Jump to content

Security Detachment Iraq (Australia): Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
 
(18 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name=SECDET
|unit_name=SECDET
|image=[[File:SEC Det X ASLAVs.jpg|250px]]
| image= SEC Det X ASLAVs.jpg
| image_size = 250
|caption=Members of SECDET X prepare for a mission in March 2007
|caption=Members of SECDET X prepare for a mission in March 2007
|dates=2003–2011
|dates=2003–2011
|country={{flag icon|Australia}}[[Australia]]
|country={{flag icon|Australia}} [[Australia]]
|branch=[[Army]]
|branch=[[Army]]
|type=
|type=
Line 10: Line 11:
|role=Embassy security
|role=Embassy security
|size=Combat Team
|size=Combat Team
|current_commander=
|current_commander=
|garrison=[[Baghdad]], [[Iraq]]
|garrison=[[Baghdad]], [[Iraq]]
|ceremonial_chief=
|ceremonial_chief=
|ceremonial_chief_label=
|ceremonial_chief_label=
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
|nickname=
|nickname=
|motto=
|motto=
Line 20: Line 21:
|identification_symbol=
|identification_symbol=
|identification_symbol_label=
|identification_symbol_label=
|march=
|march=
|mascot=
|mascot=
|battles=
|battles=
Line 27: Line 28:
}}
}}


The '''Security Detachment Iraq''' (SECDET Iraq) was the final component of Australia's contribution to [[Operation Iraqi Freedom|coalition operations in Iraq]]. SECDET was based on an [[Australian Army]] combined arms combat team consisting of an [[infantry]] [[company (military unit)|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 SECDET was withdrawn in August 2011, with the firm [[Unity Resources Group]] becoming responsible for providing security for Australia's diplomatic presence in Iraq.<ref>{{cite news |title=Australia withdraws troops guarding Iraq embassy |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-10/australia-withdraws-troops-guarding-iraq-embassy/2833654 |accessdate=10 August 2011 |newspaper=ABC News |date=10 August 2011}}</ref>
The '''Security Detachment Iraq''' (SECDET Iraq) was the final component of Australia's contribution to [[Operation Iraqi Freedom|coalition operations in Iraq]]. SECDET was based on an [[Australian Army]] combined arms combat team consisting of an [[infantry]] [[company (military unit)|company]] group and a [[troop]] of [[cavalry]] which operated the Australian Light Armoured ([[ASLAV]]) vehicles. There was also a three man EOD Team from various Combat Engineer Regiments. The force's duties included static security guarding at the Australian Embassy in Baghdad and the protection of Australian diplomats by the 1st MP Bn (CPPT) and Cavalry (RAAC) escort/protection, also 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.<ref>{{cite news |title=Australia withdraws troops guarding Iraq embassy |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-08-10/australia-withdraws-troops-guarding-iraq-embassy/2833654 |accessdate=10 August 2011 |newspaper=ABC News |date=10 August 2011}}</ref>


==Incidents==
==Incidents==
SECDET III engaged and destroyed an insurgent mortar team that had been firing on the Coalition Headquarters in the Green Zone. This was the first time an Australian ASLAV had used its 25mm Main Gun in combat.

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 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,<ref name=armynews>{{cite news |title=Security shift |newspaper=Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper |publisher=Edition 1265 |author=Wiseman, Nick |url=http://digital.realviewtechnologies.com/?xml=defencenews_army.xml |date=18 August 2011|page=19 |accessdate=23 August 2011}}</ref> just short of an International Zone checkpoint, with the patrol suffering four wounded in action and serious damage to an ASLAV-25.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Callender|first1=Garth|title=[[After the Blast]]|date=July 2015|publisher=Black Inc.|isbn=9781863957380}}</ref>
SECDET V was involved in a VBIED attack on 25 October 2004,<ref name="armynews">{{cite news |title=Security shift |newspaper=Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper |publisher=Edition 1265 |author=Wiseman, Nick |url=http://digital.realviewtechnologies.com/?xml=defencenews_army.xml |date=18 August 2011|page=19 |accessdate=23 August 2011}}</ref> just short of an International Zone checkpoint, with the patrol suffering four wounded in action and serious damage to an ASLAV-25.<ref name="After the Blast">{{cite book|last1=Callender|first1=Garth|title=[[After the Blast]]|date=July 2015|publisher=Black Inc.|isbn=9781863957380}}</ref> As a direct result of the incident, Trooper Matthew Millhouse died of his injuries in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/tasmanian-war-veteran-matthew-millhouse-honoured-in-hobart/news-story/f1f8c1c29f2bba6a82f2fc95ffa4832f|title=War veteran honoured in Hobart|date=2015-09-04|website=www.themercury.com.au|language=en|access-date=2019-10-08}}</ref> He is listed on the Australian War Memorial Honour Roll as a casualty of the Iraq War.


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 (Australia)|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 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 (Australia)|2nd Cavalry Regiment]] was ambushed by insurgents using small arms and rocket propelled grenades. The first incident involved the troop providing an armoured convoy escort to a US engineer unit travelling to Al Kasik. The convoy was ambushed in Tal Afar with the majority of the Australian callsigns returning fire from 25mm and .50cal. The second incident occurred a couple of days later in roughly the same location. The patrol was ambushed with insurgents using IED’s, small arms and rocket propelled grenades. The troop again returned fire en masse. During these firefights, the insurgents suffered unknown 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.
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.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Callender|first1=Garth|title=[[After the Blast]]|date=July 2015|publisher=Black Inc.|isbn=9781863957380}}</ref>
Private [[Jacob Kovco]] was a member of SECDET IX in 2006.<ref name="After the Blast"/>
<ref>{{cite book|last1=Box|first1=Dan|title=Carry Me Home: The Life and Death of Jake Kovco|date=July 2008|publisher=Allen & Unwin|url=https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/general-books/biography-autobiography/Carry-Me-Home-Dan-Box-9781741752748}}</ref>
<ref name="Allen & Unwin">{{cite book|last1=Box|first1=Dan|title=Carry Me Home: The Life and Death of Jake Kovco|date=July 2008|publisher=Allen & Unwin|url=https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/general-books/biography-autobiography/Carry-Me-Home-Dan-Box-9781741752748}}</ref>


==Deployments==
==Deployments==
{|class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable"
|'''Deployment''' || '''Dates''' ||width=300| '''Composition''' || '''Notes'''
! Deployment !! Dates !! width=300| Composition !! Notes
|-
|-
|SECDET || May–September 2003
|SECDET || May–September 2003
|
|
* V32- C Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment.
* V32A patrol- C Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment.
*5 Platoon, B Company, [[2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|2 RAR]]<ref name="Duty_First_332">{{cite book |last=Horner |first=David |author2=Bou, Jean |title=Duty First. A History of the Royal Australian Regiment |publisher=Allen & Unwin |location=Sydney |year=2008|isbn=978-1-74175-374-5 |page=332}}</ref>
*5 Platoon, B Company, [[2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|2 RAR]]<ref name="Duty_First_332">{{cite book |last=Horner |first=David |author2=Bou, Jean |title=Duty First. A History of the Royal Australian Regiment |publisher=Allen & Unwin |location=Sydney |year=2008|isbn=978-1-74175-374-5 |page=332}}</ref>
*1st MP Bn
*1st MP Bn
EOD Team from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment
|
|
|-
|-
|SECDET II || 2003
|SECDET II || Sep 2003 - Jan 2004
|
|
*V12 - A Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
*V12 - A Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
Line 61: Line 65:
|SECDET III || 2004
|SECDET III || 2004
|
|
*3 Troop, B Squadron, 2nd Cav Regt
*A Company, [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|3 RAR]]<ref name="Duty_First_332" />
*A Company, [[3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|3 RAR]]<ref name="Duty_First_332" />
*1st MP Bn
*1st MP Bn
Line 67: Line 72:
|SECDET IV || 2004
|SECDET IV || 2004
|
|
*3 Troop C Squadron, 2 CAV REGT
*D Company, [[5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|5/7 RAR]]<ref name="Duty_First_332" />
*D Company, [[5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment|5/7 RAR]]<ref name="Duty_First_332" />
*1st MP Bn
*1st MP Bn
Line 103: Line 109:
*Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI)
*Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI)
*Elements, 1st MP Bn<ref name="A&NZD_55_14">{{cite journal |year=2006 |title=Op Catalyst Iraq |journal=Australian & NZ Defender |publisher=Fullbore Magazines |location=Brisbane |issue= 55 |page=14}}</ref>
*Elements, 1st MP Bn<ref name="A&NZD_55_14">{{cite journal |year=2006 |title=Op Catalyst Iraq |journal=Australian & NZ Defender |publisher=Fullbore Magazines |location=Brisbane |issue= 55 |page=14}}</ref>
|Private Jacob Kovco was a member of SECDET IX<ref name="A&NZD_55_14" /><ref>{{cite book|last1=Box|first1=Dan|title=Carry Me Home: The Life and Death of Jake Kovco|date=July 2008|publisher=Allen & Unwin|url=https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/general-books/biography-autobiography/Carry-Me-Home-Dan-Box-9781741752748}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Callender|first1=Garth|title=[[After the Blast]]|date=July 2015|publisher=Black Inc.|isbn=9781863957380}}</ref>
|Private Jacob Kovco was a member of SECDET IX<ref name="A&NZD_55_14" /><ref name="Allen & Unwin"/><ref name="After the Blast"/>
|-
|-
|SECDET X || 2006
|SECDET X || 2006
Line 152: Line 158:
*Combat Service Support Element<ref name="A&NZD_66_6">{{cite journal |year=2009 |title=SECDET Security Detachment Baghdad |journal=Australian & NZ Defender |publisher=Fullbore Magazines |location=Brisbane |issue= 66 |page=6}}</ref>
*Combat Service Support Element<ref name="A&NZD_66_6">{{cite journal |year=2009 |title=SECDET Security Detachment Baghdad |journal=Australian & NZ Defender |publisher=Fullbore Magazines |location=Brisbane |issue= 66 |page=6}}</ref>
|
|
|-
|SECDET XVI
|2010
|
*2/14 LHR (QMI) Headquarters
*Cavalry Scout Troop from 2/14 LHR QMI (A & C SQN)
*Elements, 1st MP Bn
*Combat Service Support Element<ref name="A&NZD_66_6" />
|Transition from ASLAV based patrols to upgraded B6 armoured vehicles, then handing over to URG. Last Detachment to SECDET with frontline involvement and drew down from approx. 80 personnel to under 10 on SECDET XVII (HQ only).
|}
|}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Australian contribution to the 2003 invasion of Iraq]]
* [[Australian contribution to the 2003 invasion of Iraq]]
* [[Australian Embassy Guard Platoon, Saigon]]
* [[Military history of Australia]]
* [[Australian Defence Force]]


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}


[[Category:Military units and formations of the Australian Army]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of the Australian Army]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2003]]
[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 2011]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of Australia in the Iraq War]]
[[Category:Baghdad in the Iraq War]]

Latest revision as of 12:25, 25 April 2024

SECDET
Members of SECDET X prepare for a mission in March 2007
Active2003–2011
LandAustralien Australien
BranchArmy
RoleEmbassy security
SizeCombat Team
Garrison/HQBaghdad, 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. There was also a three man EOD Team from various Combat Engineer Regiments. The force's duties included static security guarding at the Australian Embassy in Baghdad and the protection of Australian diplomats by the 1st MP Bn (CPPT) and Cavalry (RAAC) escort/protection, also 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]

Incidents

[edit]

SECDET III engaged and destroyed an insurgent mortar team that had been firing on the Coalition Headquarters in the Green Zone. This was the first time an Australian ASLAV had used its 25mm Main Gun in combat.

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.[3] As a direct result of the incident, Trooper Matthew Millhouse died of his injuries in 2015.[4] He is listed on the Australian War Memorial Honour Roll as a casualty of the Iraq War.

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. The first incident involved the troop providing an armoured convoy escort to a US engineer unit travelling to Al Kasik. The convoy was ambushed in Tal Afar with the majority of the Australian callsigns returning fire from 25mm and .50cal. The second incident occurred a couple of days later in roughly the same location. The patrol was ambushed with insurgents using IED’s, small arms and rocket propelled grenades. The troop again returned fire en masse. During these firefights, the insurgents suffered unknown 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 was a member of SECDET IX in 2006.[3] [5]

Deployments

[edit]
Deployment Dates Composition Notes
SECDET May–September 2003
  • V32A patrol- C Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment.
  • 5 Platoon, B Company, 2 RAR[6]
  • 1st MP Bn

EOD Team from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment

SECDET II Sep 2003 - Jan 2004
  • V12 - A Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
  • A Company, 2 RAR[6]
  • 1st MP Bn
SECDET III 2004
  • 3 Troop, B Squadron, 2nd Cav Regt
  • A Company, 3 RAR[6]
  • 1st MP Bn
SECDET IV 2004
  • 3 Troop C Squadron, 2 CAV REGT
  • D Company, 5/7 RAR[6]
  • 1st MP Bn
SECDET V 2004
  • 3 Troop A Squadron, 2 Cav Regt
  • C Company, 5/7 RAR[6]
  • 1st MP Bn
SECDET VI 2004
SECDET VII 2004–05
  • C Company, 6 RAR
  • Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI)[7]
  • 1st MP Bn
 SECDET VII had a strength of approx. 60 soldiers[7]
SECDET VIII 2005
SECDET IX 2005–06
  • Support Company, 3 RAR
  • Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI)
  • Elements, 1st MP Bn[9]
 Private Jacob Kovco was a member of SECDET IX[9][5][3]
SECDET X 2006
  • A Company, 3 RAR
  • Elements, 2 Cavalry Regt and 2/14 LHR (QMI)
  • Elements, 1st MP Bn[9]
SECDET XI 2007
  • A Company, 1 RAR
  • Troop, 2/14LHR (QMI)
  • Elements, 1st MP Bn
  • Combat Service Support Element[10]
SECDET XII 2007
  • D Company, 6 RAR
  • Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI)
  • Elements, 1st MP Bn
  • Combat Service Support Element[11]
SECDET XIII 2008
  • A Company, 7 RAR
  • Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regt
  • Elements, 1st MP Bn
  • Combat Service Support Element[12]
 The infantry component included a section of RAAF Airfield Defence Guards
from No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron
SECDET XIV 2008–09
  • Combat team HQ, B Sqn, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
  • two infantry platoons, 5 RAR
  • 3 Troop, B Sqn, 2nd Cavalry Regt
  • Elements, 1st MP Bn
  • Combat Service Support Element[13]
 The infantry platoons were reinforced by members of No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron[14]
SECDET XV 2009
  • Company HQ and two infantry platoons, 2 RAR
  • Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regt
  • Elements, 1st MP Bn
  • Combat Service Support Element[14]
SECDET XVI 2010
  • 2/14 LHR (QMI) Headquarters
  • Cavalry Scout Troop from 2/14 LHR QMI (A & C SQN)
  • Elements, 1st MP Bn
  • Combat Service Support Element[14]
 Transition from ASLAV based patrols to upgraded B6 armoured vehicles, then handing over to URG. Last Detachment to SECDET with frontline involvement and drew down from approx. 80 personnel to under 10 on SECDET XVII (HQ only).

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ "Australia withdraws troops guarding Iraq embassy". ABC News. 10 August 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
  2. ^ Wiseman, Nick (18 August 2011). "Security shift". Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper. Edition 1265. p. 19. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  3. ^ a b c Callender, Garth (July 2015). After the Blast. Black Inc. ISBN 9781863957380.
  4. ^ "War veteran honoured in Hobart". www.themercury.com.au. 4 September 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2019.
  5. ^ a b Box, Dan (July 2008). Carry Me Home: The Life and Death of Jake Kovco. Allen & Unwin.
  6. ^ 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 978-1-74175-374-5.
  7. ^ a b "JTF 633: Iraq Ops". Australian & NZ Defender (50). Brisbane: Fullbore Magazines: 16. 2005.
  8. ^ "Cheers for boys from Baghdad". Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper. Army. 20 April 2006. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
  9. ^ a b c "Op Catalyst Iraq". Australian & NZ Defender (55). Brisbane: Fullbore Magazines: 14. 2006.
  10. ^ McBean, Graham (8 March 2007). "Keen for Iraq tour". Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper. Army. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
  11. ^ Hetherington, Andrew (23 August 2007). "Secdet set for deployment". Army News: The Soldiers' Newspaper. Army. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
  12. ^ "Iraq". Australian & NZ Defender (63). Brisbane: Fullbore Magazines: 6–8. 2008.
  13. ^ "JTF 633 - NAG & Iraq". Australian & NZ Defender (64). Brisbane: Fullbore Magazines: 46. 2008.
  14. ^ a b c "SECDET Security Detachment Baghdad". Australian & NZ Defender (66). Brisbane: Fullbore Magazines: 6. 2009.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Security_Detachment_Iraq_(Australia)&oldid=1220706933"