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Life on operations in Camp Taji, Iraq
LCpl Lucic, 7 Pl, KOHIMA Coy
Camp Taji is 35km north of Baghdad and
is a large training base for the Iraqi Security Forces. It is also where a large number of coalition forces are based whilst deployed on Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, of which the British contribution (Op SHADER) are based. Camp Taji would be home for the majority of C (KOHIMA) Coy for their tour to Iraq.
Life in camp Taji is about as comfortable as you can hope for on operations; the adjacent airfield makes logistical resupply simple and this aids the quality of provision within the camp. The coalition part of Camp Taji is run by the American contractor, SOSi, who cater for and provide accommodation services for all American, ANZAC and British troops. The accommodation consists mainly of 2 man ‘pods’, each containing basic bedroom furniture, semi-decent Wi-Fi and most importantly, for at least for the
first half of our tour, air conditioning! Whilst easy to forget in such relative comfort, the moment you step out of your pod and into the 50C+ heat and can see nothing but dusty concrete, you are reminded pretty quickly you are in Iraq.
ANZAC coalition partners / Using a wheeled method of transport wherever possible / Iraq / July 2017
Explosives Device), Mobility Support and Medical training teams from both internal and external threats.
The daily routine
starts with an early
reveille at 0500, the
guys then report to
the UKTT (United
Kingdom Training
Team) Headquarters by
0600 to receive a brief
on the days training.
From there, the Force
Protection and Training Teams will head
out to one of the many Iraqi schools or training areas to meet the Iraqi students and commanders. Whilst on tasks the job of the KOHIMA Company soldiers is to protect
the Engineer Counter-IED (Improvised
This is done by escorting the Training Teams to and from locations
in our Foxhound armoured vehicles. Once in location, a clearing of the area then followed and provided
dismounted ‘Guardian Angels. They provided over watch to our Royal Engineer and Royal Army Medical Corps instructors and colleagues.
The UKTT is tasked with delivering medical and counter IED training to the Iraqi
‘The UKTT is tasked with delivering medical and counter IED training to the Iraqi forces’
The Dining Facility (DFAC) would make cakes for special occasions like the Regimental Birthday, Halloween and 9/11
forces, both of which are vital in the defeat of Daesh (Isis) and this fact is not lost on the Iraqis who are on the whole both an attentive audience and a pleasure to work with.
Once the days training is complete we head back to the coalition SOSi compound usually before midday, have lunch, conduct any necessary briefs, administration or refresher lessons and then the rest of the day is usually at the guy’s disposal. They engaged in activities mainly centred on
the gym, with many soldiers achieving impressive results during their time here; others have been less successful.
Evening meals are enjoyable, with daily variety such as Italian or ‘Surf and Turf’ on a Friday, being a strong favourite. The rest of the evening is spent either doing more phys or having a sociable wind down at the ‘boardwalk’ which sees members of
all nations enjoying a shisha, smoothies or coffee. Sometimes there are events such as the ‘Iraqi Ashes’ cricket match, quizzes or even bingo, along with various fitness competitions, a UK led ‘Taji’s Got Talent’ is even on the cards!
All in all, our time here in Iraq has been
a rewarding and enjoyable experience. In true soldier-like fashion, the members of the Company are making the most of the tour, but are looking forward to getting home- hopefully in time for Christmas!
Camp Taji’s airstrip meant regular mail drops (most of the time) and frequent visitors of varying importance / Iraq
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