Australian troops from the ninth rotation of Task Group Taji have returned home following their six-month deployment to Iraq.
Around 250 armed forces personnel from the Australian Army and the New Zealand Defence Force arrived in Brisbane on 12 December.
The Australian contingent included troops from the army’s 2nd / 14th Light Horse Regiment and the wider 7th Brigade.
Australia Defence Minister Linda Reynolds congratulated the forces for their contribution to the task group.
Reynolds said: “Christmas is a time to reflect on the significant contribution our ADF personnel have made throughout the year on operations in support of regional and global stability and security.
“I thank the men and women of Task Group Taji Rotation 9 for their service and the personal sacrifices they have made while being away from family and friends for extended periods of time.”
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By GlobalDataNearly 2,000 Australian Defence Force (ADF) and civilian members will continue to serve in support of 17 active operations away from home during this Christmas.
Task Group Taji Rotation 9 assumed responsibility from Task Group Taji 8 at the Taji Military Complex in June.
Troops were deployed to continue the work done by Task Group Taji Rotation 8 to support the Iraqi School of Infantry.
The Task Group Taji mission involves training activities to help build the capability and capacity of Iraqi Security Forces (ISF).
Last month, the Australian Government revealed plans to reduce Task Group Taji deployment to Iraq by half and sent ADF troops for the tenth rotation.
In a significant milestone for the Task Group Taji train-advise-assist mission, the Iraqi Army School of Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer II (SINCOII) achieved full operating capability last month.