in Uruzgan province in conjunction United States, Dutch and other coalition forces, operating from a number of patrol bases in the Mirabad, Baluchi and Chora valleys. Initially commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blain, the task force arrived in late January 2010 and was tasked with partnering the 4th Brigade, 205th Corps of the Afghan National Army. Blain subsequently handed over command to Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jennings on 21 June. MTF-1 operated throughout the province, with their area of operations extended west into the Tangi Valley following the Dutch withdrawal in August. Elements of the task force were later involved in heavy fighting at Derapet in Deh Rahwod on 24 August 2010. During an eight-month deployment, the task force conducted over 1,700 patrols involving more than 560 small-arms fire incidents, and located over 100 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and more than 250 weapons and explosives caches. Involved in sustained operations, MTF-1 suffered nearly 40 battle casualties, including six killed in action, the majority from IEDs. Returning to Australia in October and November 2010, it was later awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation (MUC) in 2011 Queen's Birthday Honours. On 20 November 2010, MTF-1 marched through Brisbane's central business district along with other deployed units from the 7th Brigade, as the returning soldiers were officially welcomed home in the biggest such parade since the end of the Vietnam War. On 1 November 2012 Corporal Daniel Keighran from 6 RAR was the Victoria Cross for Australia for his actions in Afghanistan during the Battle of Derapet on 24 August 2010. His award was the first to a member of the Royal Australian Regiment. Current role and structure In 2017 the battalion commenced the transition to the mechanised role with the adoption of the M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carrier. The battalion currently consists of: Battalion Headquarters 3 Rifle Companies – 'A', 'B', and 'D' Support Company Logistics Support Company Battle honours Vietnam: Vietnam 1965–66, Long Tan, Binh Ba, Vietnam 1969–70. Commanding officers The following officers have served as commanding officer of 6RAR. Rank and honours are as at the individual's time in command. Regimental Sergeant Majors The following table lists the Regimental Sergeant Majors of 6 RAR. Rank and honours are as at the individual's time in command. See also Military history of Australia Royal Australian Regiment Notes References Further reading External links Archived 6 RAR official website Infantry units and formations of Australia Military units