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. There was also a three man EOD Team from various Combat Engineer Regiments. The force's duties included static security guarding at the Australian Embassy in Baghdad and the protection of Australian diplomats by the 1st MP Bn (CPPT) and Cavalry (RAAC) escort/protection, also vehicle convoys.
History SECDET was stood up in 2003.
SECDET was withdrawn in August 2011, with the firm Unity Resources Group becoming responsible for providing security for Australia's diplomatic presence in Iraq.
Incidents SECDET III engaged and destroyed an insurgent mortar team that had been firing on the Coalition Headquarters in the Green Zone. This was the first time an Australian ASLAV had used its 25mm Main Gun in combat.
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. As a direct result of the incident, Trooper Matthew Millhouse died of his injuries in 2015. He is listed on the Australian War Memorial Honour Roll as a casualty of the Iraq War.
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. The first incident involved the troop providing an armoured convoy escort to a US engineer unit travelling to Al Kasik. The convoy was ambushed in Tal Afar with the majority of the Australian callsigns returning fire from 25mm and .50cal. The second incident occurred a couple of days later in roughly the same location. The patrol was ambushed with insurgents using IED’s, small arms and rocket propelled grenades. The troop again returned fire en masse. During these firefights, the insurgents suffered unknown 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 was a member of SECDET IX in 2006.
Deployments Deployment Dates Composition NotesSECDET May–September 2003 V32A patrol- C Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. 5 Platoon, B Company, 2 RAR 1st MP Bn EOD Team from 3rd Combat Engineer RegimentSECDET II Sep 2003 - Jan 2004V12 - A Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment A Company, 2 RAR 1st MP BnSECDET III 20043 Troop, B Squadron, 2nd Cav Regt A Company, 3 RAR 1st MP BnSECDET IV 20043 Troop C Squadron, 2 CAV REGT D Company, 5/7 RAR 1st MP BnSECDET V 20043 Troop A Squadron, 2 Cav Regt C Company, 5/7 RAR 1st MP BnSECDET VI 2004A Company, 6 RAR 1st MP BnSECDET VII 2004–05C Company, 6 RAR Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI) 1st MP BnSECDET VII had a strength of approx. 60 soldiersSECDET VIII 2005B Company, 1 RAR Troop, 2/14 LHR 1st MP BnSECDET IX 2005–06Support Company, 3 RAR Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI) Elements, 1st MP BnPrivate Jacob Kovco was a member of SECDET IXSECDET X 2006A Company, 3 RAR Elements, 2 Cavalry Regt and 2/14 LHR (QMI) Elements, 1st MP BnSECDET XI 2007A Company, 1 RAR Troop, 2/14LHR (QMI) Elements, 1st MP Bn Combat Service Support ElementSECDET XII 2007D Company, 6 RAR Troop, 2/14 LHR (QMI) Elements, 1st MP Bn Combat Service Support ElementSECDET XIII 2008A Company, 7 RAR Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regt Elements, 1st MP Bn Combat Service Support ElementThe infantry component included a section of RAAF Airfield Defence Guardsfrom No. 2 Airfield Defence SquadronSECDET XIV 2008–09 Combat team HQ, B Sqn, 2nd Cavalry Regiment two infantry platoons, 5 RAR 3 Troop, B Sqn, 2nd Cavalry Regt Elements, 1st MP Bn Combat Service Support ElementThe infantry platoons were reinforced by members of No. 2 Airfield Defence SquadronSECDET XV 2009Company HQ and two infantry platoons, 2 RAR Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regt Elements, 1st MP Bn Combat Service Support ElementSECDET XVI20102/14 LHR (QMI) Headquarters Cavalry Scout Troop from 2/14 LHR QMI (A & C SQN) Elements, 1st MP Bn Combat Service Support ElementTransition from ASLAV based patrols to upgraded B6 armoured vehicles, then handing over to URG. Last Detachment to SECDET with frontline involvement and drew down from approx. 80 personnel to under 10 on SECDET XVII (HQ only).
See also Australian contribution to the 2003 invasion of Iraq Australian Embassy Guard Platoon, Saigon
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