Tactical response in Iraq.

Australian and New Zealand Army trainers instructing Iraqi Army soldiers at Taji Military Complex, Iraq, have completed a two week tactics package focusing on situations the Iraqi Army will face in combat against Daesh.

The training, given to Iraqi Army members on the Non Commissioned Officers’ Junior Leader’s Course, was designed as a “train the trainer” package, which will see the soldiers share their new skills on return to their parent units.

Task Group Taji trainer Captain Matt Sebesfi said tactics training was focussed on improving and building on the skills the course participants had already been taught.

“It starts off very basic with patrolling formations in open country and then evolves into complex urban scenarios,” he said.

“The urban training incorporates tasks such as clearing multi-storey buildings, raids by night and the integration of armoured vehicles.”

CAPT Sebesfi said the Iraqi soldiers respond well during training.

“They are always open to suggestions so long as you can back it up with an explanation of why you should do the drill that way,” he said.

Australian Army trainer WO2 Greg Wright said the Australian and New Zealand trainers enjoyed the training challenges, knowing the skills they taught will save lives in the future.

“Training the Iraqis has been a very interesting experience,” he said.

“The Iraqi soldiers have been very receptive to the training and they have been very interactive. It has been very rewarding.”

Australian Army trainer Mohamad Saleh said his deployment had been a career highlight.

“I think this is the best job I have done in my career so far,” he said.