Sergeant Brett Wood MG DSM

Sergeant Wood was serving with the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan when he was tragically killed in action as a result of the explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device on Monday 23 May 2011 (Afghanistan time).

Thirty-two year old Sergeant Wood was from the Sydney based 2nd Commando Regiment.

Sergeant Brett Wood leaves behind his loving wife and family, who are currently receiving support from Defence.

Sergeant Brett Wood was born in Ferntree Gully, Victoria in 1978.  He joined the Army in 1996 and after recruit training joined 6th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment. Sergeant Wood successfully undertook Commando Selection and Training and joined the then 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (2 Commando) in November 1998.

Sergeant Wood has significant operational experience.  His first deployment was to Bougainville in 2000. In 2001 he deployed to East Timor on Operation Tanager and in 2003 to Iraq on Operation Falconer. In 2006 Sergeant Wood deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Slipper. He was awarded The Medal for Gallantry for leadership in action as a Team Commander during this tour.

Sergeant Wood received a Special Operations Commander – Australia, Commendation for service with the Tactical Assault Group – East in 2007 and in 2009 he returned to Afghanistan as a Section Commander.

Sergeant Wood deployed to Afghanistan, for the third time, in March this year.

Sergeant Brett Wood was awarded the Medal for Gallantry, the Australian Active Service Medal with clasps: East Timor, International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) and Iraq 2003; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Australian Service Medal with clasps: Bougainville, Counter Terrorism and Special Recovery Clasp; Defence Long Service Medal; Australian Defence Medal; United Nations East Timor Medal; NATO ISAF Medal; Special Operations Command Australia Commendation and Unit Citation for Gallantry. He has also been awarded the Infantry Combat Badge.

During Sergeant Brett Wood service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following Operations;

• OPERATION BEL ISI II (Bougainville) – Mar 2000 – Aug 2000.
• OPERATION TANAGER (East Timor) – Apr 2001 – Aug 2001.
• OPERATION FALCONER (Iraq) – Feb 2003 – May 2003.
• OPERATION SLIPPER (Afghanistan) – Apr 2006 – Sep 2006.
• OPERATION SLIPPER (Afghanistan) – Jul 2009 – Nov 2009.
• OPERATION SLIPPER (Afghanistan) – Mar 2011 – May 2011.

Statement on behalf of Mrs Elvi Wood

Defence releases the following statement on behalf of Mrs Elvi Wood, the wife of Sergeant Brett Wood.

“On behalf of Brett’s immediate family, his friends and myself – I would like the Australian public to know what a brilliant husband, son, brother, friend and soldier Brett Mathew Wood was.

Brett was extremely proud to be part of the 2nd Commando Regiment and he considered many of his colleagues to be his second family.  He was an excellent soldier, a true leader and a friend to all in his unit.

The care and support we have received today from the Defence Force as well as Brett’s colleagues simply reinforces how well respected Brett was.

Brett was a much loved son, grandson and brother who inspired his family with his dedication and generosity. 

I have not only lost my husband, I have lost my best friend.  The past six years with him were the happiest of my life and it was the biggest honour ever to become his wife and to be part of his family. 

Brett, you have done your country proud and you will always be remembered.

I love you with all of my heart.  Be in peace now.

We request that the media respect our privacy at this difficult time and provide us with the space to grieve. We will not be making any further comment and thank the media and community for their understanding.”