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Security Detachment Iraq (Australia)
Encyclopedia
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 SECDET was withdrawn in August 2011, with the firm Unity Resources Group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.
SECDET V was involved in a VBIED attack on 25 October 2004, 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.
Australian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
combined arms combat team consisting of an infantry
Infantry
Infantrymen are soldiers who are specifically trained for the role of fighting on foot to engage the enemy face to face and have historically borne the brunt of the casualties of combat in wars. As the oldest branch of combat arms, they are the backbone of armies...
company
Company (military unit)
A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 80–225 soldiers and usually commanded by a Captain, Major or Commandant. Most companies are formed of three to five platoons although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure...
group and a troop
Troop
A troop is a military unit, originally a small force of cavalry, subordinate to a squadron and headed by the troop leader. In many armies a troop is the equivalent unit to the infantry section or platoon...
of cavalry
Cavalry
Cavalry or horsemen were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback. Cavalry were historically the third oldest and the most mobile of the combat arms...
which operated the Australian Light Armoured (ASLAV
ASLAV
The Australian Service Light Armoured Vehicle , is an Australian version of the Light Armoured Vehicle designed and manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems Canada for the U.S. Marines. The initial design was the MOWAG Piranha 8x8, however the vehicle was re-designed to meet North American...
) 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
Unity Resources Group
Unity Resources Group is an Australian-owned private military company headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 2000, which describes itself as having a "diverse client base, spanning government, non-government and multi-national business sectors." The company is mainly staffed by...
becoming responsible for providing security for Australia's diplomatic presence in Iraq.
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, 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
Jacob Kovco
Jacob Bruce Kovco was a Private in the Australian Army who died while deployed in Iraq, fatally wounded by a single shot to the head from his own Browning 9mm sidearm. PTE Kovco was the first Australian soldier to die while deployed to the Middle Eastern Area of Operations...
, 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 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is a regular light infantry battalion of the Australian Army. 2 RAR was first formed as the Australian 66th Battalion in 1945 and since then it has seen active service during the Korean War, Malayan Emergency and Vietnam War... 1st MP Bn |
|
| SECDET II | 2003 | A Company, 2 RAR 1st MP Bn |
|
| SECDET III | 2004 | A Company, 3 RAR 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment 3rd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment is a parachute infantry battalion of the Australian Army, based in Sydney. 3 RAR was initially formed in 1945 as the 67th Battalion and has seen active service in Japan, Korea, Malaya, South Vietnam, East Timor, the Solomon Islands, Afghanistan and Iraq... 1st MP Bn |
|
| SECDET IV | 2004 | D Company, 5/7 RAR 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment The 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment was a mechanised infantry battalion of the Australian Army. The battalion was based at Robertson Barracks in Palmerston, Northern Territory and formed part of the 1st Brigade. It was formed in 1973 by linking both the 5th and 7th Battalions of the... 1st MP Bn |
|
| SECDET V | 2004 | 3 Troop A Squadron, 2 Cav Regt C Company, 5/7 RAR 1st MP Bn |
|
| SECDET VI | 2004 | A Company, 6 RAR 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is a motorised infantry battalion of the Australian Army. It was originally raised in Brisbane, Queensland, on 6 June 1965 and has since then served in a number of overseas deployments and conflicts including South Vietnam, East Timor and Iraq... 1st MP Bn |
|
| SECDET VII | 2004–05 | C Company, 6 RAR Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI) 1st MP Bn |
SECDET VII had a strength of approx. 60 soldiers |
| SECDET VIII | 2005 | B Company, 1 RAR 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is a regular light infantry battalion of the Australian Army. 1 RAR was first formed as the 65th Australian Infantry Battalion in 1945 and since then has been deployed on active service during the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency and the Vietnam War... Troop, 2/14 LHR 1st MP Bn |
|
| SECDET IX | 2005–06 | Support Company, 3 RAR Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI) Elements, 1st MP Bn |
Private Jacob Kovco was a member of SECDET IX's Sniper Cell |
| SECDET X | 2006 | A Company, 3 RAR Elements, 2 Cavalry Regt and 2/14 LHR (QMI) Elements, 1st MP Bn |
|
| SECDET XI | 2007 | A Company, 1 RAR Troop, 2/14LHR (QMI) Elements, 1st MP Bn Combat Service Support Element |
|
| SECDET XII | 2007 | D Company, 6 RAR Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI) Elements, 1st MP Bn Combat Service Support Element |
|
| SECDET XIII | 2008 | A Company, 7 RAR 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment The 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment is a regular infantry battalion of the Australian Army. It was originally raised in 1965 as part of Australia's commitment to the Vietnam War and it eventually served two tours in Vietnam in 1967 and 1971... Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regt Elements, 1st MP Bn Combat Service Support Element |
The infantry component included a section of RAAF Royal Australian Air Force The Royal Australian Air Force is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF was formed in March 1921. It continues the traditions of the Australian Flying Corps , which was formed on 22 October 1912. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts... Airfield Defence Guards Airfield Defence Guards The Airfield Defence Guard mustering of the Royal Australian Air Force performs specialist ground defence tasks to protect air power assets from hostile ground action. The mustering is composed of non-commissioned members, commonly called 'ADGies,' most of whom are employed within an Airfield... from No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron RAAF No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron is an Australian military unit whose primary role is to protect and defend airfields, buildings, equipment, and personnel.-Crest:... |
| SECDET XIV | 2008–09 | Company HQ and two infantry platoons, 7 RAR Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regt Elements, 1st MP Bn Combat Service Support Element |
The infantry platoons were reinforced by members of No. 2 Airfield Defence Squadron |
| SECDET XV | 2009 | Company HQ and two infantry platoons, 2 RAR Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regt Elements, 1st MP Bn Combat Service Support Element |
|
See also
- Australian contribution to the 2003 invasion of IraqAustralian contribution to the 2003 invasion of IraqThe Howard Government supported the disarmament of Iraq during the Iraq disarmament crisis. Australia later provided one of the four most substantial combat force contingents during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, under the operational codename Operation Falconer. Part of its contingent were among the...
- Military history of AustraliaMilitary history of AustraliaThe military history of Australia spans the nation's 220-year modern history, from the early Australian frontier wars between Aborigines and Europeans to the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan in the early 21st century...
- Australian Defence ForceAustralian Defence ForceThe Australian Defence Force is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia. It consists of the Royal Australian Navy , Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and a number of 'tri-service' units...