Reconstruction Task Force Soldiers Receive Treatment After Accidental Discharge of Pen-flares in Separate Incidents

Two Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) soldiers are receiving medical care following two separate incidents involving the accidental discharge of pen-flares. The incidents occurred late on the evening of Wednesday, 23 July during a routine RTF patrolling activity in Oruzgan Province.

Defence spokesperson Brigadier Brian Dawson said one soldier received a serious injury as a result of an accidental pen-flare discharge and another received superficial injuries in a second, similar incident while assisting in the treatment of his section mate.

“Both soldiers were immediately given first-aid by the other section members and evacuated to a nearby ISAF medical facility for further treatment and medical assessment,” Brigadier Dawson said.

“Their injuries are not life-threatening but they remain under medical care.”

The RTF has commenced an investigation into the likely causes of the pen-flare discharges. Australian troops continue to use them on operational patrols due to their value in providing a non-lethal option when they are required to signal Afghan drivers to remain a safe distance from convoys or checkpoints.

Pen-flares are small hand-held devices that project an incandescent flare that can be easily seen during the day and night out to approximately 50 meters.

The families of the injured soldiers have been informed of the incident.

The release of this information to the public has been delayed due to priority the ADF places on notifying the affected families.

The names of the soldiers injured have not been released as they remain in the operational area.

Source: Australian Defence Force

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