Iraq, Security Detchment 10 (SECDET X)

Some patches from the Australian Security Detachment 10 in Iraq. Top left of set is an Iraqi acquired patch for the same group, and the other 7 are SECDET X patches ultimately worn by troops in Iraq. The single patch with the styalised ASLAV is the unit patch for the 2nd Cav contingent of SECDET X. The 7 subdued patches were not the originally sanctioned patches for the 10th SECDET rotation, with a completely different set of 4 patches being requisitioned for and delivered set of patches being the sanctioned patches. The subdued set with large X were purchased after the original acquistion and worn in Iraq, committing the original order to 'unissued' status from what I can ascertain. More can be seen of these patches in a seperate post.

Civil and Military Co-operation Units (CIMIC)

Her we a have a collection of CIMIC (Civilian and Military Co-operation) patches. These are worn by the often mixed military and civilian teams granted Australian monies to assist with rebuilding and repair to areas which may prove benificial to areas where Australian troops are operating in foriegn countries. These groups form a very visible part of the traditional Australian 'Hearts and Minds' tactics. As can be seen, they cover areas as diverse as the Middle East and Timor.

6 Royal Australian Regiment

Here is a set of 6 RAR patches, including the first with a white instead of tan centre strip. This set proves the sad fact of just how overstretched the Australian military is with its combined commitments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Timor and various other Peace Keeping duties with the inclusion of the 'Kiwi" patch. 6 RAR was overcommitted to the stage where one of its platoons in Timor was actually 'borrowed' from the New Zealand Army to make up the full compliment!

Special Operations Task Group 637 Afghanistan

Unfortunately, I have no pictures of this patch being worn. I believe there are a subdued and colour version of a round patch which also features the same 'Griffin' and sword. I believe this is a symbol of the Special Forces'

MEAO CIS Install Team

Here is an interesting, early hand made patch from one of the first units into Iraq. Their job was to set up the vital signals networks required for those units about to follow. From what I have heard, the Rat symbolises some of the attributes required by staff to get into places others would not normally have to go to set up the comms. And the logo "No Comms No Bombs" is their declaration of how important they were to the whole deployment.

Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG)

The Australian contingent of Al Muthanna Task Force operated out of Camp Smitty and then moved on to a new role based at Camp Terendak at Tallil. The first patch is a generic patch used by English and Australians early on (there is also a subdued version, if someone can help me out acquiring one) The pair below are Australian AMTG 3 colour and subdued patches which were used prior to the Australian effort becoming known as Overwatch Battle Group West (OBGW)

The five (yes, count them!) legged cow with wings and a mans head is the Assyrian/ Babylonian mythical diety known as Lamassur. Lamassur was a 'protective spirit' and also in its earliest guise, was a female diety!

Overwatch Battle Group West (OBGW)

The black patch with red kangaroo is the official patch of OBGW1 and the DPDU patch with the blue 2 and red kangaroo is that of OBGW2. OBGW3 followed in 2007 with the Red kangaroo on a yellow/ gold Background. Overwatch Battle Group West (OBGW) was previously known as the Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG) The OBGW forms Australias commitment to its Iraqi based 'Operation Catalyst' which commenced on 16 July 2003. 'Op Catalyst follows on from 'Operation Falconer'.

Working with the Interim Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to Multinational Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq and assist national recovery programs. Operation Catalyst currently comprises approximately 1400 Australian Defence Force personnel. 'Operation Catalyst' runs concurrently with 'Operation Slipper', Australia’s contribution to the War on Terror in Afghanistan.