| SECDET | |
|---|---|
Members of SECDET X prepare for a mission in March 2007 |
|
| Active | 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 SECDET was withdrawn in August 2011, with the firm Unity Resources Group becoming responsible for providing security for Australia's diplomatic presence in Iraq.[1]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 |
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.
| 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] |