Shifting sands
Australian troops in Iraq have taken on a new role and title as their task on Operation Catalyst has changed, Maj Mark Tanzer reports.
Volume 11, No. 49, August 10, 2006

All yours: WO2 Andrew Stuart lowers the Australian flag for the last time at Camp Smitty, as Maj George Clegg from the Queen’s Dragoons Guards – HQ Sqn clutches the British flag after having done the same moments before. Inset: Iraq map showing the location of Tallil.

Let’s roll: ASLAVs at Camp Smitty prepare for the convoy to Tallil. Photos by Cpl Rob Nyffeneggerh

Mount up: A bushmaster crew member prepares for the move to the As Samawah Stadium, where the Provincial Iraqi Control (PIC) handover ceremony was held.

THE formation of Overwatch Battlegroup – West (OBG-W) has opened a new chapter in the Australian Army’s long and distinguished history of military operations in the Middle East.

Formerly known as Al Muthanna Task Group 3, the 450-strong Australian battlegroup is tasked with providing operational overwatch in support of Provincial Iraqi Control (PIC) in Al Muthanna Province, southern Iraq.

On July 13, Al Muthanna became the first province in Iraq to achieve PIC, giving the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) the lead role in maintaining a secure environment for their people.

Following PIC, Multi-National Forces (MNF) in the province began handing over their bases, a process completed on July 26 when the last Australian and British elements left Camp Smitty to join the remainder of the battlegroup at Tallil in Dhi Qar Province.

CO of OBG-W Lt-Col Michael Mahy said operational overwatch in Al Muthanna was a new experience for MNF in Iraq.

“This is a first for both MNF and the Australian Army, and we’re extremely proud to have been given this very important role,” Lt-Col Mahy said.

“PIC was a great day in the history of modern Iraq – AMTG 1, 2 and 3 have all worked hard to make this day happen. In a dangerous environment, the unassuming professionalism, pragmatism and dedication of Australian soldiers has made this day a reality for the people of Al Muthanna.

“Overwatch simply means that the ISF – the Iraqi Army, the Iraqi Police Service and the Department of Border Enforcement – now have the lead for security in Al Muthanna Province, and it’s our job to support them when needed.

“It also means that all public institutions and services are now under the control of a democratically elected Iraqi government and that the future direction of the province will now be set by Iraqis.”

Lt-Col Mahy said battlegroup elements would continue to visit the province to conduct routine engagement with the ISF leadership – to monitor, mentor and strengthen an already strong friendship.

The battlegroup was also continuing its CIMIC program in Al Muthanna, but with wider responsibility because of Australia’s role as the sole representative for MNF in the province.

“With CIMIC, we’re acting on behalf of Multi-National Division South-East (MND-SE) and the Australian public. This increases what we can do and very much helps the people of Al Muthanna Province,” Lt-Col Mahy said.

“I’d also like to point out that we have British soldiers under our command performing very important work, and they’re a welcome addition to the battlegroup.”

He praised the men and women of OBG-W for their courage and dedication to duty in dangerous and difficult conditions since deploying as AMTG 3.

“All Australians can be proud of what the Task Groups have achieved, and continue to achieve, in Iraq. They’re a credit to the Army, and it’s a privilege for me to be their commanding officer,” Lt-Col Mahy said.

MND-SE Chief of Staff Col James Cowan, of the British Army, said the creation of OBG-W was a landmark event.

“It’s always rewarding to work in partnership with Australian troops,” Col Cowan said.

“We share a common bond of professionalism, which has ensured the force in Al Muthanna Province is a cohesive one.

“As a British officer, I feel an equal in a common endeavour with Australian soldiers.”

Australian National Commander Brig Mick Moon praised the efforts of AMTG 3 in an Order of the Day, and said their new role would be equally challenging.

“...Overwatch Battle Group (West) 1 is breaking new ground in the reconstruction mission in Iraq, and I have absolute confidence in your ability in setting the conditions for those Coalition forces that will follow your example,” he said.