Image Gallery: September 2007
Mortar section to enhance Reconstruction Task Force capability
03 September 2007
After consultation with Defence Chiefs, the Government has authorised the deployment of a 12-man, 81mm mortar section to Afghanistan to support Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) operations.
This follows a visit to the Middle East Area of Operations, where Minister for Defence Dr Brendan Nelson advised by tactical commanders of an in-service capability that would significantly enhance force protection and response options for the operation.
The mortars will provide accurate offensive support for RTF operations and will be employed within the existing Rules of Engagement applied by Australian troops in Afghanistan.
This deployment highlights the ADF's continual review of the situation faced by soldiers deployed into operational areas and a focus on providing every force protection measure available to support their activities.
Read media release: Mortar section to enhance Reconstruction Task Force capability
| 20070701adf8262658_124 From left: Private (PTE) Chris Redman, PTE Michael Crank and PTE Frank Attard from mortar platoon, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, prepare to fire during a live practice at Shoalwater Bay Training Area. (Date taken: 01 July 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU11APR02GAR09 A French mortar team sites their mortar tube during a live-fire exercise in 'Shoalwater Bay' Training Area in Queensland. The French Marines, based in New Caledonia, were in Australia for Exercise Porpoise, an interoperability activity with Australian forces. (Date taken: 11 April 2002) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU24SEP03NR01 Soldiers from the 5/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, prepare to fire a mortar round from an 81mm mortar at Mt Bundy Training Area in the Northern Territory. (Date taken: 24 September 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU24SEP03NR03 Lieutenant Taylor of the 5/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, fires a mortar round from an 81mm Mortar at Mt Bundy Training Area. (Date taken: 24 September 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU24SEP03NR04 Soldiers from the 5/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, prepare to fire a mortar round from an 81mm mortar at Mt Bundy Training Area in the Northern Territory. (Date taken: 24 September 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| JPAU24SEP03NR08 Soldiers from the 5/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, prepare to fire a mortar round from an 81 mm mortar at Mt Bundy Training Area in the Northern Territory. (Date taken: 24 September 2003) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| V0125801 An illumination mission fired by 2RAR mortar crews on the East-West Timor border created military history as the first mortar mission fired in support of the battalion since Vietnam. (Date taken: 07 November 2001) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| V0125802 An illumination mission fired by 2RAR mortar crews on the East-West Timor border created military history as the first mortar mission fired in support of the battalion since Vietnam. (Date taken: 07 November 2001) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| V0125805 An illumination mission fired by 2RAR mortar crews on the East-West Timor border created military history as the first mortar mission fired in support of the battalion since Vietnam. (Date taken: 07 November 2001) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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