(Updates with comments from Chief of the Army)
Australia has successfully completed its training mission at Taji Military Complex in Iraq. Since 2015, Australia has trained more than 47,000 members of the Iraqi Security Forces through the joint Australia-New Zealand Building Partner Capacity Programme.
Australia’s support at Taji has enabled the Iraqi Security Forces to increase its capacity to deliver its own training and conduct independent operations. This has been vital in Iraq’s ongoing battle to degrade and defeat Daesh.
Australian Lt Gen. Richard M. Burr, Chief of the Army, commenting on the deployment, said: “Since 2014, Australia has trained more than 47,000 members of the Iraqi Security Forces through the joint Australia-New Zealand Building Partner Capacity Programme. We effectively contributed to this training mission, which increased the capacity of the Iraqi security forces to degrade and defeat Da’esh. Our training and mentoring, based on the professional conduct and team ethos of 10 Army-led Taji Task Groups, increased the ability of the Iraqi Security Forces to plan and conduct their own training. Those of you who deployed on this training mission should be proud of what has been achieved.
“The Australian Army was supported in this mission by the Navy, Air Force and the New Zealand Defence Force. The success of our training was apparent in November 2019, when Australia’s local partner, the Iraqi School of Infantry, became the first coalition facility to declare full independent operating capability. This enabled training responsibilities to be handed back to the Iraqi Government. The Army will continue to support the Australian Defence Force contribution to the Global Counter Da’esh Coalition and provide support to Iraq through contributions to the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service, and coalition headquarters. This contribution to Task Group Taji has strengthened the Iraqi Security Forces to provide stability and security for the Iraqi people and added another significant chapter to Army’s story.”
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds commended the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for its contribution to Task Group Taji. “The ADF has been at the very forefront of the work at Taji,” Reynold’s said. “Last year, I saw firsthand the incredible contribution our personnel have made at Taji, and had the opportunity to thank them for their significant efforts. The substantial progress made against Daesh and the increased capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces means that our training mission at Taji has reached logical and natural conclusion.
In November 2019, Australia’s local partner, the Iraqi School of Infantry, was the first coalition facility to declare full independent operating capability, enabling training responsibilities to be handed back to the Iraqi government.
The tremendous effort by Task Group Taji over the years reflects the scale of Australia’s commitment to the Global Coalition and our determination for a united and stable Iraq. Australia will continue to play a key role in the Global Counter Daesh Coalition and provide support to Iraq through contributions to the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service, Coalition air capabilities and Coalition headquarters.
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