25 YEARS SINCE AUSTRALIANS ANSWERED THE CALL IN AFGHANISTAN

CANBERRA, ACT, Oct. 11 -- The Prime Minister of Australia issued the following media release:

Today marks 25 years since the commencement of Operation Slipper, Australia's first military contribution to the war in Afghanistan and the beginning of a significant chapter in our nation's military history.

In the wake of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, Australia joined an international coalition to combat terrorism and support security and stability in Afghanistan.

Over the next two decades, more than 35,000 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members deployed on operations in support of Afghanistan, shaping a generation of Defence personnel, veterans and families.

Australian missions initially focused on counterter...