Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
20 February 2008
Iraqi soldiers graduate
The first graduation of Iraqi 10th Division soldiers have qualified as training instructors during a graduation ceremony at Camp Mittica in southern Iraq.
The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the 10th Iraqi Army Division, Major General Habbib, and Australian soldiers from Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 that instructed on the 'train the trainer' course.
The newly-qualified soldiers will be responsible for training other members of the Iraqi Army, and sustaining future capability.
The 516 soldiers of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 are mostly drawn from units of the Brisbane-based 7th Brigade. The Battle Group is comprised of the headquarters and cavalry squadrons of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry), operating Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs); and an Infantry company from the 6th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) operating Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMVs).
OBG(W) 4 is based at Tallil Air Base from where it undertakes a security overwatch role for Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar Provinces as part of a larger Coalition Force.
The security role supports the Iraqi Security Forces’ (ISF) and Provincial Government’s efforts to build a secure and stable Iraq. In this role OBG(W) 4 undertakes security patrols, develops ISF capabilities and supports reconstruction and rehabilitation projects. OBG(W) 4 operates as part of the Multi National Force - Iraq (MNF - I).
| 20080210adf8243116_040 Iraqi and Australian soldiers listen to speeches by senior Iraqi officers during the first graduation ceremony at Camp Mittica. (Date taken: 10 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080210adf8243116_054 Commanding Officer of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Websdane (right) congratulates Iraqi Lieutenant Talib Shnan for graduating from the 'train the trainer' course, with Captain Stephen Muir (background centre) ready to present the Iraqi Arrmy 'Trainer' armband. (Date taken: 10 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080210adf8243116_069 Warrant Officer Class 2 Terry Whitwam (centre) speaks to Private Tahir Wahed (left) and Sergeant Wasam Ajeel (right) after the graduation ceremony for Iraqi trainers at Camp Mittica. (Date taken: 10 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080210adf8243116_077 From left: Private (Pte) Saad Rzayii, Sergeant (Sgt) Abdul Ilah Nima, Sgt Steve Neal, Pte Waleed Khalid, Sgt Fakhir Hatem and Pte Tahir Wahed display their certificates at the end of the 'train the trainer' graduation ceremony at Camp Mittica. (Date taken: 10 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080210adf8243116_079 Private (Pte) Mithaq Buwaesh (left) and Pte Abdul Ilah Nima (background) hold their graduation certificates aloft after successfully completing the 'train the trainer' course delivered by Australian soldiers at Camp Mittica. (Date taken: 10 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080210adf8243116_080 Sergeant Yahya Rueyis (left) and Warrant Officer Class 2 Robert Gill - one of the Australian trainers (right) - after the 'train the trainer' graduation ceremony at Camp Mittica. (Date taken: 10 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080210adf8243116_081 Warrant Officer Class 2 Robert Gill (rear row second from left) - one of the Australian trainers with Iraqi soldiers that participated in the 'Train the trainer' program - after a graduation ceremony at Camp Mittica. (Date taken: 10 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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