Login
iscover
The Iraqi School of Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer II (SINCO II) has become the first military training establishment to reach full independent operating capability under the coalition’s Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR).
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Since 2015, SINCO II has been under the Australian and New Zealand train-advise-assist mission.
Commander of Joint Task Force 633 in the Middle East, Rear Admiral Mark Hill, said Iraqi instructors would now assume responsibility for all training, while a reduced Australian and New Zealand contingent would provide mentoring, institutional advice and guidance.
“By playing their part in achieving this significant milestone, the Australian and New Zealand defence forces have again proved the effectiveness of our Build Partner Capacity Mission in Iraq,” RADM Hill said.
“I congratulate our friends and colleagues in the Iraqi security forces on this achievement, which will help prevent the re-establishment of Daesh in their country.”
Iraqi instructors from SINCO II have transitioned independently from learning instruction techniques to delivering lessons independently.
Australian Commander of Task Group Taji, Colonel Mick Bassingthwaighte, said the Iraqis had proven they are capable of delivering training to a high standard.
“SINCO II’s staff and instructors, through their dedication, skill and drive, have been key to the school becoming the first building partner capacity site to achieve this significant milestone,” COL Bassingthwaighte said.
“This has all been done while still preparing Iraqi brigades for continuing operations against remnants of the terrorist group Daesh.”
Iraqi Commander of SINCO II, Colonel Shehab Nasser, thanked the Australian and New Zealand contingent for its partnership in helping the school reach a self-sustainable training structure.
“The teaching SINCO II provides to Iraqi soldiers is very important in developing their military skills and battlefield effectiveness,” COL Shehab said.
“Thanks to Australia and New Zealand, we are now equipped to take over full responsibility for providing this training to Iraqi Army brigades.”
Task Group Taji has helped train more than 46,000 members of the Iraqi security forces and law enforcement agency personnel since 2015.
