Australian Army trainer Captain Fin Bourke moves with an Iraqi Army soldier as he enters a building during training at the Taji Military Complex, Iraq. Australian and New Zealand forces are assisting the Iraqi Army to enhance the ability of Iraqi soldiers to combat Daesh (IS/ISIS/ISIL). (© Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Defence) >>
Iraqi Security Forces from the Ninewa Operation Command (NOC) Commando Battalion, supported by Task Group Taji Australian and New Zealand trainers, have 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.
The Iraqi Security Forces continue to be trained by Australia and New Zealand forces at the Taji Military Complex in Iraq as part of the broader international Building Partner Capacity (BPC) 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 BPC 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.
Task Group Taji’s BPC 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.
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