Image Gallery 2010

31 March 2010
Troops from MRT-1 Prepare for Night Patrol

On 23 March 2010 the security section at Patrol Base Atiq, part of the First Mentoring Task Force contingent, conducted an un-partnered night patrol through the villages of Khaneqah, Sad Mardeh and Sinha in the Mirabad Valley Region of Uruzgan Province.

Preparations for the night patrol included weapon zeroing and adjustments to night fighting equipment such as machine gun sights and night vision goggles.

Commander of the security section Corporal Adam Heemskerk was meticulous with his orders to troops to ensure correct battle preparation and coordination including battlefield illumination support from the combat team headquarters.

Night patrols are designed to provide a security presence in the area and to demonstrate Australian and ANA commitment to disrupting insurgent activity under darkness.

Feedback from locals was very positive with many saying that the security section’s presence provided peace of mind that they would not be harassed by the insurgents.

The security section at PB Atiq usually provides security to the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) and Afghan National Army soldiers during partnered security patrols.

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Corporal Adam Heemskerk conducts a range shoot at Patrol Base Atiq for machine gunners (L-R) Private Sam Kirley and Private Locke McConville to prepare weapons for night patrolling.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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(L-R) Private Sam Kirley and Private Locke McConville from the First Mentoring Task Force firing the F89 machine gun at Patrol Base Atiq.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Target Up - Private Locke McConville from the First Mentoring Task Force is on target during a range shoot at Patrol Base Atiq.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Laying Low - Private Sam Kirley from the First Mentoring Task Force takes aim in the prone unsupported position during a range shoot at Patrol Base Atiq.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Private Sam Kirley from the First Mentoring Task Force heads back to the mound after checking his fall of shot during a range shoot at Patrol Base Atiq.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Machine Gunners (L-R) Privates Sam Kirley and Locke McConville from the First Mentoring Task Force pose for a photo at Patrol Base Atiq.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Private Locke McConville from the First Mentoring Task Force checks his sights on the F89 machine gun during a range shoot at Patrol Base Atiq.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Private Joshua Cavanagh from the First Mentoring Task Force makes some final adjustments to his night fighting equipment at Patrol Base Atiq.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Private Arran Spinks from the First Mentoring Task Force, prepares for a night patrol at Patrol Base Atiq.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Corporal Adam Heemskerk from the First Mentoring Task Force prepares his personal equipment for a night patrol at Patrol Base Atiq.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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(L-R) Privates Sam Kirley, Rob Weeks, John Drake and Cameron Thomson from the First Mentoring Task Force gear up for a night patrol at Patrol Base Atiq.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Section Commander Corporal Adam Heemskerk with (L-R) Privates Rob Weeks and Sam Kirley before heading out on a night patrol from Patrol Base Atiq.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Section Commander Corporal Adam Heemskerk was assisted by Private Rob Weeks before heading out on a night patrol at Patrol Base Atiq.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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(L-R) Privates Joshua Cavanagh and Lucas Madruga from the First Mentoring Task Force step of from Patrol Base Atiq on a night patrol.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Soldiers from the First Mentoring Task Force patrol at last light from Patrol Base Atiq in the Mirabad Valley Region.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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Soldiers from the First Mentoring Task Force patrol at last light from Patrol Base Atiq in the Mirabad Valley Region.

(Date taken: 23 March 2010)
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