Our ADF's Involvement in the Afghanistan War (Includes tribute to those who sacrificed their lives)

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome. 

Australia’s involvement in the Afghanistan War, particularly through Operation Slipper, marked one of the nation’s most significant overseas military commitments since Vietnam.

The Afghanistan War began in October 2001, following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. The U.S. and its allies launched operations to dismantle al-Qaeda and remove the Taliban regime that harbored them. Australia, invoking the ANZUS treaty, pledged support and deployed forces under Operation Slipper, the codename for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the war.

Operation Slipper ran from 2001 to 2014, involving combat operations in Afghanistan and maritime security missions in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. The first Australian troops, including Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) personnel, arrived in late 2001. They conducted reconnaissance, combat missions, and worked alongside coalition forces. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also played a crucial role, providing transport, refueling, and surveillance capabilities.

Australia’s presence was most visible in Uruzgan Province, where ADF units were part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). They engaged in reconstruction, training Afghan National Army units, and counter-insurgency operations. Over the course of Operation Slipper, more than 34,000 Australian personnel served, with 41 killed and 261 wounded.

Beyond combat, Australia contributed to humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, helping to build infrastructure and support local governance. However, the mission was not without controversy. Critics questioned the long-term effectiveness of coalition strategies and the human cost of the war.

Operation Slipper formally ended in 2014, transitioning to Operation Highroad, which focused on training and advising Afghan forces until Australia’s final withdrawal in 2021. The legacy of Australia’s involvement remains complex—marked by sacrifice, service, and ongoing debates about the war’s outcomes.

In summary, Operation Slipper symbolized Australia’s commitment to global security and its alliance with the United States, while leaving a lasting impact on both the ADF and the nation’s understanding of modern warfare.

Click here to see a video of tribute to our 41 Afghanistan fallen - our heroes: https://youtu.be/GgrulJ_Q5BQ?si=bEna3y-0yQ4zYviG

Lest we forget

Content acknowledgement: Department of Veterans Affairs and Australian War Memorial

Sunday's Lyndoch Farm Visit and Luncheon

Have you visited us yet? Fridays from 5 pm at Tanunda Recreation Park. Visitors are welcome. 

Our Sunday luncheon was a pleasant event with good food, good company, and a range of interesting products from the Lyndoch Lavender Farm. 

Just under 40 members and visitors attended our luncheon for a duck leg feast, some good chat and some good wine. Our in-house The Hut wine was popular and everyone enjoyed the lavender ice-cream with our deserts.

Members purchased a large number of lavender products. Your editor bought a hand soap in a dispenser and a lip balm.

Jill who was the original owner of Lyndoch Lavender Farm gave us a short presentation about the history of the farm and how it developed. According to Jill, she is not as busy these days in the farm, but has passed its operations to her daughter and son-in-law who are the current owners.

Your editor has visited the Lyndoch Lavender Farm on several occasions, especially when the Lavender fields are in full bloom and the calming scent of lavender sweeps across the fields.

A cup of coffee and some scones with cream and jam from the cafe is always a pleasant stop-off. If you visit the Barossa Valley, don't miss a short visit to the Lyndoch Lavender Farm. You won't regret it.

If you served in Afghanistan you may be eligible for a
Gold Operation Slipper lapel badge. Family members may obtain
paid products and there is much more memorabilia to see at the Military Shop.

Have you bought your ANZAC Day Memorabilia?

---- We open most Fridays from 5 pm. Everyone is welcome, you don't need to be a member. ---- ANZAC Day is fast approaching - only 9 weeks away.

Our partner, the Militaryshop has a cornucopia of militaria waiting for you to purchase. There are many, new exciting, popular products like the Poppy Impressions range:

Many of these products eg, sturdy shopping bags, mugs, and umbrella are big sellers at our kiosk outside Foodland Tanunda.

Pens sell well - everyone needs a collection of pens. (I have enough to open a stationery shop having had a pen fetish for decades!).

Then there are dozens of different badges covering every one of our wars commencing with World War II.

Afghan Service is well catered for also with Operation Slipper.

Operation Slipper is the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the war in Afghanistan. In November 2001 Australian SAS troops joined the war in Afghanistan. C-130 Hercules aircraft provided logistic support to the SAS, while F/A-18 Hornets contributed to air defence at the American Indian Ocean base of Diego Garcia. From March to September 2002, two RAAF Boeing 707 refuelling aircraft of 84 Wing were based at Manas air base in Kyrgyzstan in central Asia.

The initial ADF commitment in Afghanistan concluded in December 2002 when the Special Air Service Task Group was withdrawn.

An Australian Special Forces Task Group was re-deployed to Afghanistan in August or September 2005.

The Australian Special Forces Task Group was withdrawn from Afghanistan in September 2006.

A Reconstruction Taskforce began arriving in Oruzgan Province in southern Afghanistan in early September 2006. (Source: Virtual Museum)

If you decide to visit the Military Shop using our link here, our sub-branch will receive a small commission.