The 17th Construction Squadron is an Australian Army sub-unit consisting of personnel drawn mainly from the Royal Australian Engineers. Originally formed in 1949, the squadron is currently part of the 6th Engineer Support Regiment and is based at RAAF Base Amberley. Personnel from the squadron have deployed on operations during the Vietnam War, in Namibia, East Timor, and the War in Afghanistan. The squadron has participated in the Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program since 1997, and has also been called upon to provide assistance to the wider Australian community following natural disasters, including most recently in the wake of the 2010–11 Queensland floods.

The International Force East Timor (INTERFET) was a multinational non-United Nations peacemaking task force, organised and led by Australia in accordance with United Nations resolutions to address the humanitarian and security crisis that took place in East Timor from 1999–2000 until the arrival of UN peacekeepers. INTERFET was commanded by an Australian military officer, Major General Peter Cosgrove.