Force has key role protecting mentors

THEIR job is to protect those who are training the Iraq Security Forces to protect their country.

Task Group Taji- 5 personnel’s multiple- team Quick Reaction Force are on constant alert and required to provide short notice contingency responses to any threats to, or attacks on, coalition forces within the Taji Military Complex.

As part of their force protection role, they provide escorts, location clearances and on- call support to personnel moving around the TMC.

Townsville- based Lieutenant Mitch King from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, on his first deployment, said there had been no major responses during TGT- 5’ s operational period, but the teams remained vigilant for any potential or emerging threats.

“We do have professional and highly motivated soldiers and they understand the purpose of why they’re here,” he said.

“We do have a range of facilities and training areas as well as different coalition forces and assets that we can integrate training with so we can always be developing the teams and seeking the pursuit of excellence.”

Across the TMC there are training areas ranging from vast open plains to multistorey buildings which are designed for complex operations training.

“There are different urban structures that provide challenge to the guys,” Lt King said. “Additionally, there are different groups within the camp who can aid us in establishing challenging training such as counter IED exercises.

“It’s not just useful here or to keep the guys motivated, but they’re important skill sets in a lot of different theatres and potential theatres in the future.”

While QFR soldiers were not directly involved in the training of the Iraqi Security Forces, Lt King said the importance of their role in the context of the overall mission was not lost on any of them.

“The task group is making progress and I think there is meaning for why we’re here,” he said.

“When we do get to interact with the local nationals and hearing their appreciation for what we’ve done, particularly the training units, it keeps us optimistic about the future.”