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Callsign V22 SECDET Baghdad
Callsign V22 SECDET Baghdad
Preparing for a patrol
Out on patrol in the ''Red Zone''
American Air Support giving us a hand
An ASLAV test firing it's Multi-Barrel Grenade Discharges at an Iraqi firing range
An ASLAV at the X Swords Baghdad
Callsign V22 SECDET Baghdad

Thanks from Baghdad

We are from 2/14th Lighthorse Regiment at Gallipoli Barracks Enoggera and are currently based out of Baghdad. We are not too far from finishing our tour and we are all looking to getting back to our loved ones. I myself have three gorgeous daughters and a beautiful wife. Even our dog is female. Just me and the car against the world. Seriously though, we are enjoying out time here and have many reminders of home, and now the SSAA hats and the bottle openers you sent us help a lot.

We had ‘Tour de Force’ come through her at Christmas and they put on two cracking shows with Beccy Cole (a country and western singer), Hayley Jensen (fourth on Aussie Idol), Angry Anderson (all round cool bloke), Lehmo (an Adelaide comedian) and Bessie Bardot (a stunner) as MC - all supported by the Australian Navy Band. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the show, as did the 200 Yanks that came as well.

Many of us are avid shooters and many have their own rifles at home, although they don’t really compare with the Military weapons that we work with and enjoy here. Our vehicles firstly are an excellent vehicle for the Baghdad environment; it is fast with speeds up to 110km/h, four-wheel or eight-wheel drive, very good armour protection for the crew and personnel we carry, and excellent firepower and sighting systems.

The ASLAV Type 1 (gun car) has a 25mm chain gun firing up to 200 rounds per minute (rpm) out to long range. Two or three Mag .58 machine-guns that just don’t stop, a 76mm grenade launching system that fires smoke or Air bust HE Grenades. It has an excellent day, thermal and image intensifying sights all supported in a full-stabilised turret and fire control system that allows us accurate firing on the move or when stationary.

The other vehicle that we use is an ASLAV Type 2 (personnel carrier). It carries a remove weapon station that can hold a .50-calibre machine-gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher and also has thermal and day sights. Plus, both cars have bucket loads more firepower with other fire weapon systems stored in the vehicles ready to do.

Our role here is to provide security and support Australia’s diplomatic mission for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. Baghdad was once a beautiful city and I’m sure in a few years it will be once again. Some of the architecture is amazing.

The boys are doing a great job here and sometimes under very stressful conditions. However, they are very professional and very aggressive if the bad guys show up. Yet, they still maintain the Aussie sense of humour and the friendly attitude of ‘G’day Mate’ to the Iraqi people. They carry the fine ANZAC spirit and traditions as well in the Middle East, as Australians have done for the last 91 years.

Thank you so much for your support and especially the great hats, bottle openers and wall clocks that you sent us (courtesy of SSAA Merchandise).


Corporal Jason Hatcher, Baghdad.
via email