- Security Detachment Iraq (Australia)
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SECDET
Members of SECDET X prepare for a mission in March 2007Active 2003–2011 Country Australia Branch Army Role Embassy security Size Combat Team Garrison/HQ Baghdad, Iraq The Security Detachment Iraq (SECDET Iraq) was the final component of Australia's contribution to coalition operations in Iraq. SECDET was based on an Australian Army combined arms combat team consisting of an infantry company group and a troop of cavalry which operated the Australian Light Armoured (ASLAV) vehicles. The force's duties included static security guarding at the Australian Embassy in Baghdad and the protection of Australian diplomats and vehicle convoys. SECDET was withdrawn in August 2011, with the firm Unity Resources Group becoming responsible for providing security for Australia's diplomatic presence in Iraq.[1]
Contents
Incidents
SECDET IV had a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) detonate across the street from their HQ during their tour. SECDET IV was also involved in a serious accident when an ASLAV rolled at high speed.
SECDET V was involved in a VBIED attack on 25 October 2004,[2] just short of an International Zone checkpoint, with the patrol suffering four wounded in action and serious damage to an ASLAV-25.
SECDET V was also involved in two incidents in the northern city of Tall Afar on 8 and 10 December 2004, when 3 Troop, A Squadron of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment was ambushed by insurgents using small arms and rocket propelled grenades. During the subsequent firefight, the insurgents suffered injuries and casualties, however no damage was inflicted on the Australian patrol.
SECDET VI had a VBIED detonate both on an ASLAV patrol on Route Irish and also on their HQ in Baghdad during their tour.
Private Jacob Kovco, Australia's only fatality of the Iraq conflict, was a member of SECDET IX in 2006.
Deployments
Deployment Dates Composition Notes SECDET I May–September 2003 5 Platoon, B Company, 2 RAR[3] 1st MP Bn
SECDET II 2003 A Company, 2 RAR[3] 1st MP Bn
SECDET III 2004 A Company, 3 RAR[3] 1st MP Bn
SECDET IV 2004 D Company, 5/7 RAR[3] 1st MP Bn
SECDET V 2004 3 Troop A Squadron, 2 Cav Regt C Company, 5/7 RAR[3] 1st MP Bn
SECDET VI 2004 A Company, 6 RAR[3] 1st MP Bn
SECDET VII 2004–05 C Company, 6 RAR
Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI)[4]1st MP Bn
SECDET VII had a strength of approx. 60 soldiers[4] SECDET VIII 2005 B Company, 1 RAR[3]
Troop, 2/14 LHR[5]1st MP Bn
SECDET IX 2005–06 Support Company, 3 RAR
Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI)
Elements, 1st MP Bn[6]Private Jacob Kovco was a member of SECDET IX's Sniper Cell[6] SECDET X 2006 A Company, 3 RAR
Elements, 2 Cavalry Regt and 2/14 LHR (QMI)
Elements, 1st MP Bn[6]SECDET XI 2007 A Company, 1 RAR
Troop, 2/14LHR (QMI)
Elements, 1st MP Bn
Combat Service Support Element[7]SECDET XII 2007 D Company, 6 RAR
Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI)
Elements, 1st MP Bn
Combat Service Support Element[8]SECDET XIII 2008 A Company, 7 RAR
Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regt
Elements, 1st MP Bn
Combat Service Support Element[9]The infantry component included a section of RAAF Airfield Defence Guards from No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron SECDET XIV 2008–09 Company HQ and two infantry platoons, 7 RAR
Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regt
Elements, 1st MP Bn
Combat Service Support Element[10]The infantry platoons were reinforced by members of No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron[11] SECDET XV 2009 Company HQ and two infantry platoons, 2 RAR
Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regt
Elements, 1st MP Bn
Combat Service Support Element[11]See also
- Australian contribution to the 2003 invasion of Iraq
- Military history of Australia
- Australian Defence Force
Notes
- ^ "Australia withdraws troops guarding Iraq embassy". ABC News. 10 August 2011. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-10/australia-withdraws-troops-guarding-iraq-embassy/2833654. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
- ^ Wiseman, Nick (18 August 2011). "Security shift". Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper (Edition 1265): p. 19. http://digital.realviewtechnologies.com/?xml=defencenews_army.xml. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g Horner, David; Bou, Jean (2008). Duty First. A History of the Royal Australian Regiment. Sydney: Allen & Unwin. p. 332. ISBN 9781741453745.
- ^ a b "JTF 633: Iraq Ops". Australian & NZ Defender (Brisbane: Fullbore Magazines) (No. 50): p.16. 2005.
- ^ "Cheers for boys from Baghdad". Army. 2006-04-20. http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1141/topstories/story09.htm. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ^ a b c "Op Catalyst Iraq". Australian & NZ Defender (Brisbane: Fullbore Magazines) (No. 55): p.14. 2006.
- ^ McBean, Graham (2007-03-08). "Keen for Iraq tour". Army. http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1161/topstories/story20.htm. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ^ Hetherington, Andrew (2007-08-23). "Secdet set for deployment". Army. http://www.defence.gov.au/news/armynews/editions/1173/topstories/story7.htm. Retrieved 2008-09-15.
- ^ "Iraq". Australian & NZ Defender (Brisbane: Fullbore Magazines) (No. 63): pp.6–8. 2008.
- ^ "JTF 633 - NAG & Iraq". Australian & NZ Defender (Brisbane: Fullbore Magazines) (No. 64): 46. 2008.
- ^ a b "SECDET Security Detachment Baghdad". Australian & NZ Defender (Brisbane: Fullbore Magazines) (No. 66): 6. 2009.
Categories:- Military units and formations of the Australian Army
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