The Shooter

The Shooter
Watercolour on Arches paper
297mm x 420mm
2006
Official Army Art Collection

When soldiers travel in ASLAVs and other armoured vehicles, they are often called upon to supplement the security of the vehicle by being an extra set of eyes and an extra weapon.

In the ASLAV-PC, there are two hatches which allow occupants from inside the vehicle to stand up in or to egress the vehicle in a hurry. These hatches are called 'Shooters' hatches' and provide the position for this extra security to be situated.

This image is of an infantry soldier from 5th/7th Battalion taking the position of a shooter, standing in a shooter's hatch. He is providing extra protection for the vehicle; scanning the area for signs of untoward activity. Things like suspicious vehicles, evidence of insurgent activity, possible locations for IEDs or any hostile persons. He is brandishing his standard weapon, the F88 AuSteyr Rifle and wears a 'tankie's helmet' with intercom which allows him to speak to the crew of the ASLAV.

Independent Productions and Aviation Services is the website of Conway Bown, Australian Army Official War Artist and Aviation Consultant. Services include portrait painting and other portraiture, aviation services such as CRM - Crew Resource Management - and Helicopter Underwater Escape Training - HUET - which may include Emergency Breathing Systems - EBS - training using Helicopter Aircrew Breathing Devices - HABD - or Helicopter Emergency Egress Device - HEEDs.

During 2006, Conway Bown deployed to the Middle East as the Australian Army's Official War Artist, what the US Armed Forces call Combat Artist. This website features the artwork created during this project as part of the Australian Army's Official Art Scheme.

For more information on War Art, Combat Artists, Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET), Emergency Breathing Systems (EBS) or Crew Resource Management (CRM), please visit the relevant webpages: