SECDET sign, Baghdad

The white canvas has been made from plastic that has been covered with a PVC vinyl and screen printed in black with an eagle central with wings expanded clawing a map of Iraq with the roman numerals 'IX' inside the map. In scroll work behind the map is the motto ' WITHOUT FEAR'. Surmounting the eagle is the text 'SECDET'. The sign has a steel frame with white aluminium frame supports secured onto the steel with screws.

This sign was collected by Major Kyle Tyrell who was deployed to Iraq in March 2006 as the Officer Commanding Australian Security Detachment 9 – Baghdad (SECDET IX) for six months. SECDET IX was responsible for protecting Australian Embassy personnel in Baghdad and contributing to the rehabilitation of Iraq. The SECDET team conducted over 80 operations supporting the Embassy staff in Baghdad’s ‘RED ZONE’. During his tour a number of significant events took place, such as contact with suspected insurgents resulting in one insurgent's death and injuries to others; and a rocket attack on the compound which housed SECDET IX on 14 August 2006 resulting in the injury of four Australian soldiers.