Task Group Taji 5 complete deployment in Iraq

More than 300 Australian Defence Force personnel from Task Group Taji 5 are returning to Australia in time for Christmas, after a six month deployment on Operation Okra in Iraq.

CAPTION: Australian soldiers of Task Group Taji 6 on parade during transfer of authority from TG Taji 5 in Taji, Iraq. Photo by Corporal Steve Duncan.

Task Group Taji 5 leaves Iraq having contributed to the development of the Iraqi Security Forces to restore security across the country.

Outgoing Task Group Commander Colonel Steven D’Arcy praised the efforts of Task Group Taji 5, Coalition Forces and the Iraqi Security Forces for their achievements.

“I am incredibly proud of the men and women of Task Group Taji 5,” Colonel D’Arcy said.

“Their efforts have made a tangible difference in the fight against Daesh.

“The training Task Group Taji 5 delivered will allow the Iraqi Security Forces to continue their successful operations against Daesh.

“The progress of the Iraqi Security Forces, through some intense fighting, has been truly incredible.”

Training delivered by Task Group Taji 5 included tactics, techniques and procedures for company- to brigade-level operations, combat leadership and combined-arms operations, as part of the continued international effort to build the capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces.

Colonel D’Arcy has handed over authority for the mission to incoming Commander Task Group Taji 6, Colonel Robert Calhoun.

Colonel Calhoun said Task Group Taji 6 was taking on a great responsibility.

“Our responsibility is to maintain the great work of the previous rotations, and in particular Task Group Taji 5, that enables the continued growth and development of the Iraqi Security Forces,” Colonel Calhoun said.

A ceremony on 6 December 2017 marked the formal transfer of authority to Task Group Taji 6, who have now commenced their six-month rotation.

Since May 2015, the combined Australian-New Zealand Task Group has trained more than 28,000 Iraqi Security Forces personnel, including more than 4000 personnel trained by Task Group Taji 5.

More than 300 Australian and 100 New Zealand military personnel are deployed to Iraq on Operation Okra as part of Task Group Taji 6.

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