Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
20 March 2008
Images of SECDET XII in Iraq
SECDET (Security Detatchment) XII is a combat team of about 110 personnel. The team is comprised of two infantry platoons, one cavalry troop, a military police detachment and a combat service support element.
As part of Operation CATALYST, SECDET provides security support to the Australian Embassy in Baghdad. SECDET uses Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) and armoured Landcruisers to provide protected mobility for Australian Government personnel working at the Australian Embassy.
Operation CATALYST is the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq. Working with the Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to Multi-National Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq, assist national recovery programs and facilitate the transition to Iraq self-government.
| 20080222adf8267338_030 Baghdad Sunrise: Private Cameron Briggs watches over Baghdad from the SECDET XII Observation Post in Baghdad’s International Zone. (Date taken: 22 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080222adf8267338_105 Private Stephen Cadzow (left) and US Army soldier Sergeant Gary Scott stand guard at the joint entrance to the Australian Embassy and the neighbouring US military medical facility. Private Cadzow is on detached service with SECDET XII from Overwatch Battle Group (West) Four in southern Iraq, acting as a back-fill for SECDET soldiers on leave. (Date taken: 22 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080222adf8267338_150 Military Policeman and close personal protection specialist Corporal Leon Whelan calls in on a two-way radio prior to departing the Australian Embassy in Baghdad on a mission. (Date taken: 22 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080222adf8267338_179 Warrant Officer Shane Michelle prepares to grill a tray of open sandwiches in the SECDET kitchen. The cooks have has won high praise from SECDET XII members and visitors alike for the amazing array of tasty meals they prepare in their rudimentary kitchen with basic supplies. (Date taken: 22 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080222adf8267338_234 Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) from SECDET XII pass under the 'Gold Top' arch in Baghdad’s International Zone. The nearest vehicle is a Personnel Carrier variant and is fitted with a Remote Weapon Station with .50 cal machine gun, while the rear vehicle has a turret-mounted 25mm canon and is commonly referred to as a 'Gun Car'. (Date taken: 22 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080222adf8267338_309 Australian Light Armoured Vehicle crewman Trooper Anthony Cowling is pictured in the vehicle park of the SECDET compound in Baghdad’s International Zone following a local patrol. He has removed his helmet but is otherwise wearing his equipment, which includes an anti-flash hood. (Date taken: 22 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080222adf8267338_410 Australian Army snipers employed in the overwatch role provide an extra set of eyes for the ground troops travelling the busy streets of Baghdad. Here Lance Corporal Stewart Alport (rear with rifle) and Private Nathan Kerr watch over Baghdad from their high-rise perch. (Date taken: 22 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080223adf8267338_365 Sergeant Mark Lowndes from SECDET XII passes ammunition liners from the back of a Unimog truck to waiting soldiers. (Date taken: 23 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080223adf8267338_502 Corporal Glenn Wright (left) and Private Donald McPhail from SECDET XII fire their 5.56mm F88 Steyr Assault Rifles during a range practice at Butler Range in Diyala Province, Iraq. Note: the brass cartridge suspended mid-flight to the right of the optic sight on Private McPhail's weapon. (Date taken: 23 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080223adf8267338_792 Dust rises as Private Nathan Kerr fires an AW50 .50 cal anti-material rifle at Butler Range in Diyala Province, Iraq. In the foreground Lance Corporal Stewart Alport takes note of the point of strike. (Date taken: 23 February 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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