Image Gallery 2010

31 March 2010
CO Visit to Patrol Base Atiq

Commanding Officer of the First Mentoring Task Force (MTF-1), Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blain and Military Commander of the Uruzgan Task Force, Brigadier Kees Van Den Heuvel travelled to Patrol Base Atiq (PB Atiq) in the Mirabad Valley Region on 23 March 2010 to visit the troops.

During the visit both commanders addressed the Afghan National Army (ANA) on the mentoring process including the importance of combined ANA and Australian patrols. Combined patrols deliver an Afghan presence that will foster improved security and enhance development in the area.

The commanders also undertook a tour of the base and received a ground brief of the local area with Patrol Base Commander, Captain Paul Carter of MTF-1.

The Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of MTF-1, Warrant Officer Class One (WO1), Stephan Colman travelled with LTCOL Blain and also spoke to the Australian troops at PB Atiq. WO1 Colman discussed soldier welfare and health matters to ensure good solider management.

Part of the RSM’s discussions with the troops included issues relating to water supply at PB Atiq. Non-bottled water is extremely limited so the troops have approval to suspend shaving requirements.

Due to the water conservation measures, the showers are reserved for cleaning only after patrols so some of the soldiers are now looking a little rough around the edges.

Even with limited cleaning water the resilience of the Australian soldier shines through and morale remains high.

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Wheels Down - Commanding Officer of the First Mentoring Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blain, Military Commander of the Uruzgan Task Force, Brigadier Kees Van Den Heuvel and staff touch down at Patrol Base Atiq in the Mirabad Valley Region.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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(L) Commanding Officer of the First Mentoring Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blain, (C) Military Commander of the Uruzgan Task Force, Brigadier Kees Van Den Heuvel and staff arrive in a American Black Hawk helicopter at Patrol Base Atiq in the Mirabad Valley Region.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Military Commander of the Uruzgan Task Force, Brigadier Kees Van Den Heuvel addresses the Afghan National Army at Patrol Base Atiq in the Mirabad Valley Region.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Military Commander of the Uruzgan Task Force, Brigadier Kees Van Den Heuvel addresses the Afghan National Army at Patrol Base Atiq in the Mirabad Valley Region.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Commanding Officer of the First Mentoring Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blain, addressees the Afghan National Army at Patrol Base Atiq in the Mirabad Valley Region.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Commanding Officer of the First Mentoring Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blain, addressees the Afghan National Army at Patrol Base Atiq in the Mirabad Valley Region.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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(L-R) Military Commander of the Uruzgan Task Force, Brigadier Kees Van Den Heuvel receives a ground brief of the local area from Captain Paul Carter of the First Mentoring Task Force at Patrol Base Atiq.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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(L-R) Commanding Officer of the First Mentoring Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blain and Military Commander of the Uruzgan Task Force, Brigadier Kees Van Den Heuvel receive a ground brief from Captain Paul Carter of the First Mentoring Task Force.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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(L-R) Commanding Officer of the First Mentoring Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blain and Military Commander of the Uruzgan Task Force, Brigadier Kees Van Den Heuvel touring Patrol Base Atiq with Captain Paul Carter of the First Mentoring Task Force.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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The Regimental Sergeant Major of the First Mentoring Task Force Warrant Officer Class One Stephan Colman spoke to the Australian troops at Patrol Base Atiq about welfare and health matters.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Wheels Up - Commanding Officer of the First Mentoring Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Jason Blain, Military Commander of the Uruzgan Task Force, Brigadier Kees Van Den Heuvel and staff take off from Patrol Base Atiq in the Mirabad Valley Region.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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