Prime Minister Julia Gillard clawed back some support in the polls this week, but Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has made a play for one particular constituency, telling troops in Afghanistan that he backed their campaign to be allowed to wear their cherished berets again.

Sharing a barbeque with Australian soldiers at their base in Tarin Kowt today, Mr Abbott said he did not understand why the Defence Force hierarchy had banned wearing berets, a move that caused fury among the troops when the order came last year.

Full metal Abbott ... Tony Abbott tries out bomb-disposal gear during his visit to Tarin Kowt today. Credit:Penny Stephens

During the top-secret eight-hour visit, a week after Ms Gillard made a similar appearance, Mr Abbott also reaffirmed the Coalition's support for Australia's mission in Afghanistan.

He said briefings he'd had from senior Australian officers in Tarin Kowt had given him confidence the timetable for handing over control to Afghan security forces was on track.