May 20, 2025
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