Our People in TAS
Terry Bell and Peter Howden - Bellerieve Diggers Train Up New Iraqi Army
Terry and Peter, and the rest of the Australian Army Training Team, have almost finished their mission of mentoring the new Iraqi Army in their transition to self-reliance.
Peter and Terry’s team provides hands-on advice during range shoots and specialist courses, but their main focus is mentoring Iraqi Army instructors, who in turn train recruits, officer cadets and specialists.
Security for the local provinces of Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar has already been handed over to Iraqi security forces, and all the Australians in southern Iraq will be heading home in mid-2008.
As well as supporting Iraqi security forces, the 500-strong Australian Battle Group is also project managing many reconstruction projects whos benefits will remain long after the last Digger is home.
More than 20 Australian projects have been completed, with more under way. These include water and irrigation projects, rural projects to enhance crop and animal production, health clinics, and power supply initiatives. Water purification is especially important as water-borne diseases are a major killer, especially of young children.