A collection of images from Australia's 1st Brigade training the Iraqi Army - After the elections in Iraq, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Ibrahim al-Jaafari specifically asked for the Australians to train the Iraqi Army - I wonder why ?

http://www.defence.gov.au/opcatalyst/images/gallery/20050502/index.htm

Defence Minister Robert Hill has met with Iraqi Prime Minister, Ibrahim al-Jaafari to congratulate him on the formation of the new Iraqi Government three days ago.

Senator Hill, one of the first representatives of a foreign government to meet the Prime Minister since he announced his new Cabinet, said he wanted to restate the Australian Government’s commitment to the rebuilding and democratisation of Iraq.

"The Prime Minister told me that he was grateful for the Australian forces that were contributing to security in Iraq, and in particular for those forces that were involved in training the Iraqi Defence Force," Senator Hill said.

"He discussed the value of our training in helping the Iraqi people to take responsibility for their own security. Not only have Australians trained combat forces, but they have provided logistical training, which was particularly required by the Iraqi forces.