Integrated farewell
Volume 11, No. 55, November 02, 2006

CO OBG (W) 2 Lt-Col Tony Rawlins accompanies LCAust Maj-Gen Mark Kelly as he inspects Tpr Murray Wilson and troops about to deploy to Iraq. Photo by LS Ollie Garside

FAMILIES, friends and Land Commander Maj-Gen Mark Kelly officially farewelled the second rotation of Overwatch Battle Group (West) during a brigade parade at Robertson Barracks on October 21.

This month 518 ADF members will deploy to Iraq, rotating with their counterparts of OBG (W) 1.

The force is made up of soldiers and equipment from 2 Cav Regt, 5/7RAR, 1CSSB, 1 Armd Regt, 5RAR and 20 STA Regt.

CO 1 Bde Brig Craig Orme said OBG (W) 2 was in many ways like the future Hardened and Networked Army. “It is typical of what we are aiming to achieve in all our operations – a combined arms team,” he said.

“The battle group’s forces have been drawn from across the brigade and there is a genuine integration of units and capabilities.

“Our units and our regiments have lines here – and will continue to build and nurture their specific skills and trades – but when we march out the gate on either operations or for training, we are integrated and combined in the appropriate grouping for the mission.”

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