Australian patrol bases Samad and Mirwais (AWM 2)

The second of three commissioned documentaries produced by John Martinkus from over twenty seven hours of footage shot during his deployment to Afghanistan in 2011 as the Memorial's official cinematographer. The film opens with a US Chinook helicopter arriving at Patrol Base Samad, bringing fuel for the generators, reinforcements and a box of fruit for this remote base where all supplies arrive by helicopter or the occasional convoy. A welcome is given by Sergeant James Baker to new arrivals as well as an explanation of the bases security procedures. Following a look at the base's living quarters, a summary of recent Taliban and patrolling activities is given, as well as an insight as to the challenges encountered with mentoring Afghan National Army soldiers. Moving to forward operating base Mirwais, a discussion is had with a returning Australian patrol about their activities and a recent ANA and Taliban contact. The image of a memorial to Australian serviceman, displaying the names of those who were killed in action while serving at the base, closes the piece.