The Australian contribution to the war in Afghanistan has been known as Operation Slipper (2001–2014) and Operation Highroad (2015–2021).
Infantry from 3 RAR patrol Tarin Kowt in August 2008 as part of Reconstruction Task Force 4
A No. 33 Squadron Boeing 707 refuelling a US Navy F/A-18 in 2002
Australian and US Army engineers working on a bridge in Afghanistan in August 2008
Australian Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan's Uruzgan Province in January 2010
The 2nd Commando Regiment is a special forces unit of the Australian Army and is part of Special Operations Command. The regiment was established on 19 June 2009 when the 4th Battalion RAR (Commando) was renamed. It is based at Holsworthy, New South Wales. The 2nd Commando Regiment trains and has served with coalition special forces units, and is highly regarded by these units. The regiment has been involved in operations in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan, where it was used in a direct action warfighting role. It has also been involved in domestic security operations including the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2014 G20 Leaders Summit. The regiment is the Command's capability lead for strike and recovery.
Commandos fast rope from a 171st Aviation Squadron Blackhawk helicopter during Exercise Talisman Sabre in 2015
Commandos walking with Afghan National Army to a waiting U.S. Army Chinook helicopter in 2012
A commando during an exercise in 2023
Commandos jump into Shoalwater Bay from a U.S. Air Force MC-130 transport during Exercise Talisman Saber 2011