If Lieutenant Colonel Peter Conroy had his way the Commendation for Distinguished Service he was awarded in the Australia Day Honours List would go to his wife, Kristy.
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"When I left [for Afghanistan] Kristy was pregnant and we had a one-year-old. Apart from a brief trip back for the birth of our second baby it was a very long 10 months for both of us," he said.
Lt. Col. Conroy was recognised for his work mentoring senior Afghan Army commanders as part of Operation High Road from December 10, 2014, to October 10, 2015.
He was part of the Australian contingent of the multinational 205 Corps Advisory Team that arrived in Kandahar 23 days before the end of Operation Slipper.
The transition between the two phases of Australia's involvement in Afghanistan made no difference to the men and women on the ground.
"Fundamentally nothing at all changed," he said. "Our role was the same, the threat level [particularly from 'green on blue' attacks by Afghan soldiers] was still extremely high."
The largest part of the Australian contingent was the 100-strong force protection element whose job was to protect the mentors against such attacks at all times.
"They were literally our guardian angels," Lt. Col. Conroy said. "I couldn't have done my job without the efforts of guys like mine, Corporal Cunningham. They were dedicated and professional at all times."
Lt. Col. Conroy, who is looking forward to receiving his award from a former commander, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, later this year, can't speak highly enough of the commander of the Australian team, Colonel Mitchell Kent.
"He was the best leader I have ever worked for."
Lt. Col. Conroy, who was the chief of staff of the multinational advisory team, was praised for his efforts in developing strategic outcomes and policy outcomes.
His citation states: "Through his efforts the Afghan National Defence Forces achieved strategic success in combat operations that has had an enduring impact and directly enhanced the reputation and profile of Australia's contribution to the Resolute Support Mission."
Lt. Col. Conroy is now based in Canberra as the commanding officer of the Australian Defence Force Peace Operations Training Centre.
Another ACT soldier recognised in the Australia Day Honours List was Colonel Tony Archer. Colonel Archer served as the chief of future operations while deployed on Operation Highroad in Afghanistan from June 2015 to July 2016. He received a Commendation for Distinguished Service.
