Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
14 March 2008
Soldiers unfazed with dusty days
A Combat Team Waler patrol has been subjected to the ever-changing landscape of Iraq, with a dust storm adding an errie orange hue to everything.
Soldiers from the current Overwatch Battle Group also visited a derelict prison at Al Salman where they conducted clearance drills.
The 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.
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).
| 20080131adf8243116_020 Australian soldiers go through the morning routine and prepare themselves for the day's tasks in southern Al Muthanna. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_026 Private James Baldwin adjusts his webbing and equipment prior to moving out of a night hide and beginning the day's tasks. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_067 Regimental Medical Officer, Major Chris Cunneen (centre), stands between two Iraqi soldiers inside the Iraqi Army Barracks medical room in Al Salman. Major Cunneen treated several basic ailments during the Australian patrol's visit to the town, located in southern Al Muthanna Province. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_072 Australian soldiers inside the derelict Al Salman prison, practice clearing techniques during a halt by their patrol. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_097 An Australian soldier covers a hallway inside the derelict Al Salman prison as part of a clearing practice. Sand blown into the air turns afternoon sunlight into an orange haze. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_117 Corporal Jason Lefevre checks on other parts of the patrol during a clearing practice in the derelict Al Salman prison. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_120 Covering from the roof, an Australian soldier watches while other members of his patrol continue their sweep during a clearing practice in the derelict Al Salman prison. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_141 Clearing practice completed, soldiers receive a debrief from their Platoon Sergeant inside the derelict Al Salman prison. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_155 An Australian patrol stopped outside the derelict Al Salman prison after a clearing exercise. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080131adf8243116_187 Private Colin Duncan walks over rubble inside the derelict Al Salman prison. (Date taken: 31 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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