Australian Army soldier Corporal Stefan Pitruzzello makes a scope adjustment on a variant of the Steyr HS .50-calibre rifle while training Iraqi Army personnel in Iraq. Photo by Leading Seaman Jake Badior

Aussies deliver advanced marksmanship training at Taji

19/07/2016 Posted by Brian Hartigan 5041 Views 0 Comments Taji

Australian soldiers have conducted a ‘train the trainer’ advanced marksmanship package at the Baghdad Fighting School, located within the Taji Military Complex in Iraq.

MAIN CAPTION: Australian Army soldier Corporal Stefan Pitruzzello makes a scope adjustment on a variant of the Steyr HS .50-calibre rifle while training Iraqi Army personnel in Iraq. Photo by Leading Seaman Jake Badior

The intent was to certify non-commissioned officers from the School’s Weapons Company to run their own courses.

Australian Army soldier Warrant Officer Class Two Michael Keefe (rear) and Corporal Stefan Pitruzzello provide training advice to an Iraqi soldier during advanced marksmanship training. Photo by Corporal Jake Badior

Training included weapons handling, building clearances and obstacle breaching techniques, as well as instruction in the tactics, techniques and procedures for section through to company-level operations for use in the fight against Daesh.

The Australian soldiers are from Task Group Taji, which is supporting the Iraqi Army as it trains to defeat the Daesh terrorist group.

Task Taji Group includes around 300 Australians and 100 New Zealanders, and is part of the broader international Building Partner Capacity mission.

Australia’s participation in Task Group Taji is part of our broader Defence contribution to Iraq, codenamed Operation OKRA, which includes a Special Operations Task Group and an Air Task Group..