Bayonet training for the Iraqi Army

Iraqi Army soldiers being trained by Task Group Taji have received bayonet training for the first time.

Soldiers from the Ninewa Operations Command Commando Battalion (NOC Cdo Bn) recently received the training as part of their extended Period of Instruction, which is being delivered by Task Group Taji's Australian and New Zealand soldiers at the Taji Military Complex, north of Baghdad.

It was the first time this type of training had been delivered by Task Group Taji and the first time the Iraqi soldiers had received bayonet fighting instruction.

The lessons proved so successful it was extended to other Iraqi troops currently training with Task Group Taji.

Australian Army trainer Captain Gareth Rochester said the training had been well received.

"They loved it," he said.

"Bayonet fighting is all about focusing people on overcoming the enemy and the guys really absorbed what we were trying to teach them.

"They enjoyed it so much they asked for more."

The training was delivered over three days, with each Company in the Battalion cycling through the lessons.

Each officer and soldier was taught the basic moves including the Ready, High Port, Thrust, Slash and Butt Stroke, before attempting the bayonet obstacle course, whose targets had been made by Task Group Taji's Combat Service Support Team.

CAPT Rochester said the NOC Cdo Bn soldiers had quickly absorbed the concepts.

"They learnt the techniques quickly and performed quite well on the obstacle course," he said.

"Because it was so successful we will look to include some bayonet fighting on their culminating activity and include it in future training packages."