Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
12 March 2008
Projects open in southern Iraq
Combat Team Waler opened parks, a school, presented wheelchairs, donated mini-buses and attended key leadership engagements during a five-day patrol in Al Muthanna province in February 2008. The Civilian and Military Cooperation (CIMIC) projects were paid for by the Australian government in support of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq.
Alongside Civil and Military Cooperation projects, Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 also undertake training duties in Al Muthanna with the Iraqi Army 2nd Battalion, located at the old Japanese Reconstruction Task Force area, Camp Samawah.
The Australian soldiers teach basic patrolling, room clearance and rapid target aquisition techniques to participating Iraqi soldiers. The training also included recent graduates from the first 'train the trainer' program that was completed at Camp Mittica.
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.
| 20080226adf8243116_030 Major Chris McKay, Officer Commanding Combat Team Waler, cuts the ribbon to open newly-completed Al Garbri Park with contractor Dabos Al Jabbar. (Date taken: 25 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080226adf8243116_087 Inside the newly-opened Al Tameem Park, children play on some of the equipment, smiling and running in all directions. (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080226adf8243116_107 Inside the newly-opened Al Tameem Park: Captain Thomas Neighbour (left), congratulates local contractor Adjil Abdel-Hussan Sabti (right) on a job well done. (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080226adf8243116_109 Inside the newly-opened Al Tameem Park, Captain Thomas Neighbour (left), local contractor Adjil Abdel-Hussan Sabti (centre) and Warrant Officer Class 2 Norman Davis (right). (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080226adf8243116_114 Inside the newly-opened Al Tameem Park, Captain Thomas Neighbour (right) hands a toy to a local child. (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080226adf8243116_157 Lance Corporal Benjamin Braschiera and fellow soldiers carry school supplies in for distribution during the opening of the newly-completed Al Menahil School. (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080226adf8243116_187 Corporal Corey Baker hands out Australian flags to excited Iraqi children after the opening ceremony at the newly-completed Al Menahil School. (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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