Task Group Taji (TG Taji) is a combined Australian-New Zealand military training force located at the Taji Military Complex northwest of Baghdad. TG Taji has been deployed to Iraq to support an international effort to train and build the capacity of the regular Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). The common name for the international training mission is Building Partner Capacity (BPC).

Lachlan Laughton has served his career in A Squadron, 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) since enlisting in 2013 as a cavalryman. In 2018 he was promoted to Corporal and was given his first opportunity to deploy in Task Group Taji – IX from June – November 2019 as a mentor in Training Team Charlie, responsible for mentoring Iraqi Senior Non-Commissioned Officer trainers in the training wings at the School of Infantry Non-Commissioned Officers II.

Leighton Haywood-Smith began his Army career with the Army Reserves and served part-time with the 1st/15th Royal New South Wales Lancers in Sydney. His first deployment was to the Solomon Islands in 2010 as a Section Commander in support of Operation ANODE where he learnt first-hand the importance of positive interaction between the Australian Defence Force and the Host Nation being supported. After initial service with the Army Reserves, Leighton transferred to the Regular Army in 2013.

Cullan Jensen enlisted in the Army in 2012 as a cavalryman and posted to the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) in 2013 as an ASLAV Crewman Driver. Cullan was promoted to Corporal in 2018 and deployed on his first operational deployment in Training Team Charlie as a mentor on Task Group Taji – IX where he was responsible for mentoring Iraqi Senior Non-Commissioned Officer trainers at the School of Infantry Non-Commissioned Officers II.

Jaymes Hasler is a sapper who has held a number of regimental roles as a Field Engineer and Plant Operator within 3CER and 2CER between 2010 and 2019. His operational experience includes Operation RESOLUTE in 2012, Operation FIJI ASSIST in 2015 and most recently Operation OKRA with Task Group Taji – IX where he was a mentor within Training Team Charlie, partnered with the training wing Senior Non-Commissioned Officers of the School of Infantry Non-Commissioned Officers II.

Brigadier Douglas Laidlaw CSC has served for 33 years as a reserve officer. He is currently the Commander of 4th Brigade, has operational service in East Timor and has led the response to a number of significant natural disasters in Australia and overseas. He holds the degrees of Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce, and is a barrister practicing at the Victorian Bar.

Lieutenant Colonel Scott Denner has served for 20 years as a regular and reserve officer. He is currently the Commanding Officer of Queensland University Regiment, and has operational service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds the degrees of Bachelor of Management and Professional Studies and Master of Management.

James Eling was posted as Battery Commander of 2/10 Battery in Victoria from 2020 – 2021.

He is also the producer of The Principles of War PME podcast. You can follow him on Twitter @surprisepodcast.