Return From Operational Service Due To Pregnancy

Return From Operational Service Due To Pregnancy

Media reports during the last week have discussed the repatriation of a female Army officer from Afghanistan in October 2006, and more recently, the actions of the member's Commanding Officer.

The female officer involved has expressed her concern through the Defence chain of command at the public exposure of traumatic and very personal issues.

The circumstances of the member's return to Australia and miscarriage, including her Commanding Officer's involvement, were investigated at the time of the incident by the Australian Deputy Commander in Afghanistan.

It was found that the member's return to Australia was consistent with policy and that the actions of the Commanding Officer were appropriate.

In light of this recent speculation, however, Defence is reviewing the advice provided to the Commanding Officer that assisted his decision-making.

Defence has no further comment on this matter at this stage.

Defence understands that some anonymous comments are circulating in relation to command of the first Australian deployment to Oruzgan Province in 2006.

Defence is aware of these comments and will not respond to anonymous allegations. Defence will treat seriously any formal representations made by named persons.

Defence can confirm that allegations against the Commanding Officer by a single individual under his command were investigated in November 2006. This included interviews with key personnel from the Reconstruction Force Headquarters, as well as the female officer who was repatriated as a result of her pregnancy. All stated that they had no issues with the Commanding Officer and the review subsequently concluded there was no substance to the allegations.

Among the achievements of the Commanding Officer who led the first Reconstruction Task Force in Oruzgan Province, was the establishment of an effective and very well regarded ADF presence in a demanding and complex operational environment.

Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston said that he had "the highest regard for the reconstruction and security achievements of the Commanding Officer in a challenging and dangerous operational tour, from which all personnel deployed home safely."

ENDS

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