Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
12 March 2008
Five-day patrol for Combat Team Waler
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_004 Packing up, soldiers roll up a tarp, pack equipment and go through morning routine before leaving a night hide for the day's tasks. (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080226adf8243116_066 An Australian Light Armoured Vehicle and infantry maintain security during a Civilian and Military Cooperation opening of Al Garbri Park. (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080226adf8243116_144 Australian soldiers and local Iraqi children outside the newly-completed Al Menahil School. (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080226adf8243116_182 Australian soldiers, Corporal Timothy Gordan (right) and Private Alex Berghofer (centre) sit with a local man at the newly-completed Al Menahil School. (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080226adf8243116_183 Troopers Sean Kenny (left) and Keith Marshall (right) take a load off their feet at the newly-completed Al Menahil School. (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080226adf8243116_219 Trooper Alexander Roach drives Victor One Golf - an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle - away from a refuelling point at a US Army Combat Outpost after a day's tasks. (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080226adf8243116_231 Corporal Benjamin Gumley (left) and Lance Corporal Ryan Foster (right) watch the surrounding activity during refueling at a US Army Combat Outpost. (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080226adf8243116_256 Captain Chris Seebohm cleans the .50 cal on top of his Australian Light Armoured Vehicle at the end of a day's tasks. The Australian combat team settles into evening routine at US Army Combat Outpost 6 with all soldiers taking the opportunity to relax and clean equipment. (Date taken: 26 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080228adf8243116_010 Trooper Luke Smith (left) and Craftsman David Butler (right) shave and chat during morning routine in the back of an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle. (Date taken: 28 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080228adf8243116_134 Patrol complete, Combat Team Waler elements leave Camp Samawah for the trip back to Camp Terendak and refurbishment for the next assigned task. (Date taken: 28 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080228adf8243116_136 Patrol complete, Combat Team Waler elements leave Camp Samawah for the trip back to Camp Terendak and refurbishment for the next assigned task. (Date taken: 28 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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