Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
21 April 2008
Combat Team ‘Heeler’ sharpens weapons skills
Overwatch Battle Group (West)-4 diggers from Combat Team Heeler fired the full range of Infantry and Cavalry weapons systems during a range practice near Tallil in Iraq.
The desert range includes dozens of armoured vehicle hulks, which provide realistic targets.
The practice began with ASLAVs from ‘Victor One-One’ creating a smoke-screen and engaging targets with 25mm cannon and 7.62mm machine guns.
Soldiers fired 84mm Carl Gustav and 66mm anti-armour weapons, 40mm grenade launchers and a range of small arms.
Bushmaster IMV crews from ‘Whiskey Six Zero Tac’ also fired their 7.62mm protected weapons systems.
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); an Infantry company from the 6th Battalion of The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR) operating Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMVs); and specialists from the 7th Combat Services Support Battalion.
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).
| 20080417adf8115142_003 Sergeant Andrew Harvey gives Combat Team Heeler a firing range safety brief at the range near the Overwatch Battle Group (West) base. (Date taken: 17 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080417adf8115142_013 An ASLAV creates a smoke screen during Combat Team Heelers range practice in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 17 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080417adf8115142_090 Soldiers watch Combat Team Heeler's ASLAV's fire their 25mm cannons during range practice in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 17 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080417adf8115142_109 Lieutenant Jan Koudelka prepares to fire an 84mm Carl Gustav missile during range practice in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 17 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080417adf8115142_128 The ground shakes as Combat Team Heeler's soldier's fire an 84mm Carl Gustav missile down range during practice in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 17 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080417adf8115142_162 A 66mm anti-armour rocket fires during Combat Team Heeler's range practice in Southern Iraq. (Date taken: 17 April 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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