Image Gallery 2008
04 February 2008
It's snow time for Aussies in Afghanistan
Recently, elements of Reconstruction Task Force - 3 were assigned to Chora to secure TAOR (Tactical Area of Responsibility) Cherokee, a northern region in the Uruzgan province.
Located approximately 30kms from the Forward Operating Base in Tarin Kowt, Chora’s snow-covered mountains and intricate river systems would make for a challenging yet rewarding mission. With temperatures ranging from minus 16 to minus 5, constant rain and snow flooding the routes and the ever present threat of hypothermia it would be fair to say the Afghanistan winter did not give the Aussies a warm welcome. The locals on the other hand warmed to the Australians presence more than the weather with offerings of local bread, fresh eggs and the occasional carton of cigarettes for the poor smoker who always seems to run out.
With the weather against them, but a job to do, the Aussies quickly made their mark by giving much needed assistance to the construction effort of a new Afghan National Army Base. Constant patrols to outlying villages and through the local bazaar not only helps RTF members to identify reconstruction problems, but also provides the region with security.
Australia has deployed an ADF Reconstruction Task Force (RTF), consisting of a combined arms team, to the Uruzgan Province in Southern Afghanistan as part of Operation SLIPPER. The RTF is in partnership with the Netherlands Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and forms part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.
| 20071230rtf_007 Before bad weather sets in, perfect vistas can be seen across the Chora Valley for Sergeant Lloyd Brandon and Lieutenant Ben Watson, on patrol with the Reconstruction Task Force. (Date taken: 30 December 2007) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080110rtf_001 An Australian patrol from the Reconstruction Task Force takes a break in the Chora valley in Afghanistan. (Date taken: 10 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080110rtf_002 Supervising engineer on the project to build the Afghan National Army a patrol base, Captain Rob Haertsch patrols the worksite in the Chora Valley after a storm clears. (Date taken: 10 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080110rtf_004 Lieutenant Ben Watson, RTF, Captain Chis (a Dutch Afghan National Army (ANA) mentor) and ANA soldiers discuss the plan for a joint patrol in the Chora Valley, Afghanistan. (Date taken: 10 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080110rtf_005 Corporal Daniel Lobascher in the teeth of a blizzard at an Observation Post in the Chora Valley. (Date taken: 10 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080110rtf_006 Australian camouflage works particularly well in blizzard conditions as Private Clinton Maynard, Gunner David cott & Sergeant Lloyd Brandon demonstrate. (Date taken: 10 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20080110rtf_008 A soldier from the Reconstruction Task Force Security Task Group (STG) - also known as Combat Team Spear - keeps a smile up as the snow comes down in the Chora Valley. (Date taken: 10 January 2008) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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