Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
12 November 2007
Australians strengthen Iraqi Army
The Australian Defence Force continues to help the capability development of the Iraqi Security Forces by delivering military training programs to the Iraqi Army.
The training was conducted by the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-Three for the 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, of the 10th Division, of the Iraqi Army.
The Australians trained all 750 members of the 1st Battalion, one company at a time.
The training package served to prepare the soldiers of the 1st Battalion for the deployment to Baghdad, where they will participate in the US-lead surge operation.
The course provided the Iraqi soldiers with the military skills necessary to conduct a range of challenging security tasks in complex urban environments such as Baghdad.
The course included IED training, patrolling in an urban environment, establishing vehicle checkpoints, base security and sentries, combat first aid, marksmanship and weapon familiarisation.
After completing the collective training package the Iraqi soldiers were presented with certificates of achievement.
The success of the training program can be attributed to the Australian soldiers' unique hands-on style of mentoring, which appeals to the Iraqi Army.
The training Australia provides helps the Iraqi Security Forces to develop the capability to improve the security situation within their borders.
Approximately 515 personnel, drawn mostly from Darwin's 1st Brigade, make up the Overwatch Battle Group (West) - Three (OBG(W)-3). The Battle group is helping the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Provincial Governments build a secure and stable Iraq. OBG(W)-3 operates in the Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar provinces as part of the Multi National Force - Iraq (MNF-I).
| 20071023army8500215_0031 Sergerant John Smallacombe of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-Three directs Iraqi sioldiers during a building clearance rehearsal. (Date taken: 05 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071023army8500215_0111 Private Nicholas Reed of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-Three directs Iraqi sioldiers during a building clearance rehearsal. (Date taken: 05 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071023army8500215_0140 Australians soldiers of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-Three direct Iraqi soldiers during a building clearance rehearsal. (Date taken: 05 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20071023army8500215_0250 Australian soldiers of the Overwatch Battle Group (West)-Three demonstrate to Iraqi Army troops how to establish and conduct a vehicle check-point. (Date taken: 05 November 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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