DEFENCE MEDIA ALERT
Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 6265 6946
CPA 201/08
Friday, 27 June 2008
VISION AND IMAGES COVERING THE HISTORY OF ADF OPERATIONS
IN SOUTHERN IRAQ
WHAT:
Vision and still imagery of Australia’s commitment in Southern Iraq, leading
up to the Welcome Home parade in Brisbane tomorrow for returned soldiers
who served in Iraq over the past three years.
WHERE:
Vision will be fed to networks at Parliament House after 12pm.
Images will are available for download at:
Background Information:
The Australian mission in southern Iraq formally concluded on Sunday 1st June.
Australia’s commitment to southern Iraq included the deployment of an infantry and cavalry
battle group for more than three years and a dedicated training team for about four years.
Over 3500 Australian Defence Force personnel proudly served in both the battle group and
training team during this commitment.
Australia can be proud of the positive legacy our soldiers have left with the Iraqi people and
the wider Coalition.
Australia directly contributed to the training of 33,000 Iraqi Security Force personnel.
Australia oversaw the transition of the first two provinces in Iraq, Al-Muthanna and Dhi
Qar, to transition to Provincial Iraqi Control.
The Australian Defence Force committed more than $9 million in civil infrastructure
projects that directly contributed to an increased standard of living for the Iraqi
population.
Thankfully, only six Australian personnel were wounded during this commitment
although several vehicles were damaged as a result of combat action.
About 550 Australian Defence Force personnel have withdrawn from Iraq leaving an
Operation CATALYST commitment of less than 1000 personnel.
Media contact:
Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
