Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
20 August 2007
Op Redman engages with Iraq community
Soldiers from the Darwin-based 2nd Cavalry Regiment visited Al Karim and other villages in Al Muthanna province during 8-9 August.
The people and especially the children warmly welcomed the Australian soldiers as they conduct community aid projects and bring school supplies with them.
The Commanding Officer of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3 said helping the children is a very positive way of building a better future for Iraq.
The two day patrol was named Operation Redman 7, named after the 2nd Cavalry Regiment's mascot and aims to visit many villages in the province in order to develop relationships with the local people.
Discussions with the local people allows the soldiers to explain the Australian-funded community development projects that raise the standard of living.
This is one of the important ways in which the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contributes to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.
The Overwatch Battle Group-West (OBG-W) based in the southern Iraqi province of Dhi Qar comprises approximately 515 personnel and consists of a headquarters, a cavalry squadron, an infantry company, ASLAVs and Bushmaster vehicles. The Battle Group is based at Tallil Air Base and from where it undertakes a security overwatch role for Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar Provinces as part of a larger Coalition Force.
| 20070808army8500215_ 015 Private Paul Rodgers remains ever vigilant during a visit by the Australian Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3 to the Iraqi Army's 2nd Brigade headquarters at Western Barracks in Al Muthanna province. (Date taken: 08 August 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070808army8500215_ 026 Private Paul Ringersma of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3, helps Iraqi soldiers come to grips with the Russian-manufactured Dshka 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun during a training activity in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 08 August 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070808army8500215_ 034 Sergeant Matt French, of the Australian Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3, lectures Iraqi soldiers how to maintain the High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or "HUMVEE"). (Date taken: 08 August 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070808army8500215_ 037 Solders of the Australian Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3 help Iraqi troops come to grips with the Russian-manufactured Dshka 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun during a training activity at the Iraqi Army's in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 08 August 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070808army8500215_ 067 Local villagers and the Commander of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3 Lieutenant Colonel Jake Ellwood celebrate the opening of a pedestrian bridge in the village of Al Kwaam in southern Iraq. The Australian-funded pedestrian bridge will improve the accessibility for the children who previously had to use logs to float across the river to reach the school on the opposite bank. (Date taken: 08 August 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070808army8500215_ 137 Lieutenant Dan Wright, of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-3, is greeted by Sheikh Matush of Al Karim District during a patrol in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 08 August 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20070808army8500215_ 142 Sergeant Matt French of the Australian Overwatch Battle Group shares a joke with the children of Al Karim village in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 08 August 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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