2 Cav Regt ASLAVs unload from a Russian Antonov 124 aircraft at an airbase enroute to Baghdad. Photo by Sgt John Coombe, 1JPAU(P)

Cavalry rides in

By Capt Phil Pyke
AS the three ASLAVS rolled off the back of a US Air Force C5 transporter at Baghdad International Airport, the members of 2 Cav Regt became aware they were following in the footsteps of their Light Horse predecessors.

The three light armoured vehicles arrived in the Iraqi capital recently, to assist in the Australian Government’s restructuring phase under Operation Falconer.

With the unit history entwined in that of the Australian Light Horse during WW1, and the advent of ALH light amoured vehicles during campaigns in Palestine, Jordan and Syria, the three ASLAVs have taken a unique support role during their Middle East deployment.

They will provide security, along with a platoon from 2RAR, at the new Australian Representation Mission and the former Embassy residence.

Protection will also be provided for Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff working in those locations.

The 2 Cav Regt patrol are a part of the Australian Government’s commitment to the rehabilitation of Iraq, replacing a 4RAR (Cdo) security element.

They have been deployed under Operation Falconer along with 13 RAAF air traffic controllers and support elements, analysts and technical experts in banned weapons, a detachment from 1 MP Bn, communications and logistic elements from 3 Bde and two RAAF Hercules.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said it was vital, now that the conflict is almost over, that the ADF maintain momentum by working quickly to restore law, order and services in Iraq, and to establish the conditions for a broadly based interim Iraqi administration.

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