Add Category
Posted
A former member of Australia's elite SAS has had his service formally recognised by the Army following a lengthy and costly legal battle with Defence.
Trooper Evan Donaldson, a veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, had alleged his military records were illegally altered and the act covered up by senior Army figures.
In an interview with the ABC in February last year, Trooper Donaldson also claimed he was subjected to a brutal sexual assault as part of a secretive training program with the SAS a decade ago.
Independent senator Jacquie Lambie used parliamentary privilege to name and attack senior Army officers over the affair later that month.
In June, Trooper Donaldson said he had rejected a $1 million compensation offer from Defence because the department had refused to recognise his status as an SAS trooper during the negotiations.
The ABC understands Trooper Donaldson has now accepted a substantial financial settlement following his eight-year legal battle.
In a statement released late on Monday, Chief of Army Lieutenant General Angus Campbell said that Trooper Donaldson had "successfully completed the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) Selection Course in March 2006".
"He served as a beret-qualified member of the SASR from June 30, 2006 until February 23, 2009," the Army Chief's statement said.
"During his service with the SASR, Trooper Donaldson deployed to the Middle East area of operations, where he served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also deployed to Timor Leste.
"Since July 2009, Trooper Donaldson has been posted to 1st Commando Regiment as an SAS operator.
"Army acknowledges and appreciates Trooper Donaldson's service."
Late last year, Trooper Donaldson again made headlines when he broke down in a Senate hearing describing his brother's attempted suicide while also serving in the elite SAS unit.
Topics: defence-and-national-security, army, australia