Media Room: Responses to media enquiries
Coalition Support to ADF elements operating in Southern Iraq
The ADF is confident that the OBG(W) will continue to receive the coalition support it requires to conduct its operations after the drawdown of some UK force elements.
The ADF is routinely involved in detailed discussions with the UK, the US and other coalition partners on support arrangements for our deployed personnel.
ADF elements deployed in Southern Iraq are part of the Multi-National Division (South-East) which has UK, Australian, Romanian, Danish, Portuguese, Czech and Lithuanian troops and assets under its command.
The Overwatch Battlegroup (West) OBG(W) operates within this multinational environment and receives support from various coalition members.
The OBG(W) provides a high level of protection for its personnel, including personal equipment, armoured vehicles and significant reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. While robust and capable independently, the OBG(W) does rely on coalition partners, including the UK, for some enabling support.
While specific details can not be provided for operational security reasons the types of coalition support the OBG(W) currently receives are:
- Offensive Fire Support including artillery and close air support;
- Aero-medical evacuation;
- Some logistic, medical and engineering support;
- Some air movement of personnel; and
- Other specialist support as required.
1. What type of language training does the ADF undergo before they are deployed to the Middle East?
2. Are there any plans to implement a more extensive language program for troops deployed to the Middle East?
ADF personnel undertake a compulsory Force Preparation Course prior to deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. A component of the pre-deployment training is Cultural Awareness Training. Cultural awareness training packages range from 3 hours to three days. All training packages provide instruction of Arabic culture and Islam. The longer packages include key phrase language training and scenario based role playing activities.
Depending on whether personnel are deployed with a formed group or deployed as individual reinforcements or specialist teams, the following is the minimum Cultural Awareness Training undertaken:
(i) Formed groups deploying to Iraq receive a 2.5-3 hour brief. In addition, these groups undertake weeks of mission specific training that immerses personnel in the cultures to be encountered during their deployment.
(ii) Individual reinforcements or specialist teams deploying to Iraq receive a 2.5-3 hour brief. Individual reinforcements or specialist teams deployed to Afghanistan receive a 1-2 hour brief. In addition, all personnel receive ‘take-away’ packs containing written handouts and basic phraseology sheets.
There is also a broad range of Arabic language courses employed in a tiered approach that range from 2-46 weeks in duration. This tiered approach allows Australia to train a large percentage of a deployed force to a rudimentary level of language proficiency, while also providing for higher levels of proficiency in key appointments.
This language training package continues to equip our deployed personnel with the skills that are required for their various roles.
Under the ROE, in terms of dealing with any combatant in a regular army or not, is Common Article 3 of the Geneva convention the minimum your troops would be applying?
Defence’s detainee management policy for operations in Afghanistan requires ADF personnel to treat all detainees humanely, with dignity and respect, and in accordance with Australia’s obligations under domestic and international law
Applicable parts of the Geneva Conventions apply as a matter of law. The more detailed parts that do not apply as a matter of law due to the nature of this engagement are, however, applied as a matter of Australian policy.