Operation CATALYST: Image Gallery
08 May 2009
OP Catalyst Secdet XIV
A JOB at the German embassy passes without incident, and that is just how the MPs of the SECDET personal security detachment like it.
SGT Rohan Clapman’s team of bodyguards provide the inner cordon for Australian diplomatic staff at their embassy in Baghdad – whose safety is SECDET’s reason for being.
“If the embassy wasn’t here none of us would be here,” SGT Clapman said.
If the MPs appear calm while escorting their charges, it hides an intense scrutiny of their surroundings.
SGT Clapmnan described a PSD member as a swan swimming on a pond – serene on the surface, while beneath the water legs flail and churn.
“Behind the scenes there are people everywhere doing everything prior to the job,” he said.
“The principals shouldn’t see any creases on foreheads.
“We are looking for things that shouldn’t be there, a car that wasn’t there before.”
The PSD has evolved since SECDET I, of which SGT Clapman was a member.
“We do it a whole lot better now than back then, it certainly is a big step forward,” he said.
“We have been able to validate our role, improve SOPs and courses, and structure them to cater for our job here.”
The threat, too, has evolved.
“Back in 2003 the ground war had just finished,” SGT Clapman said.
“Former elements of the Iraqi army were disorganized; everywhere was dangerous, there was little to no law and order. The US military was everywhere.
“Now the military groups have had a chance to organize, there have external support and have developed their own agendas and they have developed their tactics.”
It is a long way from the Victorian police officer’s usual beat, having left full time soldiering for civilian policing.
“In Melbourne there aren’t organized enemy groups targeting police. Baghdad makes you change your mindset,” he said.
“You can’t really compare the two yet; being a police officer in Melbourne and being in the red zone in Baghdad. Here you are amongst it all the time.”
The PSD leave the front gate in the knowledge they could be wounded by a round intended for their principals from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“You don’t go on a job thinking you might get shot or stop a bullet because if you did you wouldn’t get out of bed,” SGT Clapman said.
The PSD often shepherd diplomatic staff new to the inherent dangers of Baghdad.
“Initially the embassy staff who haven’t worked in a place like this are in awe, especially if they came from a nice posting like Paris,” SGT Clapman said.
“If we didn’t have a good relationship with the DFAT staff, it would be a long and painful deployment.”
| 200900421adf8239716_073 Australian Defence members of the Close Personal Protective Team (CPP) Sergent Rohan Clapham provide protection for VIPs and Embassy staff travelling around Baghdad Iraq. (Date taken: 21 April 2009) Low Res | High Res |
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| 200900421adf8239716_248 Australian Defence members of the Close Personal Protective Team (CPP). (L) Sergent Rohan Clapham provide protection to (2nd L) German Embassy 1st Secretary Mr Bernd Stadmuller and Australian Embassy Consulate General Mr Damien Dunn (3rd L)along with their German counterparts whilst on a visit to the German Embassy in Baghdad Iraq. (Date taken: 21 April 2009) Low Res | High Res |
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| 20090422adf8239716_272 Australian Defence members of the Close Personal Protective Team (CPP - 3 in centre long sleeves L -R) Corporal Mick Burkitt (RAAF) Corporal Adam Gardiner and Sergeant Rohan Clapham and their German counterparts escort the Australian Embassy Consulate General, Mr Damien Dunn and German Embassy 1st Secretary Mr Bernd Stadmuller to the roof of the German Embassy in Baghdad Iraq. (Date taken: 22 April 2009) Low Res | High Res |
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