As we approach the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan 2001–2021, we reflect on some of those who served and share where they are today.
While each person's experience was different, former soldiers Shaun Kober and Adam Burke share a common bond forged through service, sacrifice and the challenges of life after deployment.
Serving on the front line
Serving on the front line in Afghanistan was demanding and often dangerous. Amid the country's vast deserts and rugged mountains, Australian personnel navigated cultural differences, combat operations and accidents, while facing the ever-present threat of mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Shaun Kober deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 with the Australian Army's 5th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5 RAR). As a sniper, lead scout and Combat First Aider, he worked in small teams where every decision mattered.
‘Operating in a combat environment placed enormous demands on individuals and teams,’ Shaun recalls. ‘You had to be physically prepared, mentally switched on and capable of making good decisions when tired, uncomfortable, under pressure and dealing with uncertainty.’
Shaun Kober ghillied up on overwatch in Afghanistan.
For Sergeant Adam Burke, Afghanistan unfolded in two very different chapters. His first deployment, in 2007, was as an Infantry Section Commander with Australian Army’s 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR), helping to clear areas so engineers could carry out reconstruction work. His second deployment, in 2012, was as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant with Australian Army’s 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR), where he focused on mentoring members of the Afghan National Army.
‘Both deployments differed to the mission,’ Adam says. ‘The first tour was more of clearing ground so the engineers could conduct reconstruction tasks. This was extremely satisfying. The second tour was mentoring the Afghan National Army. It was a bit more painstaking than the first deployment.’
Leadership in the hardest moments
For both veterans, Afghanistan provided powerful lessons. Shaun says one of the most enduring lessons he learned was that success under pressure begins long before any crisis occurs.
‘Resilient teams are built before they are tested,’ he said. ‘You cannot suddenly manufacture trust, communication or leadership when things go wrong.’
During his deployment, Shaun was awarded a Commendation for Gallantry following actions under fire. Yet he generously does not view the recognition as an individual achievement.
‘What we achieved came from operating as a team, trusting one another and each person doing their job when it mattered.’
Adam's deployments also demanded leadership in the face of tragedy. On 8 October 2007, his section was returning from patrol when a Light Armoured Vehicle struck an IED, tragically killing a trooper. Years later, during his second deployment, an insider attack at Patrol Base Wahab claimed the lives of three soldiers under his command.
‘These were extremely challenging times,’ Adam says. Despite the losses, he was responsible for keeping his soldiers focused and mission-ready while supporting those around him through grief and shock.
Adam Burke in Afghanistan.
Finding a new mission
Returning home from war often marks the beginning of another challenge: rebuilding life after service.
Shaun found a way to apply lessons learned in uniform to a new career. After leaving the Army, he built a career in strength and conditioning, eventually working with elite combat athletes in Thailand, including as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket.
Today, through his own coaching business, Live Train Perform, Shaun helps people improve not only their physical performance, but also their mindset, leadership and resilience.
Shaun Kober with One Championship three-weight-division World Champion Anatoly Malykhin at the world-renowned Tiger Muay Thai training facility in Thailand.
‘Nearly everything I do today has been influenced in some way by my military service,’ he says. ‘The environment has changed, but the objective is remarkably similar: prepare people well, build capable and resilient individuals and teams, and give them the tools to perform when life places demands on them.’
For Adam, life after the Army led him into a range of workplace health and safety roles before he ultimately returned to hands-on work. He now works as a Plant Operator on the Snowy 2.0 project.
‘I've gone back on the tools with a good team of motivated people,’ he said. The role provides a sense of satisfaction, as well as a strong team environment he valued throughout his military career.
Adam Burke at a commemorative service at Cronulla Beach in 2015, to mark the centenary of the Anzac landings.
A lasting legacy
Although their paths have taken different directions, Shaun and Adam remain connected by the experiences they shared through service.
The Australian War Memorial’s Roll of Honour commemorates Australian Defence Force members who lost their lives as a result of service in Afghanistan. We honour all Australians who served, acknowledge the enduring impact of their service, and thank the families whose unwavering support was vital throughout their service and beyond.
To mark the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan 2001–2021, DVA will hold a national commemorative service in Canberra on 11 October 2026 at the Australian War Memorial.
The service will also be broadcast nationally by the ABC.
For more information about the commemorative service or to register your attendance, visit: www.dva.gov.au/Afghanistan-anniversary
If you need support, Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling is available 24/7 on 1800 011 046.