The completion of the Task Group Taji Training Mission
The completion of the Task Group Taji Training Mission
Australian Army Order Of The Day - The completion of the Task Group Taji Training Mission - 05 June 2020
On 05 June 2020 the Australia Government announced the completion of its successful training mission at Taji Military Complex in Iraq.
Since 2014, Australia has trained more than 47,000 members of the Iraqi Security Forces through the joint Australia-New Zealand Building Partner Capacity Program.
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 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.
Successful operations to counter Da’esh and the ability of the Iraqi Security forces to deliver their own training has allowed Task Group Taji to cease operations.
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.
Good Soldiering.
Richard M Burr, AO, DSC, MVO
Lieutenant General
Chief of Army