Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
29 May 2008
Combat Team Waler stays focused on security tasks
As the Overwatch Battle Group commences its drawdown, Diggers from Combat Team Waler continue daily patrols to counter the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threat in Southern Iraq.
The diggers have been conducting mounted and dismounted patrols and vehicle check points with the Iraqi Security Force. The vehicle check points also provide a training bonus, allowing the Australians to mentor and assessing the ISF’s overall security skills.
The soldiers have also been busy conducting handover liaison with the US soldiers who will soon take responsibility for ‘overwatch’ security in Dhi Qar and Al Muthanna.
The patrols, in coordination with US, coalition and ISF have reduced the IED threat to all time lows in the region.
The Australian troops are well advanced on their pack-up and are on track to return to Australia mid-year, 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).
| 20080527adf8246638_011 Trooper Adam Jamieson prepares the 25mm chain gun on an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle before departing on a counter Improvised Explosive Device patrol. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_064 Private Andrew Martin, aged 25, from Fairfield, Sydney, keeps watch from an Australian Light Armoured Vehicle while on patrol in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_095 Private Trent Porter, aged 21 from Wodonga, Vic, takes a closer look at potential threats through the telescopic sight of his F88 Austeyr. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_168 An Australian Light Armoured Vehicle patrols at speed across the Southern Iraq desert. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_220 Australian Light Armoured Vehicles patrol across the desert in Southern Iraq. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_233 Soldiers from Combat Team Waler conduct a vehicle check point on a main supply route in Southern Iraq. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_237 Private Ben Glover, aged 19 from Wynnum, Brisbane checks identification at a vehicle check point during a typical dust storm. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_245 Soldiers from Combat Team Waler conduct a vehicle check point on a main supply route in Southern Iraq. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_246 Soldiers from Combat Team Waler conduct a vehicle check point on a main supply route in Southern Iraq. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_262 Private Nick Cronan, aged 28 from Ipswich, QLD checks inside the boot of an Iraqi vehicle. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_275 Soldiers from Combat Team Waler conduct a vehicle check point on a main supply route in Southern Iraq. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_292 Private Adam Mclean, aged 31 from Ipswich, QLD checks inside an Iraqi car during a security patrol in Southern Iraq. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_300 Private Ben Glover, aged 19 from Wynnum, Brisbane, motions vehicles forward into a vehicle check point in Southern Iraq during a dust storm. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_307 Private Beau Allen, aged 22 from Narraburra, Qld motions vehicles forward into a vehicle check point. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_314 Private Adam Mclean, aged 31 from Ipswich, QLD checks an Iraqi's identification at a vehicle check point in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_342 Soldiers from Combat Team Waler conduct a vehicle check point on a main supply route in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_343 (L-R) Private (PTE) Nick Cronan, aged 28 from Ipswich and PTE Alex Berghofer, aged 21 from Whyalla, SA check vehicles on a main supply route in Southern Iraq. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_354 Private Nick Cronan, aged 28 from Ipswich, QLD directing vehicles through a check point in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_360 Soldiers from Combat Team Waler conduct a vehicle check point on a main supply route in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_366 Private Trent Porter, aged 21 from Wodonga, Vic keeps a watchful eye on approaching traffic. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_377 Private Andrew Martin, aged 25 from Fairfield, Sydney observes oncoming traffic at a vehicle check point. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_399 Lance Corporal Scott Cridge servicing the 25mm chain gun [rapid-fire cannon] on an Australian Light Armoured Vehcile before departing on patrol in southern Iraq. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
| 20080527adf8246638_457 Australian Light Armoured Vehicle from Combat Team Waler drives across the desert near an oil refinery on the border of Basra and Dhi Qar provinces. (Date taken: 27 May 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
 |
