Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
20 February 2008
Five-day patrol for Combat Team Waler
Combat Team Waler's patrol in Al Muthanna incorporated key leadership engagements with the Govenor of Al Muthanna, Iraqi Police, Sheik Raysaan and officials in Al Salman and Al Busayyah from 28 Jan to 1 Feb 08.
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).
| 20080128adf8243116_007 Corporal Andrew Gellert (far left), Trooper Alexander Roach (left), Gunner Karhl Pickering (right) and a member of the US Civilian Police Assistance Training Team (far right), wait for the order to mount up. (Date taken: 29 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080128adf8243116_040 Sergeant Matthew Julian (left) and Private Gavin Hoad (right) on security detail in As Samawah during a Key Leadership Engagement meeting. (Date taken: 29 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080128adf8243116_060 Sergeant Matthew Julian (left) and Private Gavin Hoad (right) inside the Police Centre in As Samawah during a Key Leadership Engagement meeting. (Date taken: 29 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080128adf8243116_094 Warrant Officer Class 2 Peter Kirkman takes the opportunity to stretch his legs at the Iraqi Army 2nd Battalion Barracks in Al Muthanna. (Date taken: 29 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080128adf8243116_098 Australian soldiers eat whilst waiting for a Key Leadership Engagement meeting to finish at the Iraqi Army 2nd Battalion Barracks. (Date taken: 29 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080128adf8243116_103 Australian soldiers maintain security and stretch their legs in the desert south of As Samawah, while waiting for other elements of their patrol to arrive. (Date taken: 29 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080128adf8243116_126 Sun setting in the background, Officer Commanding Combat Team Waler, Major Chris McKay (left) and Lieutenant Sam Hattar (right), set up stretchers in the cold evening air after a day patrolling in the southern desert of Al Muthanna. (Date taken: 29 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080128adf8243116_138 Squadron Sergeant Major of Combat Team Waler, Warrant Officer Class 2 Carl Barr, enjoys a hot brew on the first evening of desert patrolling in Al Muthanna. (Date taken: 29 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080129adf8243116_024 Corporal Gerry McIntosh is rugged up against the cold while waiting for the order to mount up and commence the day's work. Squadron Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 2 Carl Burr (background), checks his vehicle's readiness. (Date taken: 29 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080129adf8243116_073 Trooper Dylan Preston engages with local Iraqi boys in As Samawah. Local Iraqi children approach the waiting Australian soldiers - curiously looking over the Australian Light Armoured Vehicles. (Date taken: 29 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080129adf8243116_124 Sergeant David Bowden runs up the side of a sand dune to have a look at the surrounding area in the desert south of As Samawah. (Date taken: 29 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080129adf8243116_182 Australian Light Armoured Vehicles are somewhat sheltered behind sand dunes from high speed winds during a break in patrolling in the desert south of As Samawah. (Date taken: 29 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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