A TWEED father is on the front line in Afghanistan fighting with British troops as tensions rise in the region.

Paul Chapman, 42, is putting his experience into practice in artillery supporting British troops in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

On the detachment's second night in Afghanistan, the Forward Operating Base was attacked by insurgents with rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire.

The Australian gunners used their 105mm guns at close range — not something that happens often.

“Due to the training, strong leadership and battlefield discipline, we were able to take the fight to the enemy and ensure the base was secure and the local population were also safe,” Mr Chapman said.

Despite the dangers Mr Chapman said he took great pride in his men and his job, and his work with the British Army and the Afghan National Army was paying off.

“This has been, by far, the most rewarding deployment,” he said.

“I have been able to do the job I was trained for and, by knowing my job, I can contribute to the effort to assist the Afghans have peace and a better future.”

An Australian Defence Force spokesman said the death of Osama bin Laden did not mean an end to the challenge of bringing security and stability to Afghanistan.

“Australia has vital security interests at stake in continuing our efforts to ensure Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven and training ground for global terrorism,” the spokesman said.

“We will stay the course in Afghanistan until our mission is complete,” he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Jason Logue said Australian artillery gunners had supported the British led Operation Herrick as part of Task Force Helmand to augment the British artillery.

“This is the last Australian rotation of Operation Herrick as the commitment has achieved its objectives and are subsequently no longer required by the UK,” Lt Col Logue said.

Although the tour has been hard for Mr Chapman, he could not have done it without the support of his wife Lisa and his children Lily and Merrick.

“Now I am looking forward to getting home and having a barbecue on the back deck.”