ART OF COMMANDO

In December 2015 Australian and New Zealand troops provided commando training to Iraqi Security Forces. The Ninewa Operation Command (NOC) Commando Battalion, supported by Australian and New Zealand trainers from Task Group Taji, conducted a week of urban operations training at the Taji Military Complex, Iraq. The training was designed to give the NOC Commando officers and soldiers the skills and confidence to work in small teams to clear buildings. The training will then progress to more complex situations to ensure the Iraqi officers and soldiers have the ability to handle any situation they may face on the battlefield.

Training was designed to give Iraqi Commandos
the skills and confidence to handle any situation
they may face on the battlefield.

The Iraqi Security Forces will continue to be trained by Australia and New Zealand forces at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq as part of the broader international mission. The training includes weapon handling, building clearances and obstacle breaching techniques; as well as training in the Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for squad through to company-level operations to use in their fight against Daesh. The mission is one component of the Coalition contribution to Operation Inherent Resolve which consists of over 60 nations united in whole-of-government efforts to degrade and ultimately defeat Daesh.

The image at top shows Iraqi Army soldiers running to their transport following a debrief by Australian Army trainers at the completion of their training at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq. Australian and New Zealand forces are assisting the Iraqi Army with the key aim of enhancing the ability of Iraqi soldiers to combat Daesh.

Task Group Taji’s contribution is part of Australia’s broader Defence contribution to Iraq and Syria, codenamed Operation Okra, which includes a Special Operations Task Group and an Air Task Group.