ANZAC Day 2004

Anzac Day rehearsal, Baghdad

Operation Catalyst - Australia’s Defence contribution to Coalition military operations - is an integral part of the Australian Government’s commitment focused on humanitarian assistance and the rehabilitation of Iraq.

With more than 850 soldiers, sailors and airmen and airwomen deployed to the Middle East, Defence is playing a significant and constructive role in Iraq’s future, assisting national recovery programs and helping facilitate the transition to Iraq self-government.

An Army training team comprising 53 soldiers is providing vital assistance to the New Iraqi Army in the training of three Iraqi battalions and a brigade headquarters staff, while a Security Detachment (SECDET) provides protection and escort to the Australian Representational Office.

Made up from infantry soldiers of the Third Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, Military Police, troopers of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and an Explosive Ordnance Detachment, the SECDET is located in Baghdad.

Other roles in the region include maritime interception operations in the northern Persian Gulf, currently being conducted by HMAS Stuart, a RAAF C-130 Hercules detachment providing intra-theatre airlift and sustainment, a RAAF combat support element providing Air Traffic Control at Baghdad International Airport and a RAN training team instructing Iraqi sailors in patrol boat and small vessel operations for the Iraqi Coastal Defence Force.