Operation Catalyst is the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.

Operation Catalyst commenced on 16 July 2003 following on from Operation Falconer and Bastille. Working with the 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. The 2nd Cavalry Regiment and 2nd/14th Light Horse (QMI) Regiment have been the only RAAC units involved to date.

Operation Catalyst currently comprises up to 1400 Australian Defence Force personnel.

The ADF contingent is deployed in two areas - SECDET in Baghdad and in Southern Iraq (Al Muthanna Task Group/Overwatch Battle Group (West).

2nd Cavalry Regiment ASLAV - Operation Catalyst - Baghdad 2004

There were three rotations of troops into the AMTG (Al Muthanna Task Group). The initial force operated in Iraq between April and November 2005 and was commanded by the 2nd Cavalry Regiment's headquarters. The second rotation arrived in Iraq in November 2005 and was commanded by 5/7 RAR's headquarters. The final rotation arrived in May 2005 and was commanded by 2 RAR's headquarters.

The AMTG was highly mechanised and operated 40 Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) and 10 Bushmasters. While the first two AMTG rotations were largely drawn from 1 Brigade, the third rotation was drawn from both 3 Brigade and 7 Brigade.

While the AMTG was initially only deployed for two 6-month rotations, the Australian government announced in March 2006 that this deployment would be extended until at least the second half of 2007. Upon the withdrawal of Japanese reconstruction troops the Australian force was transferred to Tallil Airbase in Dhi Qar Governorate. The role of the Task Group has changed to providing support to Iraqi forces as requested. The Task Group has been renamed Overwatch Battle Group (West).

RAAC components of the OBG rotations was as follows: Overwatch Battle Group (West) rotation 1 was manned by A Squadron, 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry), rotation 2 by B Squadron/Combat Team Eagle, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, rotation 3 by 2nd Cavalry Regiment and rotation 4 will be by 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry).

Australian soldiers supported by a 2nd/14th Light Horse  ASLAV-25 patrol along a railway line near Camp Smitty during routine foot patrols in Al Muthanna Province - August 2006

(www.army.gov.au)

This site was last updated 15/02/09.