The latest Australian army task group bound for Afghanistan has been officially farewelled with Army chief Lieutenant General David Morrison urging them to ignore those who say their mission isn't worth it.
The soldiers from the South Australian-based 7th Battalion (7RAR) will deploy into southern Afghanistan later this year, replacing the task group based around Townsville-based 3RAR.
This will 7RAR's first deployment to Afghanistan as a stand-alone unit following its delinking from 5RAR.
It will also be one of the last major deployments of Australian troops into Afghanistan as Afghan units progressively take over responsibility for security.
As the 2014 drawdown date approaches, there's been increasing questioning of the mission, including by retired Major General John Cantwell who said he didn't believe it was worth the cost in lives lost.
Ignore that, said Lieutenant General Morrison.
"I'd ask you not to focus on some negative and misinformed comments that are currently in the media to the effect that your work is not as relevant as it should be, nor in the national interest nor vital to the security of your families and this nation," he told the soldiers.
"Nothing could be further from the truth."
The parade, conducted at the 1st Brigade Headquarters at RAAF Base Edinburgh, comprised 450 servicemen and women of the 7RAR Task Group who will depart for operations in late October and early November.
This will be the first Australian task group designated as advisers rather than mentors to the Afghan National Army (ANA) 4th Brigade in Oruzgan province.
Task group commander Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Wells said this new role reflected the progress achieved by the ANA in Oruzgan and across Afghanistan.
"Our deployment as advisers rather than mentors to the Afghan National Army's 4th Brigade is testament to the growing professionalism, confidence and influence we see in our Afghan partners," he said.
"The Afghans want our assistance and advice as they progress and we will stand with them and provide the guidance and support they need to protect their people."
Commander of the 1st Brigade Brigadier John Frewen said the 7RAR soldiers were ready to build on the foundations laid down by their predecessors.
"The soldiers understand the importance of their mission and are focused on continuing the high level of progress being made by the Afghan National Security Forces," he said.
