Sixty-five Air Force personnel will soon be on their way to Afghanistan to assume responsibility for security at Multinational Base – Tarin Kot (MNB-TK).
The deployment comes as the Slovak Force Protection Platoon prepares to depart after providing security at MNB-TK since the formation of Combined Team – Uruzgan in mid-2010.
The Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Ash Power said the Slovaks have played a vital role in ensuring the safety of our troops at MNB-TK.
Slovakia will maintain its mentoring and advisory support to the Logistic Kandak of the Afghan National Army’s 4th Brigade, 205 ‘Hero’ Corps in Uruzgan.
“We are grateful for the Slovaks’ contribution to security at MNB-TK and for their continued commitment to Combined Team – Uruzgan and the future of Uruzgan province,” Lieutenant General Power said.
Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO, Chief of Air Force, said the deployment was a testament to Air Force’s high standard of training.
“Air Force ground defence and security personnel are trained and ready to respond for any type of situation. Their training includes security and access control for large sites such as MNB-TK, as well as providing aircraft security, vehicle patrols, and constructing road blocks.
“They are the perfect fit for the role and ready for the challenge,” Air Marshal Brown said.
The ADF Security Force Element will comprise Ground Defence Officers, Airfield Defence Guards and Security Police from 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing headquartered at RAAF Base Amberley,Queensland.
The Security Force Element will work directly to the Australian Multinational Base Commander and will be responsible for security of the base and its airfield. The Air Force personnel have participated in a variety of mission-specific training to prepare them for their role in Uruzgan.
This deployment will not result in a net increase to the average of about 1550 ADF personnel in Afghanistan and coincides with the ADF’s move from a ‘mentoring’ role to an ‘advisory’ role with the Afghan National Army’s 4th Brigade.