Second NZ troops rotation bound for Australia

  • 17/10/2015
New Zealand Defence Force (Supplied)
New Zealand Defence Force (Supplied)

The second rotation of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) troops bound for Iraq has left the country today for Australia.

The contingent is around 100 strong, including trainers, health, logistics and force protection recruits, as well as headquarters staff.

Moving from the Ohakea Air Force Base, they will endure a week of exercise at Enoggera Military Camp alongside the Australian Defence Force. Both forces will work together to train the Iraqi Security Forces.

The Mission Readiness Exercise will involve a series of scenarios where troops can prove to senior commanders they are fully prepared for Iraq.

Acting Land Component Commander Colonel Rob Gillard says although this means the troops will be spending more time away from home, it allows relationships to build.

"The previous Mission Readiness Exercise proved invaluable as it enabled the first Task Group to hit the ground running when they got to Taji."

He says around 2100 Iraqi soldiers have completed unit-level and individual specialty courses.

3 News