Al Muthanna Task Group

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Australian soldiers supported by an ASLAV-25 patrol along a railway line near Camp Smitty during routine foot patrols in Al Muthanna Province.

The Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG) is a battlegroup that forms Australia's main ground force contribution to the Multinational force in Iraq. The AMTG was established in April 2005 and currently appears likely to remain in Iraq well into 2006.

Contents

1 Role
2 Composition

2.1 Units

3 Future deployment

Role

The Al Muthanna Task Group has two tasks:

Provide a secure environment for the Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group (JIRSG)
Assist in the training of local Iraqi Army units so that they are able to take over the internal and external defence of their country

Composition

The AMTG is made up of around 450 personnel and consists of:

Task Group Headquarters
a cavalry squadron
an infantry company
a training team (on 6-month deployments)
supporting elements

Units

AMTG-1
*HQ, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
*C Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
*B Company, 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
*Support Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
AMTG-2
*HQ, 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
*A Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment
*Infantry Company, 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
*Support Company, 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
AMTG-3[link]
*HQ, 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
*A Squadron, 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry)
*A Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
*Support Company, 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment

To date, there have been three rotations of troops into the AMTG. The initial force operated in Iraq between April and November 2005 and was commanded by the 2nd Cavalry Regiment's headquarters. The second rotation arrived in Iraq in November 2005 and was commanded by 5/7 RAR's headquarters. The current rotation arrived in May 2005 and is commanded by 2 RAR's headquarters.

The AMTG is highly mechanised and operates 40 Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) and 10 Bushmasters. While the first two AMTG rotations were largely drawn from 1 Brigade, the third rotation is drawn from both 3 Brigade and 7 Brigade.

Members of the training teams are drawn from across the Australian Defence Force. Their ranks range from Private to Lieutenant Colonel.

Future deployment

While the AMTG was initially only deployed for two 6-month rotations, the Australian government announced in March 2006 that this deployment would be extended until at least the second half of 2007.[link] Upon the withdrawal of Japanese reconstruction troops the Australian force will be transferred to Tallil Airbase in Dhi Qar Governorate. The role of the Task Group will change to providing support to Iraqi forces as requested. The new name for the Task Group has not yet been announced.

Sources:

Australian Department of Defence [Operation Catalyst].
Matt Brown [Snapshots from Al Muthanna Province]

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