War in the Sand Pit – Perspectives and Lessons from Australia’s War in Afghanistan and Iraq 2001-2014

Two-day Conference 12 Р13 May 2017. Monash Centre, Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Brisbane.

Registrations are now closed.

Updates may be found on Twitter at MHHVic #WISP17

In the wake of al-Qaeda’s attacks on the United States in September 2001 Australia embarked on a military-led campaign in Afghanistan and Iraq.

But few, if any, envisaged it would turn out to be Australia‚Äôs longest war. How did this happen? This conference, drawing on key participants and decision makers, explores how it came about that between 2001 and 2014 over 50,000 members of the Australian Defence Force fought in the Middle East Area of Operations…‚ÄòWar in the Sand Pit‚Äô.

To date, little is known and few works have been written about Australia’s longest of military conflicts. With the Official History for these wars still some years away it is time to undertake some preliminary analysis of this period in our history. This conference will pose some thought provoking questions and push for some coherent answers.

What happened? How well did we understand the nature of the fight? Why did Australia contribute the way it did? Were there other viable approaches? Did Australia’s contribution add value to the coalitions? What lessons can be learned for the future? This two-day conference will examine these and other questions.

A select group of key participants and decision makers in the events of that period are gathering together to place into the public record different perspectives and responses to many questions for the benefit of history and scholarship. This nationally significant event is not to be missed.

Military History and Heritage Victoria in partnership with the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre at the ANU have gathered an impressive array of speakers involved first hand at the national, operational and tactical levels.

On national policy and strategy Professor Robert Hill, AC (former Minister for Defence 2001-2006) will provide the keynote address. Ric Smith, AO, PSM (former Secretary of the Department of Defence 2002-2006) will speak on Australian National Policy. Admiral Chris Barrie, AC, RAN (Retd) (Chief of the Defence Force 1998-2002) will speak on Australian Military Strategy.

On Afghanistan, Brigadier Dan McDaniel, DSC, AM, DSM (former member Special Air Service Regiment), Brigadier Mick Ryan, AM (former Commanding Officer Reconstruction Task Force 1 in 2006 and 2007) and Air Commodore Chris Westwood (Retd) (former Officer Commanding No. 41 in Kandahar in 2007) will speak on different aspects regarding the war in Afghanistan.

On Iraq, Brigadier Anthony Rawlins, DSC (former Commanding Officer, Overwatch Battle Group West – 2 December 2006 – June 2007), Vice Admiral Peter Jones, AO, DSC (Retd) (former Maritime Interception Operations Screen Commander in 2003) and Major General Jim Molan, AO, DSC (Retd), (former Chief of Operations, Multi-National Forces-Iraq in 2004) will speak on different aspects regarding the war in Iraq.

On other partner agencies, Super-intendent Col Speedie (Retd) (former commander second AFP mission to Afghanistan in 2008/09) and David Savage, AM (former AusAID Stabilisation Advisor, Provincial Reconstruction Team in 2012) will speak on the contribution from other Australian Government agencies.

On joint enabling functions, Major General Michael Crane, DSC and Bar, AM (Retd) (former Commander Joint Task Force 633 in 2008 and 2012/13), Colonel Mick Lehmann, CSC (Retd) (former intelligence officer in Afghanistan 2007-2015) and Brigadier Peter Daniel, AM, CSC (Retd) (former logistics officer in Iraq 2008-2009) will speak on different joint force issues. Professor Dan Marston and Doctor Garth Pratten from the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre will speak on other coalition perspectives.

On lessons and legacies, Professor William Maley (author and editor of Reconstructing Afghanistan) and Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, AC (Retd) (former Chief of the Army 2002-2008) will speak about the lessons and legacies of these wars for Australia. Doctor John Blaxland, whose recently published book The Australian Army from Whitlam to Howard includes chapters on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, will open and close the conference and edit the proceedings for publication.

Session chairs include:

• Karen Middleton (journalist and author of An Unwinnable War: Australia in Afghanistan).
• Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith, VC, MG (Retd) (former member Special Air Service Regiment).
• Major General John Cantwell, AO, DSC (Retd) (former Deputy Chief of Operations Multi-National Forces-Iraq and Commander Joint Task Force 633).
• James Brown, Adjunct Associate Professor and Research Director at the United States Study Centre at the University of Sydney and Iraq and Afghanistan veteran.
• Dr Alan Ryan (Executive Director of the Australian Civil-Military Centre).
• Professor Craig Stockings (Official Historian of Australian Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Australian Peacekeeping Operations in East Timor).

Download the War in the Sand Pit Conference Program here

The ticket pricing is:

• General Admission – two-days $250.00 or one-day only $150.00.
• Concession Card and MHHV Individual Members – two-days $200.00 or one-day only $120.00.

The ticket price includes morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea on both days.

On Friday evening: Drinks and complimentary canapes along with a performance by renowned author, speaker and singer/songwriter, Fred Smith (the first Australian diplomat to be posted to Uruzgan in 2009) at the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment. The performance will include songs from his album Dust of Uruzgan.

On the registration booking website you have the option of purchasing a ticket for both days of the Conference or just for one day. If you purchase just one day then please make sure you select the right day.

We are also offering coach transfers from Brisbane City to the Gallipoli Barracks Base at $12 per person per trip.

The coaches will depart from in front of the Adina Anzac Square Hotel (255 Ann St) at 07:30 on Friday 12 May 2017 and at 08:00 on Saturday 13 May 2017.

The coaches will depart from Gallipoli Barracks and return to the Adina Anzac Square Hotel at 19:45 on Friday 12 May 2017 and at 17:00 on Saturday 13 May 2017. If you purchase a coach ticket then please ensure that you select the right direction and day.

Entry into Gallipoli Barracks is controlled so all conference delegates will either require a Department of Defence pass or photo ID.

Delegates without one of these forms of identification will not be granted entry into the Base.

If not arriving on the coach , please allow an additional 30 minutes to allow for entry into Gallipoli Barracks.

Conference registration at the Monash Centre will be open from 08:00 to 09:00 on Friday 12 May 2017.

The Conference will commence promptly at 09:00 on Friday 12 May 2017.

Cars of non-Defence members will not be permitted into Gallipoli Barracks and there are very limited parking facilities at the front entrance.