2020 Gallery
After what began as a passing idea to display a handful of veteran images in a warehouse in Tasmania, the first Point and Shoot exhibition was launched on the Hobart Waterfront in October 2020 with over 1000 viewers.
As the saying goes ‘a picture tells a thousand words’. Sharing these images allows a glimpse into the private world of military service the community rarely gets to see, promoting greater understanding of the experiences and sacrifices of serving the nation.
Waiting for extraction from a kill or capture mission north of Tarin Kowt where the Taliban were taking ground back from the local police and security forces.
On my last deployment I was working with our partner force the Afghan Special Forces. It was my most satisfying deployment work wise in the 13 years I spent deploying to Afghanistan.
Mark Direen – Afghanistan, 2013
In the early stages of our war in Afghanistan the Australian Special Forces provided tactical and strategic long range reconnaissance, a unique capability no other coalition unit was providing.
Often travelling long distances and a long way from support we would require resupplies of food, water, fuel, ammo and spare parts every 14 days during our 8-10 weeks on the road. Smoke grenades direct the helicopter.
Mark Direen – Afghanistan,2002
Vehicle Patrol Resupply. In 2002 SASR patrols were tasked with long range reconnaissance both to understand the Afghan people in remote locations and search for the remnants of Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
These long patrols in remote areas, some over two months in duration, would not have been possible without resupply every few weeks bringing anything from food, water and fuel to vehicle parts and ammunition.
Mark Direen – Afghanistan,2002
The Green Belt is the name given to the areas close to streams and rivers that contained farming lands, aqua ducts, orchards, qalʿahs (mud brick homes) and the local population.
Unable to match the accuracy and range of our weapons, the enemy preferred to fight in the Green Zone where they could hide among the vegetation and locals and to some degree, even up the playing field.
Mark Direen – Afghanistan, 2007
Simply known as Afghan Military Forces (AMF) these were the guys in 2001 and 2002, pre-Afghan National Army, who decided to ally with the US as Al Qaeda and the Taliban fled for Pakistan.
Who knows what happened to this crew 20 years later. Maybe they joined the ANA, maybe they switched back and re-join the Taliban or maybe they have been killed.
Mark Direen – Afghanistan,2002
Qalʿahs (which translated means “fortresses”) are the mud brick and compact earth compounds that many Afghans in rural areas live in. In some instances the whole village can be fortified. Added to over generations these homes can get bigger and bigger as the family unit grows.
This image also illustrates the Green Belts that separated the ‘dasht’ (desert or arid plains).
Mark Direen – Afghanistan, 2007
This image was captured at a Fretilin Rally in Maliana.
East Timor held its first Constituent Assembly elections on 30 August 2001, the second anniversary of the independence referendum. The result was a victory for Fretilin, which won 55 of the 88 seats. Voter turnout was 93%.
Mark Direen – East Timor, 2001
Something I remember from my deployment to East Timor in 2001 was the people and their friendly, open and happy attitudes.
Despite their difficult history and everyday hardships they never failed to greet you with a smile and a “Bondia” (Good Morning). Always happy to get a photo taken and share your company over a coffee, the Timorese genuinely are welcoming people.
Mark Direen – East Timor, 2001
Local Afghans on the move with a tractor load of hash, possibly heading to market.
Growing up in Australia where we transport livestock and grain on the roads I just had to stop and get a photo. Afghanistan has a large hash smoking culture and this load most likely would have been consumed locally.
Mark Direen – Afghanistan,2002
With the battlefield mobility, speed and surprise required to be effective in conducting enemy counter leadership operations our unit was happy to work closely with several US aviation units in southern Afghanistan.
This photo was taken after a winter kill or capture mission. From memory it was one of those rare, quiet days.
Mark Direen – Afghanistan, 2013
My last military deployment to Afghanistan working as an Afghan mentor and trainer and assisting the Afghan Tactical Police to conduct high risk arrests.
Together we also joined with the Special Operations Task Group to conduct kill or capture missions on Coalition High Value Targets.
Mark Direen – Afghanistan, 2013
For a soldier, using a motorbike for mobility in a war zone really does have its pros and cons.
While they are fast and can easily handle most terrain, the noticeable drawback is that you cannot ride with your weapon in your hand, ready to engage the enemy should you unexpectedly encounter them.
Mark Direen – Afghanistan,2002
This photo was taken we had patrolled 100 km north of Bagram to the Kaoshan Pass and the Salang Tunnel.
As our time in Afghanistan progressed we found it dangerous to ride too far from our team cars and from 2009 onwards we rarely drove too far from base without slowly and methodically clearing our routes for IED’s and ambushes.
Mark Direen – Afghanistan,2002
Matthew Millhouse
(c/- Terese Millhouse) – Iraq, 2004
Matthew Millhouse
(c/- Terese Millhouse) – Iraq, 2004
Matthew Millhouse
(c/- Terese Millhouse) – Iraq, 2004
Matthew Millhouse
(c/- Terese Millhouse) – Iraq, 2004
Matthew Millhouse
(c/- Terese Millhouse) – Iraq, 2004
Matthew Millhouse
(c/- Terese Millhouse) – Iraq, 2004
Gunners from 1st Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, deployed on Operation HERRICK fire an illumination mission in support of British ground forces from Patrol Base Lashkar Gah Durai.
Neil Ruskin – Afghanistan.
Neil Ruskin – Afghanistan.
Neil Ruskin – Afghanistan.
MWD Quiz
Course March out parade at WONCO-A-NQ.
North Queensland, 2019