True Blue Conversations - Troy Simmonds 1 RAR / Australian Special Forces SASR Regiment Veteran
Description
On todays podcast, I speak with 1 RAR / Australian Special Forces SASR regiment
veteran Troy Simmonds. Troy had a decorated career that included deployments to
Somalia, East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, he was also a member of the domestic
counterterrorism team TAG West.
As a kid, Troy always wanted to join the SAS after being given a book when he was
little. Troy joined the army in 1991. Troys dream became a reality when he was
selected to join the Perth-based SAS Regiment in 1996.
Troy joined the SASR during one of the most operationally active periods of its
history. As well, he was a member of TAG for the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
In 2008, while in 3 SQN, Troy was the Patrol Commander of the lead patrol in the
battle, known as the Battle of Khas Uruzgan, which was one of the bloodiest
engagements involving Australian troops during the Afghanistan campaign. Nine in
his team of thirteen were wounded in action against a Taliban force of over 150 over
the 2-hour battle. It would result in one of Troy’s team, Mark Donaldson, being
awarded Australia’s first Victoria Cross in 40 years. Troy was wounded three times in
that furious battle and still has a Taliban bullet in his pelvis today.
In 2012, after 22 years of service, Troy discharged from the Army.
In post-service life, Troy now works as a Safety manager for an international offshore
marine company.
Troy was President of the Western Australian branch of the Australian SAS
Association. Currently, he is Assistant National Secretary of the SAS Association
National Executive. Troy is deeply involved and passionate about the challenges and
opportunities faced by veterans.
Presenter: Adam Blum
Guest: Troy Simmonds
Editor: Kyle Watkins
United States
