Publisher Description

Since the end of their involvement in the Vietnam War, the Australian Army has been modernized in every respect. After peacekeeping duties in South-East Asia, Africa and the Middle East in the 1980s–90s, 'Diggers' were sent to safeguard the newly independent East Timor from Indonesian harassment in 1999, and to provide long-term protection and mentoring since 2006. Australian Army units have served in the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Australian Special Forces are currently operating alongside US and British elements against ISIS in northern Iraq. During these campaigns the Australian SAS Regiment and Commandos have fully matured into 'Tier 1' assets, internationally recognized for their wide range of capabilities.The book, written by an Australian author who has written extensively about modern warfare, traces the development of the Army's organization, combat uniforms, load-bearing equipment, small arms and major weapon systems using specially commissioned artwork and photographs.

Author Biography

Leigh Neville is an Australian national who has written a number of books on both modern conventional military units and special operations forces serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, their weapons and their vehicles, including multiple titles for Osprey with several more in development. He has also consulted on military topics for several wargame companies and television documentary makers. He lives in Sydney with his wife and two dogs.Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and model maker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction: the 'Diggers' – history and character – recent organization; British and US influence/ The lean years, 1970s/ Modernization, 1980s/ Peace-keeping, 1980s–90s: Rwanda, Cambodia, Lebanon, Somalia/ East Timor: Op 'Stabilise', 1999; Op 'Astute', 2006/ Afghanistan: Special Forces Task Group, 2001–2002/ Iraq: Special Operations Forces, 2003; Battle Group, 2005–2008/ Back to Afghanistan: Special Forces/Special Operations Task Group, 2005–2013; Reconstruction Task Force, 2006–2012. * Evolution of Australian Special Ops Forces; return to Iraq/ The future: 2016 Defence White Paper/ Weapons, equipment and vehicles; uniforms, load-bearing equipment and body armor/ Select Bibliography/ Plate Commentaries

Review

"A plethora of great photos of soldiers and vehicles are combined with superb art by Peter Dennis to illustrate the Australians' organizational evolution, uniforms, insignia and equipment in this absorbing 48-page paperback." --Toy Soldier & Model Figure Magazine "It's good book on the Australian Army since Vietnam. As much detail as you could fit in a standard Osprey book covering 40 years. You'll find yourself making good use of the helpful abbreviations and acronyms table at the start of the book. I found the soldier pictures to very informative." --Armorama

Promotional

An illustrated study of the radical evolution of the Australian Army's capabilities, and its combat operations, that has taken place since the end of the Vietnam War.

Review Quote

"A plethora of great photos of soldiers and vehicles are combined with superb art by Peter Dennis to illustrate the Australians' organizational evolution, uniforms, insignia and equipment in this absorbing 48-page paperback." - Toy Soldier & Model Figure Magazine

Promotional "Headline"

An illustrated study of the radical evolution of the Australian Army's capabilities, and its combat operations, that has taken place since the end of the Vietnam War.

Feature

This book describes their combat history, including recent conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan, including Special Operations Forces.

Details