First band of Kiwi-trained Iraqi troops pass muster

Seven hundred graduates of the Iraqi 76th Brigade march out of Taji Military Camp ready to join the fight against Isis.

Iraqi soldiers have graduated from the New Zealand and Australian Defence Force training at Taji Military Camp to join the fight against Isis.

More than 700 soldiers of the Iraqi 76th Brigade marched out on Sunday.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major-General Tim Gall said the eight-week training programme had been well-received by the Iraqi troops.

"Our trainers have covered a range of individual and military skills, including basic weapons handling, small group tactics, urban operations as well as the planning and conduct of operations; including medical and logistics support.

"The aim from the start was to get these soldiers to a standard agreed by the Iraqi Ministry of Defence and we have achieved that."

Major-General Gall said he was proud of the training outcome, and the work New Zealand Defence Force personnel had undertaken to establish themselves at the camp and adapt to working in 40C with plenty of dust.

The personnel had settled in and were playing touch rugby in their free time.

"It's also encouraging to watch the confidence of the Iraqis grow as they receive the training, and to hear from them that they are feeling confident and motivated to take on Daesh [Isis]."

The building partner capacity mission with Australia is a non-combat operation for two years, with a review after nine months.