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The seventh rotation of Task Group Taji, around 300 soldiers, has returned to Brisbane after a successful deployment in Iraq.
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The taskforce, which is made up mainly of soldiers from Brisbane's 7th Combat Brigade, trained more than 4,500 members of the Iraqi security forces while on deployment.
Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne congratulated Task Group Taji on its successful mission.
“Task Group Taji 7 made a real difference to the training of the Iraqi Army,” said Minister Pyne.
“In particular, mentoring and raising the capability of instructors from the Baghdad Fighting School means that the Iraqi security forces were able to increasingly take the lead in conducting their own training. On behalf of the government, I welcome the task group home for some well-earned leave and time with their families over Christmas.”
The taskforce has trained nearly 40,000 members of the Iraqi security forces since the mission started in 2015.
Commander Task Group Taji 7, Colonel Michael Say said he is proud of the achievements of the men and women in the task group.
“It’s been a pleasure to command a professional and highly motivated team who made a significant impact on the stability of the Iraqi nation,” COL Say said.
“We delivered training for the 59th and the 41st Iraqi Army Brigades in a broad range of skills such as cordon and search, ambushing and marksmanship, and other skills you’d expect from a professional infantry brigade. These skills are immediately being put to use by Iraqi soldiers in operations to fight Daesh.”
Task Group Taji 8 will now take over the mission, with COL Say handing authority to Colonel Jason Groat during a formal ceremony in Iraq on 1 December 2018.
