Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey was serving with a Protective Security Detachment, which provided protection for a senior Australian officer at Headquarters International Security Assistance Force Joint Command.

‍Todd died in a non-combat-related incident in Afghanistan on 1st July 2014 and is survived by his mother, father, brothers and partner.

‍Aged 29 at the time of his death, Todd was born in Gosford, New South Wales, in 1985. He joined the Australian Army in March 2006 under the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme.

On completion of his initial employment training, he was posted to the then 4th Battalion (Commando), The Royal Australian Regiment, now the 2nd Commando Regiment, in September 2006.

Todd was deployed on six tours to Afghanistan, ranging from two weeks to six months.  Todd’s colleagues in the 2nd Commando Regiment describe him as a brilliant bloke to know and work with, who was loyal to the core and would do anything for his mates.

A consummate professional and a dedicated soldier, Todd was one of the hardest working members of the Regiment, who never sought recognition or reward.

Todd has received the following honours and awards:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp International Coalition Against Terrorism Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Australian Service Medal with Clasp Counter Terrorism/Special Recovery
• Australian Defence Medal
• NATO non-article 5 Medal with Clasp ISAF
• Multiple Tour Indicator 3 North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
• Soldiers Medallion
• Infantry Combat Badge
• Returned from Active Service Badge

During Todd’s service in the Australian Army, he was deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) May – July 2014
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) March 2014
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) October – November 2013
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) July – December 2012
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) February – July 2010
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) June – November 2008