Whose Name We Share

57 The AMTG overall was highly mechanised, featuring over 40 ASLAVs and up to 10 PMVs. The first two rotations were drawn primarily from the 1 st Brigade, but its understood that the third and final was manned from both the 3 rd and 7 th Brigade. Members of the training teams responsible for the betterment of the Iraqi army however were drawn from across the ADF, from Private to Lieutenant Colonel. The AMTG only deployed for two 6-month long roations, however the Australian Government made commitments in March 2006 to extend the ADF’s presence until at least late 2007 and finally once the Japanese reconstruction elements withdrew, the Australian elements were then transferred from Al Muthana to Tallil Airbase in the nearby Dhi Qar region. The AMTG was observed by delegates from the Australian Government Mr Barry Haase MP and Hon Bruce Scott MP to be of very high morale and made a very positive contribution to the security of the region. This task group not only secured the region but provided support in the bolstering of the capability of the Iraqi brigade through the acquisition of equipment, development of doctrine and improvement of core skills. The 103 rd Battery’s footprint on the ground may have been small but significant contributions were made, the impact of which set the 3 rd rotation up for success. Although some time was spent out of conventional artillery roles and responsibilities the Battery has justification in feeling immense pride of having served in a climatically and politically challenging environment over the course of high summer.