South Australian soldiers welcomed home

South Australian soldiers returning from operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East were officially welcomed home in Adelaide today by Commander Forces Command, Major General Mick Slater, AO, DSC, CSC.  

Premier of South Australia Jay Weatherill, Leader of the Government in the Senate Senator Penny Wong, and the Member for Wakefield Nick Champion were also in attendance. 

Some 460 South Australian soldiers from the Australian Army’s 1^st Brigade took part in a special parade on the Torrens Parade Ground, Adelaide after being deployed on Operation SLIPPER in the Middle East.  

The officers and soldiers parading represented the Adelaide-based force elements of the 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment Task Group, known as the 7 RAR Task Group. 

Major General Slater thanked the soldiers for their service as part of Australia’s contribution to the development of the Afghan National Security Forces in Uruzgan province. 

“I also personally acknowledge the consistent, patient and compassionate support you have received from your family and friends, gathered here and across our nation,” Major General Slater said. 

Operation SLIPPER is Australia’s military contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan and the broader Middle East Area of Operations, including our maritime commitment. 

Commander 1^st Brigade, Brigadier John Frewen said he was extremely proud of the continued professionalism and dedication shown by the soldiers during their deployment. 

Imagery will be available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20130539 

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999