Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
16 May 2007
Training for the Iraqi Army
Troops from the Overwatch Group (West) - Two have provided valuable training to soldiers based in the southern Iraqi province of Al Muthanna who are deploying north to support the Baghdad security plan.
The Australian troops conducted training over a week for 750 soldiers from the Iraqi Army’s 2nd Battalion of the 2nd Brigade, 10th Division based at the Eastern Barracks near As Samawah.
The training ranged from cordon and search techniques to street patrols and vehicle check points. The training activities were conducted at the barracks as well on the outskirts of As Samawah and at a former resort at Lake Sawa.
The training was tailored for an urban environment, much like what the soldiers will operate in during their Baghdad deployment.
Approximately 500 personnel, drawn mostly from Darwin's 1st Brigade, make up the Overwatch Battle Group (West) - Two (OBG(W)-2). The Battle group is helping the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Provincial Governments build a secure and stable Iraq. OBG(W)-2 operates in the Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces as part of the Multi National Force - Iraq (MNF-I).
| 20070416adf8245427_0006a Iraqi soldiers look on as Australian soldiers demonstrate a street patrol at the As Samawah railway yards in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 07 May 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20070416adf8245427_0038 Sergeant Steven Pike mentors an Iraqi soldier during a street patrol scenario at the As Samawah railway yards in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 07 May 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20070416adf8245427_0051 Australian soldiers demonstrate house searching techniques to a group of Iraqi soldiers at Eastern Barracks near As Samawah in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 19 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20070417adf8245427_0037 Corporal William Herbert is observing Iraqi solders during training at Lake Sawa. (Date taken: 19 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20070417adf8245427_0043 Trooper Brendan Higgs encourages an Iraqi soldier to push on during Australian-led training at an old lakeside resort near As Samawah in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 19 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20070418adf8245427_0013 Trooper Daryl Thomas puts Iraqi soldiers through their paces during a physical training session at an Iraqi Army barracks on the outskirts of As Samawah in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 19 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20070418adf8245427_0029 Lance Corporal Evan Birch encourages Iraqi soldiers to go harder as they pull an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle during physical training at Eastern Barracks near As Samawah in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 19 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20070418adf8245427_0036 Lieutenant Nicolas Whitehead (front right) encourages a group of Iraqi soldiers as they pull an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle during physical training at Eastern Barracks on the outskirts of As Samawah in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 19 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20070418adf8245427_0093 An Iraqi soldier takes cover as he prepares to storm a building during Australian-led training at a former lakeside resort near As Samawah in southern Iraq. The soldier is being prepared for operations in Baghdad. (Date taken: 19 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20070419adf8245427_0028 Corporal Tim Glover mentors an Iraqi soldier during the final stage of a training scenario at Lake Sawa in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 19 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20070419adf8245427_0039 Corporal Tim Glover mentors Iraqi soldiers during the final stage of a training scenario at Lake Sawa in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 19 April 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
