also in line with the United States' planned withdrawal from the country, with US President Joe Biden announcing an exit strategy in April 2021.

The Australian government welcomed the opportunity for peace in Afghanistan and called on the Taliban to negotiate with the Afghan government in good faith. However, the withdrawal was not without controversy, with questions raised about the worth of Australia's involvement in the war, which cost the lives of 41 ADF members, and the lives of over 150,000 Afghans. Additionally, allegations of war crimes committed by Australian soldiers and the potential return to power of the Taliban further complicated the situation.

The future of Afghanistan after the withdrawal of Australian troops

Australia's involvement in the war in Afghanistan has been known as Operation Slipper (2001–2014) and Operation Highroad (2015–2021). The Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations and the size of the forces deployed varied, with ADF involvement including two major areas of activity: Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf.

The last remaining Australian troops departed Afghanistan in September 2021, in line with the withdrawal of the United States and other allies. This marked the end of Australia's 20-year military commitment to the war-torn country, which cost the lives of 41 ADF members and saw 261 wounded.

The Australian government welcomed the announcement of the planned withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, calling on the Taliban to negotiate "with the Afghan government in good faith". The security and stability of Afghanistan will be vital in containing the threat of international terrorism, as well as addressing people and narcotics smuggling.

The future of Afghanistan remains uncertain following the withdrawal of Australian and other foreign troops. The Taliban declared renewed attacks on Afghan forces, quickly dashing hopes of a prolonged ceasefire amid further negotiations. Uruzgan, where Australian troops served for close to a decade, could be the first entire province to fall back under Taliban control as foreign militaries withdraw from the country.

The former chief of the army, retired Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, reflected on the formal departure of Australia's last troops, stating that it signified "the end of an era for the ADF". He added that it was difficult to say whether the sacrifice of Australian soldiers was worth it, given the prospect of a "savage retribution by the now ascendant Taliban" and a potential "return to the dark ages for Afghanistan".

Despite the uncertainty, the Australian government maintains that its involvement in the conflict was worthwhile. Prime Minister Scott Morrison became emotional when reading the names of the Australian soldiers who had died and affirmed that "freedom's always worth it". He also highlighted the broader rewards for international security, including the replacement of the Taliban, the driving out of Al Qaeda, and the relative stability of Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Australian Defence Department has declined to publicly confirm the formal end of its NATO-led mission to Afghanistan or disclose whether some military personnel will relocate elsewhere in the Middle East. However, the last remaining ADF members flew out of Kabul in the middle of June 2021, ahead of the September 11 deadline announced by the United States for the withdrawal of all coalition forces.

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