Army's loving father was a 'role model'

A soldier who's died in Afghanistan has been described as a loving father and role model who was determined to join the Army despite health problems.

It's been announced today that two soldiers 35 year old Private Grant Kirby and 21-year-old Private Tomas Dale were killed by a roadside bomb yesterday afternoon.

Two other Australian soldiers were wounded but their injuries aren't life-threatening.

Private Kirby's father Gary has released a statement saying his son was nicknamed "Dad" by his colleagues in his unit because of his relatively older age.

He says his son had persisted in trying to join the Army after suffering shin splints in his first attempt before successfully trying again.

Private Kirby's ex-wife Edwina says the soldier was a dedicated father to his two daughters 10-year-old Isabella and eight year old Madeline.