Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
12 March 2008
Australian and Iraq soldiers train together
Soldiers from Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 have conducted training for the 10th Iraqi Army Division at Camp Samawah in Al Muthanna province.
During the training, Iraqi soldiers who had recently been trained as instructors by the Australians practiced their new skills for the first time. The Australian and Iraqi instructors taught basic patrolling, room clearance and rapid target aquisition techniques to the Iraqi troops.
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).
| 20080225adf8278790_145 Captain Steve Muir (centre), from the Australian Iraqi Security Forces Transition Group, briefs Major General Hussein, Commander of the 10th Iraqi Army Division (black beret, right) on the training being conducted by Australian mentors and Iraqi instructors. (Date taken: 25 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080228adf8243116_016 Iraqi soldiers line up and go through building clearance drills with one of their Lieutenants who had recently graduated from the Australian run 'train the trainer' course at Camp Mittica. (Date taken: 28 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080228adf8243116_023 Private Lukas Woolley assists with quick target aquisition drills with Iraqi soldiers at Camp Samawah during Combat Team Waler tasking in Al Muthanna. (Date taken: 28 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080228adf8243116_029 Lieutenant Alexander Bearse (right) and one of his soldiers demonstrate covering drills to watching Iraqi soldiers at Camp Samawah. (Date taken: 28 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080228adf8243116_038 Private Daniel Ball, closely followed by Lieutenant Alexander Bearse (behind), demonstrate room clearing drills for watching Iraqi soldiers at Camp Samawah. (Date taken: 28 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080228adf8243116_092 Warrant Officer Class 2 Scott Oben (left) offers some pointers as Iraqi soldiers go through room clearance drills under direction of recently-graduated members of the 'train the trainers' course at Camp Samawah. (Date taken: 28 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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