Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
16 May 2008
Combat Team Waler stays focused
Australian Diggers from Combat Team Waler remain focused on reducing the Improvised Explosive Device threat in Southern Iraq.
The soldiers from the Overwatch Battle Group (West) are conducting mounted and dismounted patrolling, and conducting vehicle check points with Iraqi Security Forces.
The patrols also provide a training bonus, allowing the Australians to mentor the Iraqis during the vehicle check points and assessing their overall security skills.
Recent patrols have also provided local familiarization for US forces, who will take over from the Battle Group mid-year.
The Australian troops have already commenced their pack-up and are on track to return to Australia in line with the Government’s election commitment.
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).
| 20080514adf8246638_016 Private Robert Duffy, 24 from Waratah, Newcastle, mentors Iraqi police at a vehicle check point. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080514adf8246638_066 Private Scott Mitchell, 33 from Indooroopilly, Brisbane, takes in the local 'traffic' while providing security at a vehicle check point in Southern Iraq. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080514adf8246638_096 Lieutenant Alex Bearse, 24 from Burra, NSW, conducts handover liaison with the US Army at Iraqi check points along the main supply routes in Dhi Qar. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080514adf8246638_157 Private Robert Duffy, 24 from Waratah, Newcastle, at a vehicle check point in Dhi Qar. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080514adf8246638_236 (L-R) Lieutenant Alex Bearse, 24 from Burra, NSW, and Captain Cameron Spencer, 41 from Newstead, Brisbane, mentor Iraqi police during a familiarisation patrol with the US Army in Dhi Qar province. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080514adf8246638_246 Lance Corporal Jason Prewett, 30 from Grafton, NSW, chats with an Iraqi police officer at a vehicle check point in Dhi Qar. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080514adf8246638_277 Private Robert Duffy, 24 from Waratah, Newcastle, operates the MAG 58 Machine Gun on an Australian Infantry Mobility Vehicle while patrolling through Dhi Qar Province. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080514adf8246638_313 Private Thomas Dockery, 22 from Dandelong Ranges, Victoria, provides security at a vehicle check point. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080514adf8246638_322 Lieutenant Alex Bearse, 24 from Burra, NSW, conducts liaison with a US Army Officer at an Iraqi police vehicle check point. (Date taken: 14 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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