AFGHANISTAN25

Two decades of service 

On 11 October 2026, RSL Queensland will recognise the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan, acknowledging the courage, commitment and sacrifice of all who served. 

From 2001 to 2021, more than 35,000 Australians deployed to Afghanistan and the Middle East Area of Operations in relation to Afghanistan. They served in difficult and often dangerous conditions, supporting security, reconstruction and humanitarian efforts over two decades. 

AFGHANISTAN25 is an opportunity to reflect on that service, remember those who lost their lives, and acknowledge the impact on veterans and their families. We also recognise the many Afghanistan veterans who continue their proud legacy of service today – in uniform and across their communities. 

On this anniversary, we invite the community to take a moment to remember, reflect and recognise those who served. 

Lest we forget.  

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Service, sacrifice and the bonds that endure

Twenty-five years after Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan began, Army veteran Rob Layton reflects on two operational tours, the mates who carried him through and why their service must be remembered.

“Camaraderie is everything,” he remembers. “In Afghanistan, it’s you and your team. You and your mates are the ones that look after each other every day."

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