Building partner capacity in Iraq
The Government has decided to commence the preparation and training of a force to contribute to the international Building Partner Capacity (BPC) mission in Iraq.
This decision marks the next phase of Australia’s contribution to the international coalition to disrupt, degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL, or Daesh, and follows requests for our participation from the Iraqi and United States Governments.
Working together, the Iraqi security forces and their coalition partners have stemmed Daesh’s onslaught. Now Iraq’s security forces require international training support to conduct effective offensive operations against Daesh and ultimately to take responsibility for their country’s security.
The Australian BPC force would be based at Taji, northwest of Baghdad, and the mission is expected to commence in May 2015.
The Australian contribution would include around 300 ADF personnel centred on a training team. The force would also comprise a substantial force protection element along with command and support elements.
This initial step of preparing the BPC force will enable the Australian Defence Force to commence planning, preparation and administration for the mission.
Australia’s participation in this mission would build on the active contributions of our Air Task Group and Special Operations Task Group to international efforts to counter Daesh in Iraq.
The Government will keep under review the size and nature of Australia’s commitment in Iraq, taking into account the increasing focus of coalition efforts on building the capacity of Iraq’s security forces.
The Australian BPC force would work closely with personnel from the New Zealand Defence Force who will be involved in the international BPC mission, which also includes forces from the United States, Spain, Italy, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.
The decision to prepare for the BPC mission underlines Australia’s commitment to supporting stability in Iraq and the Middle East and helping to stop the spread of violent extremism to Australia and our own region.
This decision is in Australia’s national interest.
Recent attacks in Australia and elsewhere around the world show that no country is immune from the threat of terrorism.
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The Australian Defence Force is commencing preparations to contribute to the Building Partner Capacity (BPC) mission in Iraq.
Around 300 troops drawn primarily from Brisbane’s 7th Brigade will undertake training and preparation over the coming weeks to be ready for potential deployment in May.
These Army members will form Task Group Taji that will comprise a training team with command, force protection and support elements and include infantry, cavalry, logistic, communication and medical personnel.
Task Group Taji will contribute to the next phase of the Coalition’s strategy to disrupt, degrade and ultimately defeat Daesh and will work closely with personnel from New Zealand and the United States on the BPC mission.
Having arrested Daesh’s advance, the Iraqi Security Forces now require support to build their capacity to reclaim and hold their territory. The BPC mission is designed to generate capable and effective forces with the capacity to conduct independent combat operations against Daesh.
Our BPC mission will focus on improving the capabilities of selected Iraqi units to conduct the counter offensive against Daesh. Specific training will cover core operational skills including planning and conducting operations, basic manoeuvre and integration of intelligence into operations. It will focus on building the capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces to not only take territory, but to effectively hold it.
The Australian Defence Force is well versed in the demands of such a mission, having recently made vital contributions to the Afghan National Army’s transition to independence.
AUS DoD