Image Gallery 2010

03 March 2010
Life at Patrol Base Wali

Soldiers from the First Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1) face harsh conditions living at Patrol Base (PB) Wali, from the ever present dust to extreme cold.

The soldiers make the most of the scarce down time pumping iron in the gym, playing volleyball with the Afghans, listening to music and of course joking around with one another.

The soldiers spark up at the arrival of care packages from home, which are delivered on regular supply convoys.

"We really love getting care packages. I was stoked when my mum sent me popcorn," said Lance Bombardier Ryan Jack, one of the soldiers at PB Wali.

The soldiers don't survive on care packages and combat rations alone. Once a day PB Wali's Army cook whips up a nutritious meal from fresh produce sometimes bought from local markets.

Every soldier knows what it's like living on combat rations so it's all boots on ground to help unload the fresh supplies when they arrive.

In PB Wali it's obvious that the soldiers have formed strong bonds, with jokes flying and laughter resonating, which helps them get through the long and tiring days.

PBs are well established and fortified camps from which the MTF-1, Afghan National Army (ANA), and Dutch troops operate on a day to day basis. PBs are mostly located close to population centres so that MTF-1 and ANA can easily liaise with the local community as well as conduct security patrols.

MTF-1 took over the reigns from the Second Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-2) in Uruzgan province in mid-February this year, and are now well underway mentoring and training soldiers from the ANA’s 4th Brigade. MTF-1 has also carried on their predecessor’s reconstruction and development focus. Projects continue to focus on improving health, education and other vital infrastructure within Uruzgan.

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Supplies arrive at Patrol Base Wali and eager "diggers" muck in for the unload.

(Date taken: 21 February 2010)
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(L-R) Sergeant Shane Slattery, Sergeant Marten Hummel and Warrant Officer Class Two Marc Williamson prepare weapons for patrol. Weapon cleaning and preventative maintenance are a must in the harsh conditions of Afghanistan.

(Date taken: 21 February 2010)
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A freindly game of volleyball helps relax the troops at Patrol Base Wali.

(Date taken: 21 February 2010)
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Soldiers of the First Mentoring Task Force receive food supplies by air (civilian contractor) at Patrol Base Wali.

(Date taken: 21 February 2010)
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Lieutenant Fabian Harrison leads the way to store food supplies in the freezer at Patrol Base Wali.

(Date taken: 21 February 2010)
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(L-R) Lieutenant Justin Robinson chats with Major Rico from the Dutch Military Forces and Sergeant Abdulrhman from the Afghan National Army at Patrol Base Wali.

(Date taken: 21 February 2010)
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Private James Price of the First Mentoring Task Force, keeps fit by pumping iron at Patrol Base Wali.

(Date taken: 21 February 2010)
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(L-R) Corporal Peter 'cookie' Barber and Private Matthew O'Toole of the First Mentoring Task Force, enjoy the lamb chops and vegies at Patrol Base Wali.

(Date taken: 21 February 2010)
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Lance Bombardier Ryan Jack of the First Mentoring Task Force, opens a care package from home at Patrol Base Wali.

(Date taken: 21 February 2010)
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Corporal Peter 'cookie' Barber of the First Mentoring Task Force, prepares a fresh nutritious meal for the troops at Patrol Base Wali.

(Date taken: 21 February 2010)
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