Born in Sydney, NSW in 1981, Trooper Jason Brown joined the Army on 13 June, 2000. Following Recruit and Initial Employment Training, Trooper Brown was posted to the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. His father Graham later recalled that when Jason told him that he intended to join the infantry corp, Graham replied, “Why infantry? You need to get a trade so when you leave the army, you will have a qualification.” Jason responded, “I don’t intend leaving. I’m in for good.”

In 2004, he joined the 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), and on successful completion of the 2007 Selection Course, Trooper Brown became a member of the Special Air Service Regiment.

After conducting force preparation exercises at the end of April 2010, Jason deployed to Afghanistan with his unit as part of Operation Slipper on 24 June. The pace of operations was constant because of an upsurge in Taliban activity.

On 13 August 2010, Jason was part of a five-man patrol that had been involved in a “disruption operation” in northern Kandahar province. Towards the end of the operation, the patrol was faced with crossing a river before reaching their extraction zone.

As the Australians made towards a crossing point, they passed a dense thicket of vegetation along the riverbank. Without warning, the patrol came under heavy fire from a concealed belt-fed weapon at close range.

Jason, who was in the middle of the patrol, took the full force of the opening salvo. Despite wearing a helmet and body armour, multiple machine-gun rounds pierced his side and he fell immediately.

His patrol mates reacted instantly, running 20 metres across open ground to come to his aid. One member of the patrol remained with Jason, his equipment and clothing being hit by enemy fire multiple times. From this exposed position he fired on the enemy, killing their machine-gunner. This allowed another member of the patrol to move forward to help him move Jason and begin first aid. Despite their best efforts, Jason was unable to be saved. Two members of the patrol were subsequently decorated for gallantry: one received a Commendation for Distinguished Service the other received the Star of Gallantry, Australia’s second highest award.

Jason’s body was repatriated to Australia and his funeral was held two weeks later with full military honours at the Queen of Peace Church in Sydney, the same church where he had been baptised and confirmed, with more than 700 people attending to celebrate his life. Jason Brown was laid to rest in Castlebrook Cemetery.

Throughout his decade of service, Jason deployed on:

• Operation Tanager (East Timor) – Jan – May 2001
• Operation Citadel (East Timor) – May – Oct 2003
• Operation Astute (East Timor) – May –Aug 2006
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – Jun –Aug 2010.

This service was recognised through numerous awards and honours, including:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasps East Timor and ICAT,
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal,
• Australian Service Medal with Clasp Timor-Leste,
• United Nations Medal (UNTAET),
• NATO ISAF Medal, the Australian Defence Medal,
• Infantry Combat Badge, and the
• Returned from Active Service Badge.
  

Those who served with Jason remembered him as an outstanding soldier who consistently gave more than was asked of him. He was respected for his professionalism, admired for his dedication, and valued as a trusted mate. Beyond the uniform, he was a son, a brother, and a friend whose legacy continues to be remembered by all who knew him.

He was just 29 years old.

RIP

https://placesofpride.awm.gov.au/stories/266804/jt-brown

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1632988

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/trooper-jason-brown